New Vehicle Registration in California

New vehicle registration is the first time a vehicle goes on record with the California DMV. That might be a car you just bought from a dealer, a vehicle from a private seller that has no California record, or one that fell out of DMV records after years off the road. Our North Hollywood office reviews your paperwork with you by appointment, then prepares the application so it is ready for the DMV.

Request an Appointment Call (818) 649-3232

What this service covers

An original registration creates a California record for a vehicle that does not have one. The DMV reviews proof of ownership, checks the vehicle details, collects the fees set by the state, then issues plates, a registration card, and stickers. It is different from a title transfer, which moves an existing California record from one owner to another.

Who needs it

Buyers of a brand new vehicle whose dealer does not handle registration.
Anyone who bought a vehicle from a private seller when the vehicle has no California record.
Owners whose vehicle dropped out of DMV records after four or more years without registration.
Buyers holding a manufacturer's certificate of origin instead of a title.

What to bring to your appointment

Sourced from the DMV's requirements. Bring originals where the DMV asks for them. We confirm the exact list when we set your time.

What to bring: New Vehicle Registration

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
The main form for an original registration. Every owner signs it.
Proof of ownership
The title signed by the seller and any lienholder, or a manufacturer's certificate of origin for a new vehicle.
Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
Needed when the vehicle has no California record. An authorized verifier fills it out while inspecting the vehicle, not the owner.
Smog certification
Depends on fuel type and model year. Gasoline vehicles under four model years old pay a smog abatement fee instead of taking the test.
Odometer disclosure
For vehicles under 10 model years old. If the title has no odometer line, the DMV uses a REG 262, which is printed on security paper and comes from a field office or by mail.
Bill of sale
Needed when the person who sold you the vehicle is not the owner named on the title.

Based on DMV requirements as published on dmv.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-12. The DMV may ask for more depending on your vehicle. We confirm your exact list when we set your appointment.

When you might need this service

You bought from a California dealer

The DMV says many licensed dealers can transfer the title plus issue a temporary registration until the permanent card, plates, and stickers arrive by mail, usually within 30 to 45 days. If your dealer does not offer registration services, the application falls to you, and that is where we can help.

You bought from a private seller

A private sale of a vehicle that already has California plates is a title transfer, with a 10 day window for the buyer. Some private sales need an original registration instead: a vehicle last registered in another state, a new vehicle sold with only a manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a vehicle that sat so long the DMV no longer has a record of it. For a vehicle from another state, see our out-of-state registration page.

The vehicle is no longer in DMV records

After four years or more without registration, the DMV may drop a California vehicle from its records. Bringing it back takes an original registration application, a REG 31 vehicle verification, the old title or registration card, a statement covering the time it was not driven, and a smog certificate if the model year calls for one.

How it works with us

Call or send a request
Call (818) 649-3232 or use the appointment form. Tell us how you got the vehicle: a dealer, a private seller, or a vehicle that has been sitting for years.
We confirm what to bring
We go over your situation, then send you a short list of the documents that apply, along with an appointment time.
We prepare the application with you
At your appointment we complete the REG 343 with you, check the ownership documents, then confirm the smog or verification items match the vehicle.
We handle the paperwork for the transaction
The DMV sets the fees, reviews the application, then issues the plates, card, and stickers. If you need to drive in the meantime, the DMV may issue a temporary operating permit in some cases.

Fees

DMV fees are set by the State of California, not by us. Only the DMV decides the final total, which depends on your vehicle, the transaction, and any penalties already on the record.

The DMV lists a $76 registration fee for an original registration and a $34 CHP fee. The rest of the total depends on the vehicle's value, your county, and the vehicle type. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
The vehicle license fee is 0.65 percent of the purchase price or value. Late penalties on a vehicle never registered in California start at 40 percent of the license fee and weight fee in the first year, then climb. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
Use tax of 7.25 to 10.25 percent of the price, based on where you live, applies to most purchases. A dealer collects it at the sale. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)

Our service charge

Every transaction is different, so our service charge depends on the paperwork your case needs. Tell us about it when you call or send a request and we will explain our charge before you decide to proceed. DMV fees, taxes, and penalties are separate.

DMV fee calculator

How California registration fees add up

Common issues and special cases

The dealer said they would register it, but nothing arrived

If the 30 to 45 day window has passed, call the dealer first, since they submitted the application. If the dealer never offered registration services, the application is yours to file, so bring your purchase contract and any temporary registration they gave you.

A low-mileage vehicle built for other states

California treats a vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase as new. A new vehicle built to federal rather than California emission standards cannot be registered here unless an exemption applies, such as an inheritance or a vehicle you registered in the state of your last military service. Check the emission label under the hood before you buy.

Questions about new vehicle registration

Does the dealer register a new car for me?

Usually, yes. Many licensed California dealers transfer the title plus issue a temporary registration, then the permanent plates, card, and stickers arrive by mail. If a dealer does not offer registration services, you file the application yourself, which is where we can help.

How long do I have after buying from a private seller?

The buyer has 10 days from the purchase to transfer ownership. The seller has 5 days to report the sale to the DMV through a notice of transfer.

What is the difference between new vehicle registration and a title transfer?

New vehicle registration creates a California record where none exists. A title transfer updates an existing record with a new owner. Most used cars bought inside California with current plates are transfers, covered on our title transfer page.

Does a new car need a smog check?

Gasoline vehicles under four model years old skip the inspection but pay a smog abatement fee instead. Older gasoline vehicles need a certificate from a California smog station. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and heavy diesels are not tested.

How much does new car registration cost?

The DMV sets every fee, based on the vehicle's value, your county, and the vehicle type. The DMV's fee calculator gives an estimate, and our registration fees page explains each part of the bill.

Ready to set an appointment?

Call or send a request. We will confirm what to bring and a time that works.