Vehicle Registration

Out-of-state vehicle registration for military personnel is valid until its regular expiration date. Upon expiration, the vehicle registration may be renewed in your home state or an application can be made for a California vehicle registration. DMV will request the out-of-state title, last issued registration and the license plates. Contact the DMV for more information.

Unregistered vehicles in the name of the service member assigned to duty in the state must apply for California registration. Fees, taxes and a smog impact fee are due if the vehicle was not built to state emission standards. A smog certificate and proof of car insurance is also required to register vehicles and obtain a base decal. This applies whether your vehicle is registered in California or out of state. An odometer disclosure is required to register or transfer a motor vehicle. The law authorizes the DMV to refuse to register, renew or transfer a vehicle when the odometer reading is not provided.