CA DMV TIPS

[jm77]

You need to get it weighed before you can register. You also need to get it smog inspected, the smog inspections are are good for 90 days so register before it expires.

You’ll have to take it to a DMV for a physical VIN verification, this is part of the registration but it’s a pain if you happen to be out of state, you can’t just file the paperwork. If you’re already in CA no big deal.

You pay taxes to CA and it’s even broken down by locality, usually by zip code. If the state you buy it in has a lesser tax rate vs CA you will owe CA the difference at the time of registration in one lump sum. If the state you purchase in has a higher tax rate you’ll be entitled to a refund.

Your title has to be sent to CA dmv beforehand as well. It has to be converted to a CA title or paperless/electronic title. This is hit or miss and after 3 out of state purchases I’m still not sure how this works as my first didn’t require me to do anything about the title. My second, DMV had me ask my bank to send the physical title to them so they can “convert” it and DMV sent it back to my bank. It was a pain as my bank wasn’t to keen on the idea of sending a title without the truck being paid for. Currently on my third purchase. I know a little better now but CA DMV is backlogged in mail. As of 10/18 they said they were barely opening mail from Aug 3. So it will be about 2.5 months before they even open my application and paperwork the dealership sent in. They also sent it to DMV HQ in Sacramento and DMV HQ mentioned it would have been better if they just sent it to my local DMV. In the meantime my temp tags will expire and CA cant issue anything until they at least enter my VIN into the system as, technically the truck doesn’t exist, they can’t issue any temp tags. I’ve contacted the dealer of the state I purchased in and they are willing to work with me and issue an extension or two. This last part honestly seems to be a pain in the *** and it’s also one of those things that might not be an issue for you or it might be a huge pain. YMMV I guess. The other stuff, smog, weight, VIN inspection is standard for every out of state truck.

Good luck! Keep us posted how you DMV process goes. Someone else will reference this post at some point I’m sure of it. If you have tips put them down.

After this initial smog check, is the vehicle not required to smog for the first 7 years like most new vehicles?

 

[MurderedOutSVT]

Had to go and get a weight certificate in order to register the out-of-state Raptor with the CA DMV.View attachment 325462

What she tip the scales at?

 

[SurfRaptor]

You need to get it weighed before you can register. You also need to get it smog inspected, the smog inspections are are good for 90 days so register before it expires.

You’ll have to take it to a DMV for a physical VIN verification, this is part of the registration but it’s a pain if you happen to be out of state, you can’t just file the paperwork. If you’re already in CA no big deal.

You pay taxes to CA and it’s even broken down by locality, usually by zip code. If the state you buy it in has a lesser tax rate vs CA you will owe CA the difference at the time of registration in one lump sum. If the state you purchase in has a higher tax rate you’ll be entitled to a refund.

Your title has to be sent to CA dmv beforehand as well. It has to be converted to a CA title or paperless/electronic title. This is hit or miss and after 3 out of state purchases I’m still not sure how this works as my first didn’t require me to do anything about the title. My second, DMV had me ask my bank to send the physical title to them so they can “convert” it and DMV sent it back to my bank. It was a pain as my bank wasn’t to keen on the idea of sending a title without the truck being paid for. Currently on my third purchase. I know a little better now but CA DMV is backlogged in mail. As of 10/18 they said they were barely opening mail from Aug 3. So it will be about 2.5 months before they even open my application and paperwork the dealership sent in. They also sent it to DMV HQ in Sacramento and DMV HQ mentioned it would have been better if they just sent it to my local DMV. In the meantime my temp tags will expire and CA cant issue anything until they at least enter my VIN into the system as, technically the truck doesn’t exist, they can’t issue any temp tags. I’ve contacted the dealer of the state I purchased in and they are willing to work with me and issue an extension or two. This last part honestly seems to be a pain in the *** and it’s also one of those things that might not be an issue for you or it might be a huge pain. YMMV I guess. The other stuff, smog, weight, VIN inspection is standard for every out of state truck.

