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Guides

Walkthroughs for common California DMV tasks, with links to the exact forms you need.

Late registration in California: renewal penalties rise from 10 percent to 160 percent 5 min read Late Registration Fee in California: What DMV Charges Miss the renewal date and the penalty starts at once. See what DMV charges, tier by tier, and what to check before you pay. Read article → Salvage vehicle in California: a rebuilt car checklist with a REBUILT stamp on the registration papers 6 min read Salvage Vehicle in California: Papers and Inspections You fixed the car, but DMV still wants proof. See the papers, the inspections, and the appointment you need before plates. Read article → Imported car in California: registration rules from DMV, with a 20 day fee deadline 7 min read Register an Imported Car in California | What DMV Requires Customs is only the first hurdle. See which papers DMV wants, which deadlines run from arrival, and which imports it will not register. Read article → VIN verification in California: checks on the VIN, ownership papers and odometer, with the REG 31 form signed by the verifier 6 min read VIN Verification California: What DMV Requires and Who Checks DMV can ask for a physical inspection before it registers your car. See who may do it, what they check, and how to avoid paying twice. Read article → Sold a car in California and the buyer never registered it: notice cards for a parking ticket and a renewal reminder, with a REG 138 release of liability on file 7 min read Sold a Car in California and the Buyer Never Registered It A buyer who skips the transfer can leave tickets in your name. Check your filing, prove you sold a car in California, and answer each notice with proof. Read article → How to add or remove a name on a California car title: owner checklist showing one owner added, one removed and the $15 transfer fee 8 min read How to Add or Remove a Name on a California Car Title Need to add, remove, or fix a name on your California car title? DMV handles each change differently, so check who has to sign and what it costs first. Read article → How to replace a lost car title in California: checklist covering the REG 227, photo ID, proof of ownership and the replacement fee 9 min read How to Replace a Lost Car Title in California If you lost your car title in California, DMV can issue a new one for $28. It takes one form and a few documents, and the steps differ slightly when you still owe money on the car. Read article → How to register a car in California from another state: new resident checklist covering the out of state title, smog check, REG 31 verification and the 20 day deadline 7 min read How to Register a Car in California From Another State Moving to California with your car? DMV gives you 20 days to register it, so here is what to prepare first and what can wait. Read article → How to sell a car in California: seller checklist covering the title, smog check, bill of sale and release of liability 8 min read How to Sell a Car in California: Forms, Smog and Deadlines The forms to sign, the smog check you owe, and the deadlines that protect you, explained step by step for private sellers. Read article →

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