Expect to pay California use tax when you register the vehicle. This is equivalent to the sales tax in your city of residence.

The biggest hurdle is the Smog Check. Even if a car passed an emissions test in another state, it must pass a California-specific Smog Check at a licensed station before it can be registered.

This is the primary form for bringing a vehicle into the CA system.

This form confirms the VIN and engine numbers. While some peace officers can sign this, it is usually easiest to have a DMV employee or a licensed vehicle verifier do it in person.

Required only if you are registering a truck or pickup. Taxes and Fees

Most gasoline vehicles from 1975 or older and diesel vehicles from 1997 or older (or with a GVWR of over 14,000 lbs) are exempt from smog certification. Necessary Paperwork

You must have the original title signed over to you. A bill of sale is not enough to prove ownership for registration.

The physical or electronic record from a CA smog station.