VEHICLE REGISTRATION

New residents of California must re-register their cars within 20 days upon moving into the state. Fees are based on size and age of vehicle as well as the usage.

California has the most stringent smog requirements in the country. If your car is a few years old, you have 20 days to bring it up to code. After that, you will pay an added penalty and face a ticket-fine.

A smog certificate, vehicle registration and current license plates are required to register your vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The basic registration fee is $28 plus 2% of what the state estimates the car is worth. Example: A $10,000 car would cost $200, a $15,000 car would cost $300, a $20,000 car would cost $400.

If you are a California resident, you will need to complete a "change of address" form which can be obtained by calling the Department of Motor Vehicles.

To obtain a driver's license, you must be 16 years old, have passed a certified Driver's Education Course and Driver's Training Course. Once you arrive at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will pass a vision test, a written test and a driving test.

Department of Motor Vehicles in your area:

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