California Registration in La Palma
All drivers will be requested to update their personal information and current state of the vehicle at every moment, this process will save time and effort when dealing with any issue that may arise. This is mandatory by the State of California for all citizens that register their vehicle at the DMV. Depending on the type of vehicle registration the driver needs, a fee will have to be paid in order to complete the process.
The information and documents required for the registration of regular vehicles and motorcycles will be found in the following paragraphs. In the case you need to register a vessel or a special vehicle, please visit the official DMV website to be sure you have all the paperwork you need for your kind of vehicle.
New registration
When purchasing a new vehicle at the dealership, it can happen that half of the Registration procedure has been made for you for the dealer (if they have the authorization to proceed with it). If that is not your case, you will have to do the Registration yourself.
The Certificate of Title must be signed up for both parts (The seller and by yourself)
Title transfer fees receipt
In the case you bought a new Vehicle, you will have to bring a Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.
In the case you have bought an used Vehicle, the California Certificate of Title will be requested (if the vehicle is registered in another State, an out-of-state title will be necessary).
Depending on the different kind of vehicle you want to register, some other legal forms or certificates will be necessary, so before making your appointment, please check the DMV portal to verify the necessary paperwork.
Registration of an used car in La Palma
If you purchased your vehicle from another person you, as the buyer, will have 10 days to register the new vehicle title at the DMV. This transaction is under the name: “Private party purchase Registration”. The seller of the vehicle on the other hand, will have 5 days to notify the transfer of the vehicle’s title to the DMV.
To be able to change the ownership of the vehicle, it will be necessary to present the following paperwork:
- Vehicle’s Title, or as regularly called: “Pink Slip”
- Bill of Sale
- Vehicle’s record of odometer mileage
- Smog certificate
- Applicable fees receipt
This transaction can be made in person making an appointment to the DMV, or by regular mail.
Please check the official DMV website to ensure you have the correct documentation before making your appointment, as depending on the kind of vehicle you want to register, there may be different documentation required.
Motorcycles
If you have purchased or been given any kind of motor-clycled vehicle, you will have to register it at the DMV. To be able to proceed with this procedure, you will be demanded of the following paperwork:
- California Certificate of Title of the motorcycle
- An Insurance Certificate
- Current California Motorcycle license
- Applicable fees receipt.
Please bear in mind that all miniature vehicles (or pocket bikes) are exempt of any registration and therefore cannot be operated in public streets, as they don't comply with the Federal Safety Standards.
All motorized scooters (any vehicle that contains 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard where you can stand on while riding it) will be allowed to be used in public streets and will not require any registration. All riders must be at least 16 years or older, and be in possession of a valid driver's license. In this case, helmets are mandatory.
Special Vehicles registration in La Palma
The following vehicles may have different requirements for its registration. If this is your case, please check the DMV official website before making your appointment.
- Boats or vessels
- Modified vehicles
- Imported vehicles
- Off highway vehicles
- Revived vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Etc.
Registration renewal in La Palma
If you need to renew your vehicle's registration you can do it using the different DMV tools at your disposal: by phone, online, at the kiosk or by regular mail.
First of all, you have to be sure you are in possession of:
- The license plate number
- Your VIN (Vehicle identification Number), or the HIN (Hull identification number)
- The renewal notice with your current address
In the case you already count with this 3, you can use any of the Kiosk stations to complete your self- service renewal.
To be able to complete the “self-service renewal” bear in mind that a series of requirements will be demanded .The renewal of special vehicles or vessels, if there is any infraction or pending issues, you will have to use the online renewal system, as the self-service will not be possible. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to visit the official DMV website.
Bear in mind that when a renewal of your vehicle's registration is needed, you can proceed using the different DMV tools at your disposal: by phone, online, at the kiosk or by regular mail.
Replacement of your registration card in La Palma
In the case your registration card has been stolen, lost or damaged, you will have to request a replacement to the DMV. In order to proceed with this transaction you can submit an online application, or visit your local DMV office and do it in person.
The DMV facilitates the payment of the applicable fee by the online tool, or by mail to the address: Department of Motor Vehicles - Registration Operations - PO Box 942869 - Sacramento, California 94269-0001.
Registration fees in La Palma
The range of the DMV Registration fees are between 20$ and 70$ approximately. And the DMV offers the chance to calculate them through their official website calculator.
There are different factors that can influence and change this fee figure, (like if you have had any traffic infractions, unpaid parking tickets, or violations to the Federal circulation laws) .All registration fees will basically be based on the type of vehicle, its price and the city you are living in, plus the before mentioned (if it applies).