# I just moved to California. When do I need to register my car and get a smog check?

New California residents are expected to register their vehicles within 20 days of becoming a resident (for example, taking a job or renting a home here). Before you register a car from another state you generally need a passing California smog check, a VIN verification and your out-of-state title and registration. Smog tests from other states do not count. Electric vehicles, motorcycles and gasoline cars from 1975 or earlier skip the smog check.

## Key facts

- Register within 20 days of becoming a California resident.
- Most out-of-state cars need a California smog check before their first California registration.
- A VIN verification can be done at the DMV, by the CHP or by a licensed private verifier.
- A car certified only to federal (49-state) emissions standards may not be eligible for California registration; check the label under the hood.

## In order

- **Smog check** at a licensed California station. The result goes to the DMV electronically.
- **VIN verification**, often at the DMV office on the same visit.
- **DMV visit** with the out-of-state title (or lender information), registration, smog result and fees.
- **Driver license**: a separate step with its own documents and deadline; see [dmv.ca.gov](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/).

Read the full [guide to registering an out-of-state car](https://appointauto.com/guides/register-out-of-state-car-california-smog/).

## Next step

[Find a smog check station in your California city](https://appointauto.com/ca/) · [Moving to California: full guide](https://appointauto.com/guides/register-out-of-state-car-california-smog/)

Official sources: [dmv.ca.gov](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/), [bar.ca.gov](https://www.bar.ca.gov/).

## Related questions

- [Do I need a smog check if I am on an H-1B or student visa?](https://appointauto.com/answers/smog-check-on-h1b-or-student-visa/)
- [I am buying my first used car in California. Who pays for the smog check?](https://appointauto.com/answers/buying-used-car-california-smog-certificate/)
- [Do I need a Clean Truck Check for my truck in California?](https://appointauto.com/answers/california-clean-truck-check-explained/)
- [I am new to the US. What car maintenance and inspections do I need?](https://appointauto.com/answers/car-maintenance-basics-new-to-the-us/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/answers/moved-to-california-car-registration-smog/ · Last updated 2026-10-27. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.