Users questions 

Do I have to notify California DMV if I move out of state?

Joe Ford

Do I have to notify California DMV if I move out of state?

Do you need to notify the California DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle? Yes. If you’re moving to another state and planning to register your vehicle in your new state of residence you will have 10 days to notify the California DMV of your change of address.

Do I need to return my license plates to California?

You do not have to surrender your California vehicle plates when moving to a new US state. Your new US state may demand you surrender the plates to them upon titling and registering your car. You will however want to submit an address change to the CA DMV immediately after moving. You don’t.

Can I register a car in California if I live in another state?

In California, if your vehicle is already registered in another state, you do not have to register it in California too. If you establish residency, you have up to 20 days to register the vehicle.

Can I keep my license plate California?

Ensuring Your Plates are Valid Generally, license plates remain with the vehicle they were issued to. Certain types of plates (personalized environmental, special recognition, or special interest) can be reassigned to another vehicle upon request by the owner and payment of appropriate fees.

How do I check the status of my California license plate?

Checking the Availability of California License Plates

  1. Call the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 1- Or, visit your local branch in person.
  2. Ask to speak to an associate regarding the availability of a vanity plate.

What do I do with my old California license plates?

How to recycle license plates

  1. Return old license plates to a vehicle licensing office in person. The downside to doing this is it can mean a long wait to see someone at the counter.
  2. Mail them to a vehicle licensing office.
  3. Put them in an aluminum recycling bin at your local recycling center.

How do I transfer my drivers license to California?

What You’ll Need To Do

  1. Make an appointment for earlier than 4:30 pm at your nearest DMV office.
  2. Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (form DL 44 – now available online!) for a Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license.
  3. Prepare for the written test by completing a practice exam.