Registration from Colorado? (sales, transfer, purchase)

[sbao26975]

I'm going to be moving out to CA from CO this summer for a new job. My CO registration expires June but CO gives you a grace period of one month after the expiration month.

The car is paid off - lienholder signed over the title last year, but it's still in my parent's name. I will have them sign it over to me when I move out but would I need to get the title transferred in CO first before I go to CA or can I register it there as is? I want to avoid having to pay registration when I'm going to be immediately moving to another state.

Also since it's getting transferred within family I realize that I wouldn't have to pay sales tax - but I'm not sure if I can also accomplish this in CA with the title situation above.

I've looked through the CA DMV site but my situation in particular doesn't seem to be too well outlined.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks in advance!

[chaz40]

As long as you have the Colorado title signed to you that you're now the owner, you should be good to register the vehicle in California. You shouldn't have to pay CO registration but you will need to pay CA registration. Also, make sure you do it within 20 days of bringing the vehicle into CA or else the CA DMV will charge you late fees on the registration.

The transfer from your parents to you is taking place in Colorado. To the best of my knowledge, you do not need to pay taxes on the transfer in CA as it did not happen in CA. I'm not sure how CO handles that sort of thing.

[sbao26975]

Originally Posted by chaz40

As long as you have the Colorado title signed to you that you're now the owner, you should be good to register the vehicle in California. You shouldn't have to pay CO registration but you will need to pay CA registration. Also, make sure you do it within 20 days of bringing the vehicle into CA or else the CA DMV will charge you late fees on the registration.

The transfer from your parents to you is taking place in Colorado. To the best of my knowledge, you do not need to pay taxes on the transfer in CA as it did not happen in CA. I'm not sure how CO handles that sort of thing.

Thanks! I'm just wondering because I'm assuming CA will charge me sales tax on the purchase price listed on the signed over title? I've heard of people writing gift if it's within family but I vaguely recall there being a different form to fill out as well...

[chaz40]

Originally Posted by sbao26975

Thanks! I'm just wondering because I'm assuming CA will charge me sales tax on the purchase price listed on the signed over title? I've heard of people writing gift if it's within family but I vaguely recall there being a different form to fill out as well...

California DMV has a phone number you can call, I'm sure the wait time is long, but you can try to get your questions answered there too.