Good luck! Keep us posted how you DMV process goes. Someone else will reference this post at some point I’m sure of it. If you have tips put them down.

Thanks a million for taking the time to write this all out. I will update for sure. When my dad got his Gen 2, it was out of state also and the dealer did most of the paperwork for him but he lives in NY which is why I have the east coast MSRP connection. CA sucks but everyone on the east coast doesn't have the playgrounds we do especially Baja.

 

[uscraptor51]

when mine comes in I will have to do the same. Was there anything else you had to do? I guess I have a few questions on how smooth this process is and what the order of operations is. Do you not pay tax in the state you buy it in? or just register it somehow before hand. When it gets to my dealer on the east coast I can have them keep it there for a few days while I get insurance and all sorted. This is only my second vehicle purchase in my life so I really don't have a clue. Thanks in advance from the OC.

Here is what was needed:

1). Smog Check Certificate - complete prior to DMV visit, have the hard copy with you even though it gets uploaded electronically.

2). Weight Certificate - cost me $20, use the link provided to find a place near your area. Complete prior to DMV visit. https://apps1.cdfa.ca.gov/publicscales/

3). Bill of Sale and Copy of Temporary Title (this should be part of your paperwork you receive from your dealer)

4). Sales Tax depends on the state you purchase from and whether or not they have a reciprocal agreement with CA DMV. Some states collect sales tax and some do not. This will show on your bill of sale, if your dealer collected it and should be calculated based upon your city/county of residence.

5). CA DMV Registration Form (REG 343 Form) - https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/application-for-title-or-registration-reg-343-pdf/

6). Check to pay registration fees and any tax applicable.

DMV process, IF you have all your paperwork in order as indicated above: check in, they will confirm your paperwork, go outside and wait for them to inspect your VIN and mileage (they will ask for you to open the hood), they will give you another form confirming inspection, go back inside wait for a window to open, turn everything in and walk out with plates.

P.S., the weight certificate did help in a reduction of fees as the weight (6,020lbs) was less than the GVWR (7,150lbs). So, I guess it provided some usefulness.

 

[uscraptor51]

What she tip the scales at?

6,020lbs

 

[StrengthNSpeed]

After this initial smog check, is the vehicle not required to smog for the first 7 years like most new vehicles?

Correct, it’s just an initial smog inspection. Then back to normal, you won’t do a smog check on it until the 7th year and every other year after.

 

[smurfslayer]

Here is what was needed:

1). Smog Check Certificate - complete prior to DMV visit, have the hard copy with you even though it gets uploaded electronically.

2). Weight Certificate - cost me $20, use the link provided to find a place near your area. Complete prior to DMV visit. https://apps1.cdfa.ca.gov/publicscales/

3). Bill of Sale and Copy of Temporary Title (this should be part of your paperwork you receive from your dealer)

4). Sales Tax depends on the state you purchase from and whether or not they have a reciprocal agreement with CA DMV. Some states collect sales tax and some do not. This will show on your bill of sale, if your dealer collected it and should be calculated based upon your city/county of residence.

5). CA DMV Registration Form (REG 343 Form) - https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/application-for-title-or-registration-reg-343-pdf/

6). Check to pay registration fees and any tax applicable.

DMV process, IF you have all your paperwork in order as indicated above: check in, they will confirm your paperwork, go outside and wait for them to inspect your VIN and mileage (they will ask for you to open the hood), they will give you another form confirming inspection, go back inside wait for a window to open, turn everything in and walk out with plates.

Or you could move to free America.

 

[wowanothertruck]

Moment of silence for the CA sales tax you had to pay for your Raptor... Glad I am no longer a resident there!

 

[4wheelinAZ]

Or you could move to free America.

Don’t give them any ideas. I already see 10-15 cali plates PER DAY here in AZ

 

[uscraptor51]

Don’t give them any ideas. I already see 10-15 cali plates PER DAY here in AZ

Which is funny, considering all you “Zonas” come out and invade San Diego for the summer…