The registration a of vehicle purchased from a car dealer is normally taken care of by the dealer who submits documents and fees to the DMV. The DMV will then send you your registration documents in the mail.
- When a vehicle is being sold by a dealer, The California Vehicle Code provides for:
- Consumer information being made available
- The correction of safety defects
- The display of a suggested retail price
- Other issues associated with the sale of a vehicle
- If you are purchasing a car from a private party, you must supply the DMV with:
- An endorsed Certificate of Title from the seller
- A statement of the purchase price and odometer reading
- A smog certificate from the seller
- Sales tax fees corresponding to the purchase price of the vehicle. There are smog and tax exceptions granted for close relatives.
- The DMV will not register your vehicle if you do not:
- Pay the registration fees and taxes
- Complete the appropriate forms
- Provide a smog certificate
- Provide evidence of financial responsibility
- Your vehicle registration card must be carried in the vehicle whenever you are driving. You must show your registration to a law enforcement officer when requested.
- Your license plates:
- Must be mounted between 12 and 60 inches from the ground in the rear
- Less than 60 inches from the ground in the front
- Your rear license plate must be illuminated.
- If your registration card or license plate(s) are lost or mutilated, you must immediately notify the DMV and obtain replacement(s). If both of your license plates are stolen, you should also notify law enforcement.
- You are not allowed to alter your license plate.
- You must pay annual fees in order to keep your registration up to date and to receive annual registration cards and a year sticker for your license plate. You will also have to provide evidence of financial responsibility and periodically a smog certificate (depending on the age of your vehicle).
- Your registration can be refused for a number of reasons, including not paying parking violations and other fees.
- If you do not plan on operating, moving or parking your vehicle on any highway because it is not working or for some other reason, you should apply for a certificate of non-operation for your vehicle instead of paying full renewal fees. However, you must pay additional fees should you subsequently decide to use your vehicle on the road.
- If you move and own a registered vehicle, you must notify the department of your new address within 10 days. You must also update your new address on your vehicle registration card.
- You must inform the DMV within 10 days and pay a small fee if you put a new or different motor in your vehicle.
- You are responsible for notifying the DMV within 5 days of the sale using a Notice of Release of Liability form if you sell or transfer a vehicle to someone else. You must also provide a current smog certificate to the buyer (in most cases) and the endorsed Certificate of Title.
- You are responsible for transferring ownership of the vehicle to your name with the DMV within 10 days of the purchase if you purchase or obtain a vehicle from someone else.
- You must have insurance or otherwise comply with the regulations governing financial responsibility for your vehicle. There are minimum amounts of insurance that you must have. You must carry evidence of financial responsibility whenever you drive.
- As the owner of a vehicle, you are responsible for damages in the event of a collision in which someone else is driving if you have given your express or implied permission to drive the vehicle. The person signing a minor’s license application is assuming liability for damages caused by the minor regardless of whose vehicle he or she is driving.
- You must keep your vehicle in good working condition, which includes preventative maintenance. Failing to properly maintain your vehicle can result in breakdowns on the road, which may unnecessarily cause traffic congestion and accidents.
- Stolen vehicles must be reported to law enforcement.
Note:
- It is unlawful to knowingly falsely report a vehicle as stolen
- Law enforcement must be notified if a stolen vehicle is recovered
- It is unlawful to alter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- It is unlawful to participate in chop-shop activities
