anyone know how to register an out of state car in CA

I bought a used Excursion to tow my race car trailer and the title is from Nevada. Does anyone know the exact procedure to register it in CA? It's a diesel so I don't think I need a smog cert. I downloaded the form from DMV that has "owner" information on page 1 and the vehicle information on page two that needs to be verified by someone. I know you can do it at the DMV, but can I do it at a CHP office? That seems easier, then I can just go to AAA and finish the registration. And in the instructions on the website, it says something about needing the sellers information and signature, and I do have their information but I don't have their signature on that form, I do have it on a bill of sale though, si that good enough? And on the owner info, is that the old owner or the new owner, it's a little unclear.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My regular email is [email protected]

Thanks!

 

If you are going to AAA to do the registration, why go to the CHP for the verification? AAA is a licensed verifier, too. You can do it all with one trip.

As far as the seller's signature, I assume you have the pink slip from the seller, with his signature on it. That's what you will need. You don't need a bill of sale.

 

OH, I didn't know that AAA is a verifer. I seem to remember when I bought my Gallardo a couple years ago from out of state, when I went to AAA they couldn't do it and said I had to go to DMV, and then as it turns out, even though the car came from out of state to me, it started out in CA and the title was from CA so it never needed the inspection.... But, on this one, it is in fact a NV title, so I will definitely need to get it verified. I will go by the AAA tomorrow and see how it goes.

Thanks for the info!

 

I went to the DMV with my CS a few years ago and it was easy. They didn't require a bill of sale but asked me how much I paid for the car so they could calculate the sales tax. Unfortunately I'm one of those honest guys and wrote a really big check.

 

AAA should be able to do it all for you, if not try another AAA office, I had a service I used but the lady retired. She was great no matter what the issue, no title, lost title, just a car in a field, she could get it all done for a very cheap fee and you never had to step foot in the DMV. I need to find another service like hers.

 

From my experience, AAA won't let you register an out-of-state car. You probably have to go to DMV for the inspection.

 

maybe it's a local AAA office thing, call and ask your local office.

i just brought into California and registered an out of state car 4 months ago, did it all at AAA here in So Cal., they did the verification, etc. Never had to go to the DMV.

 

Wow, I called four different AAA offices to try and avoid DMV and they all said they DO NOT do out of state and had to go to DMV.
I did this 6 months ago- I remember to
1. Get smogged.
2. Fill out some form for out of state at DMV or download it.
3. Go to DMV with ALL paperwork to avoid a repeat trip. I showed up at 7am and there was a line but out of there by 9:30am, this included a inspection by some guy with a clipboard that just verified VIN or some stuff.
4. I had to pay registration and tax they used the bill of sale from out of state...OUCH.
5. Bring any previous title of car or record of previous registration. They will need this, or they will ask for it by mail a month later and not complete registration.
6. that's all I remember but this should do it- car came from CO- be careful what some AAA tell you as I made sure to talk to some managers there to avoid wasted trips again.

 

A little tip. DMV locations(here in OC anyway) show wait times on the DMV website. Check for the shortest one and head there.

 

Went to AAA and it worked out great, no problems at all. Thanks for the info!!!!!