Since a lot of us are buying from out of state (especially BRZ), I figure I'd give everyone a heads up on what is needed to complete the process:
What you need to provide to the DMV:
- Application for registration (usually the dealer will provide this)
- Bill of sale (provided by dealer)
- Certificate of Origin (provided by dealer)
- Proof of financing/lienholder (if financing the car) (provided by dealer)
- Smog check (you must do this)
- Vehicle inspection report (can be done at the DMV, or at a local law enforcement agency that is qualified for vehicle inspection, aka any place that can write off a fix-it ticket, including CHP)
- Statement of facts (you can fill this out at the DMV)
A few things to note:
- The application for registration should be done by the dealer that's selling you the car, if they know how to sell cars out of state. However, some dealers might not send this to you, so you'll have to fill the form out yourself.
- You must smog the car, there is no way around this. It's more of an outdated law that blanket-covers all "non-California compliant" cars, but in my opinion this law should be revised to exempt cars that meet California emissions (which some cars are, like mine).
- Vehicle inspection report: you can print the form from the DMV site, and take the car to any police agency that can sign off on fix-it tickets. You can also do this at the DMV, but you will have to pull the car into the inspection lane and this takes longer. I did this at the LA County Sheriff's Industry station.
- Statement of facts: the DMV employee will ask you to fill one out, but basically you're stating when and where you purchased the car, and for what price.
- The registration date is based on the date you physically brought in the car from out of state. This date is provided as a fact on your application. Even though I registered the car today (7/15), my "entry date" was 6/30 and my registration states as such.
- Make an appointment at the DMV... I had an 8AM appointment, was the first person for vehicle registration, and was in/out of the place in less than 15 minutes with all of my paperwork completed.
I know a lot of people hate the DMV, but I've never had any issues with going there. Having all of the paperwork ready saves a lot of trouble...
Just an FYI.
-alex