Q: I am moving to California from Ohio and want to bring my car. I’ve been researching what I need to do to drive it legally in California. How long can I drive my car without going to the DMV?
A: If your vehicle is properly registered in your home state, then it’s OK to drive in California until you: 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 or register to vote); or enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll any dependents in school (grades K-12).
Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties if you fall under any of these categories.
To learn more about registering a nonresident vehicle, visit www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm.
Q: I am moving to Florida for work for a year, but I’ll be returning to California. Do I need to notify the DMV?
A: Yes. You must notify the DMV within 10 days if you’ve changed your address, even if it’s out of state. This can be done online at www.dmv.ca.gov. Once you arrive in Florida, it is your responsibility to reregister your vehicle and learn proper licensing information for that state.
If you receive a renewal notice and are no longer living in California, please write on the notice that you no longer reside in California and have moved out of state. Then mail it back to the DMV. We will update your records promptly.
George Valverde has served as California Department of Motor Vehicles director since 2006. He has been in public service for more than 30 years.
