Bring a car from another state – we get you California plates fast

Moving to California or buying a car out of state – we handle the paperwork, VIN verification guidance, smog steps, taxes, and fees so you don’t lose a day at the DMV. Most clean cases submit same day – you leave with tags or a temporary operating permit while the DMV finishes the record.

We serve drivers across California from our El Cajon office.

What counts as out-of-state

You moved to California and brought your vehicle
You bought a vehicle that was last titled or registered in another state
You’re a California resident purchasing a car across state lines

California expects new residents and workers to register within 20 days of becoming a resident or starting employment. Late fees build after that. (California DMV)

What to bring

Government ID – driver license or ID card
Out-of-state title and the most recent registration card
Proof of insurance – active California policy
Smog certificate – if required for your vehicle and zip
Odometer reading – for newer vehicles when needed
Any lien payoff or lien release
Proof of address and any name change documents

Not sure what applies – bring what you have and we’ll map the fastest path.

Smog and emissions – the part everyone asks about

First-time California registration usually requires a California smog inspection, even for newer vehicles. The “newer car” smog exemptions do not apply to nonresident vehicles coming into California. (California DMV)
Standard statewide exemptions still exist – for example gasoline 1975 or older, diesel 1997 and older or over 14,000 GVWR, and fully electric vehicles. (California DMV)
No special military exemption for smog – active duty and veterans still need a smog check if the vehicle is subject to testing. (California DMV)
Your vehicle must meet California emissions requirements. If the under-hood emissions label says “California” or “50-state,” you’re usually fine. If it is federal-only and has fewer than 7,500 miles when acquired by a California resident, DMV may refuse registration unless an exemption applies. (California DMV)

We’ll tell you exactly where to get smogged and when your vehicle qualifies for an exemption.

VIN verification – quick and simple

California requires a physical VIN verification for vehicles last registered out of state. It can be done by DMV staff, CHP, licensed vehicle verifiers, or qualified auto clubs. We’ll direct you to the right option and make sure the REG 31 gets filled correctly. (California DMV)

Fees and taxes – what to expect

DMV registration and title fees depend on vehicle value, county, and timing
Use tax may be due if you purchased the vehicle out of state and are bringing it into California – the CDTFA “12-month test” rules determine when tax applies or doesn’t. We explain this before you pay anything. (CDTFA)

You’ll see a transparent total for DMV fees, any taxes, and our service fee before we submit.

How your visit works

5 minute intake – tell us where the car is coming from and what changed
Document check – we catch missing pieces before DMV rejects anything
Smog and VIN steps – we route you to the right station or verifier
Fees calculated – DMV, taxes if due, and our service fee – no surprises
Submission – we process and submit your application to DMV systems
You leave ready – tags or a temporary operating permit when eligible

Titles and plates arrive by mail from the DMV after processing.

Common out-of-state scenarios we clean up

Bought in Arizona or Nevada – need California plates, smog, and VIN verification
Car is 50-state emissions – label is good – we move straight to smog and submit
Federal-only emissions under 7,500 miles – we check for exemptions before you waste time at a window (California DMV)
Leased vehicle buyout from another state – lienholder paperwork and title routing
Late arrival – you passed 20 days – we calculate penalties and re-establish status (California DMV)
Military move – same smog rules apply, we coordinate the steps (California DMV)

Quick checklist before you come in

Insurance active in California
Out-of-state title and registration on hand
Smog done if required for your vehicle and zip
VIN verification arranged if needed
Any lien release or payoff letter ready

Missing something – come anyway – we’ll map the fastest legal fix.

FAQ

Do I have to go to the DMV
For most cases – no. We process here and issue tags or a temporary permit when eligible. Plates and titles are mailed by DMV.

Can I use an out-of-state smog
Plan on a California smog for first-time California registration. Newer-vehicle exemptions don’t apply to nonresident vehicles coming into CA. (California DMV)

Who can do the VIN verification
DMV employees, CHP, certain auto clubs, or licensed verifiers. We’ll point you to the right one and the proper REG 31 form. (California DMV)

How fast is this
Renewals and clean transfers submit same day. Titles and plates arrive by mail from DMV on their timeline.

What if my car’s emissions label is not California
We’ll check mileage and exemptions. Federal-only under 7,500 miles can be refused by DMV unless you qualify for a narrow exemption. (California DMV)

Bring the paperwork – leave California-road ready

Call 619-736-1313
Email service@paylowinsurance.com
Visit 415 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 306, El Cajon, CA 92020

Hours
Mon – Fri – 9AM – 6PM
Sat – 10AM – 2PM

We make out-of-state registrations clean and fast – VIN, smog, use tax questions, and submission – so you don’t spend a day in line.