"Importing" a 550 from Texas to California

As long as your car is a US legal model, not a Euro import you won't have a problem. If it's a euro car you're hosed. PB

 

I bought a 550 three years in Arizona and had to pay over $14,000 registration fee to re-register it in California. If you don't have the money to play with the big boys, look out. I was not told about that tax, but lucky for you, now you know.

 

You don't pay sales tax for simply bringing a car into Calif that you already own. The tax applies when you buy a car regardless of whether it's purchsed in Calif or elsewhere. If you already owned the car you will pay annual registration fees of a few hundred dollars annually for your vintage Ferrari, and I think you'll have to obtain a smog check which is less than $100. California requires you register your car with the state within a few days of moving to the state, but many people skate on this issue, often for months. As long as your out of state tags haven't expired and you don't get pulled over by the cops you won't have an issue. It's really best however to get it done right away, as you'll have to do it eventually.

 

Not quite correct. You have 30 days from your date of arrival to register the car in Calif. The only exception I know of is if you are in the active military; then there is no limit.

Sales tax is very high in Calif. It's 8 1/4% in our county and in the LA area, it's 7.75% to 8.25%. So that's a big bite for sure.

You should have no other problems.