Issues with getting out of state car registered in CA?

Considering a car from Bring A Trailer and bringing it to California. Anyone have experience with this and what issues they had, if any?

 

I've bought out of state with a motorcycle and a camping trailer. The main thing is you have to make sure it is a car that can be registered in CA. The DMV will need to do a VIN verification onsite, you'll pay some fees and taxes, but other than that it is pretty standard.

 

Thanks. When you say, "can be registered", is there a list of things that can and cannot be registered? I'm looking at a replica Porsche Speedster. Built and registered as a 60's era VW bug (frame/chassis is a cut VW bug frame). Thanks

 

Don't quote me on this, but I believe a lot of "what can't be registered" has to do with emissions and smog.

 

60s vehicle would be smog exempt but who knows if it would register as a VW or a kit car (Kit cars have more hoops to jump through)

 

Yeah, pre-75 is exempt from smog but what I've read also involved exempt vehicles. Frame/chassis is a VW bug. The motor is also from a VW, so I'm assuming it would register as a VW. Such a PITA

 

might want to visit a dmv and talk to one of their friendly reps. lol. I hate going, bless your heart!

 

eddie...i'm dreading this. In fact, it's likely going to cause me to pay a premium for a So Cal car versus paying the extra in fees for an out of state car, including shipping.

 

do you have AAA? they might be of help

 

I'm a premium member. Apparently, if it's private party out of state, have to use DMV. if it's a dealer, i might be able to do it thru AAA. Seriously looking hard at So Cal cars.

 

AAA cannot help in this instance

 

well that sucks

 

I called. If I purchase from an out of state car dealership, AAA can do the registration. If it's private party, it's DMV

 

Correct. I figured this was a private party transaction, so I mentioned it that way.

 

On this, I’ve found that going to a small office (el Centro) and being very friendly ( hi, how’s your day going? I can’t believe you have to deal with this many people daily, you’re a super star to put up with this) they will go out of their way to help/ waive things. They deal with grumpy people all day long, a great attitude goes a long way.

 

I've had it go both ways with the small town office. The only DMV I have ever been told to leave was in Placerville. Once you get into an argument at the DMV it doesn't matter how right you are, you're wrong.
Ironically, the Placerville DMV is now the closest one to where we moved and I have had several great transactions there.

 

Given my life experiences and what I do for a living, I've preached this to my associates "Being nice doesn't cost a thing..."