Register a new car in CA bought from out of state

[pritssan]

I am considering buying a Sienna from a dealer in AZ and bring it back to CA. Window sticker confirms that it’s a 50 state emission vehicle. So likely it will clear SMOG test.

What are some of the gotchas I need to be aware of when buying it out of state and registering in CA?

• Will I be able to register it in CA?
• What additional checks/procedures would I need to undertake to get it registered at the DMV?
• Should the dealer collect CA sales tax during the purchase? Or is that due during registration with DMV?
• Should the dealer charge CA registration fee during the purchase?
• Does the dealership need to issue a permit so I can drive the vehicle to CA?

I’m really excited to have found a Sienna but also a bit anxious about this out of state purchase. So any guidance/feedback would help.

[Kctham18]

@pritssan

• Will I be able to register it in CA?
• What additional checks/procedures would I need to undertake to get it registered at the DMV?
• Should the dealer collect CA sales tax during the purchase? Or is that due during registration with DMV?
• Should the dealer charge CA registration fee during the purchase?
• Does the dealership needs to issue a permit so I can drive the vehicle to CA?

• yes
• smog check (yes, even for a new car coz it’s from out of state); physical VIN inspection at DMV or police (need to schedule in advance)
• depends on who is responsible for registration, whether dealer says you can do it yourself or dealer will use a runner to complete the registration (the steps from above still needs to be completed and paperwork sent back to dealer, to be forwarded to runner)
• see answer above
• yes, you still need temp tags regardless. How are you supposed to drive it otherwise?

Good luck!