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Out of State Title & Registration Transfers

Welcome to the Golden State!

Everything new residents need—driver’s license, vehicle registration, and more.

1. Establishing Residency

You are a California resident if you intend to live in the state for six months or more in one year. There are other rules that also help decide if you are a California resident.

2. Your ID or DL Card

If you intend to be a California resident, you need a valid California Identification (ID) or Driver’s License (DL) card. Learn more about the types of DL/ID cards and decide what is right for you.

3. Driving in California

If you intend to become a California resident and drive in California, you must apply for a California DL.

4. Registering Your Vehicle

If you bring a vehicle into California that was previously registered in another state or country, you must register it within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.

5. Plates, Decals & Placards

Learn more about the types of plates, decals, and placards that identify vehicles on California roads.

6. You and DMV

Most of your DMV business can be started and/or completed online. Creating your MyDMV account makes doing things quick and easy!

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Examples of intent to reside in California:

  • You are present in California for six months or longer within a 12-month period, and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.
  • You are registered to vote in California.
  • You are employed in California.
  • Your place of business is located in California.
    Note This does not include military personnel.
  • You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college in California.
  • You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school in California.
  • You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption in California.
  • You rent a property in California and it is your primary residence.
  • You have claimed California residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
  • You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
  • You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.