Fellow 'Fornians, need some advice.

[chaska]

I'm new here in the state and I need tags for my car. As always, I've waited till the last day. I guess the first thing is to get the emissions test, right? Do they all charge the same, or should I shop around?

Will I need proof of insurance? I have insurance in another state, but I haven't received the policy paperwork since making the payment.

Is all this gonna cost an arm and a leg? I was a little shocked at the cost of getting a driver's license here.

[NV Whino]

1. Answers

You will need proof on insurance. Out of state is fine. You will need your pink slip so they can issue you a new California pink slip. (Doesn't matter if car is paid off or not. Don't knock the higher license cost... we are the leaders in promoting clean air and fuel effecient vehicles. Believe me, it's paid off.

Cost of emissions tests are pretty much the same. You might be able to save a few bucks if you shopped, but it's hardly worth the time.


Google CA registration. That will give you all the info you need and where to go that is closest to you. You will have to make an appointment and take the car in the first time, but thereafter you can do everything by mail.

Edited for clarity.

[AP]

6. If you don't have the pink slip, they issue you a canary registration...

...which means you can't transfer ownership of car until you produce the pink slip.

[pelagius]

2. Smog checks are all around the same price...

...about 35 bucks when you include the "documentation fee" they slap on. You can maybe save (or overpay) three bucks depending on where you go, but don't bother shopping around.

You will need proof of insurance. Some insurance companies report electronically to the DMV, but since you're new to the state, you won't be in the database is my guess. Get the insurance company to fax or email you an ID card by calling their 800 number.

This is all going to cost an arm and a leg. The fee is based on book value of the car. My 1998 Honda Accord, for example, costs around $130 to register. Each year it goes down a bit.

If you can get this all together by tomorrow, you're good to go. If you can't get it together, get on down to the DMV anyway and get some temporary registration. You'll have to go back, but you won't be slapped with a late fee. They can add up.

If you are running around on expired tags (or even a temp tag), please lead an exemplary behind-the-wheel life. You always hear about someone with unexpired tags getting pulled over for a routine check, then going to jail for DUI or drugs or an outstanding warrant of some sort.

All you need to know is at: www.dmv.ca.gov

Hint: The Triple-A usually can handle vehicle registration stuff for members. If you're not a member, it might be worth joining to avoid the lines at the DMV.

Good luck!

[LeftyMom]

3. Get your phone book out and call around

for the emissions test. You may find a good coupon in the phone book and get a test for a good price. If you have to go to a "test only" station then the price will be $40 or more but otherwise you should be able to find a special in the $30-35 range. (Sacramento prices, YMMV.)

BTW, you can aviod the DMV for most things if you have AAA. They have a little DMV desk in thier offices. This alone is worht $40/yr to me. :)

[pelagius]

4. Amen!

BTW, you can aviod the DMV for most things if you have AAA. They have a little DMV desk in thier offices. This alone is worht $40/yr to me.

That and a few maps each year pays off very well.

[chaska]

5. Late fees? Oh crud. Thanks everybody.