Registering a car in California

[stalkermama]

<p>Hi,
What do we have to do if we are bringing a car from another state? Do we have to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in California? Get a Cali license? Thanks!!</p>

[Zelda_Fitzgerald]

<p>Until your son or daughter is a permanent resident, you do not need to register their car in California.</p>

<p>This is from the DMV website:</p>

<p>

Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:</p>

<pre><code>* Accept gainful employment in California.

• Claim a homeowner’s exemption in California.
• Rent or lease a residence in California.
• Intend to live or be located here on a permanent basis (for example, acquire a California driver license, acquire other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote).
• Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll their dependents in school (K-12).

</code></pre>

<p>So basically, unless your child is going to stay in LA permanently (ie: never come home for summer/winter breaks, wants to change permanent registration status to California, change his USC information to say his is a CA resident, etc.) you can keep the car and his/her license the way it is.</p>

<p>My boyfriend is from Pennsylvania and has his car at USC for two years. He only got a California license and registered his car here when he got his F/T job after graduation. </p>

<p>It’ll save you a lot of money – because what if they want to move home after graduation? Or move to another state? </p>

<p>Hope this helped!</p>

[stalkermama]

<p>Thanks Zelda ! You’re the best!!!</p>