12.140 Previous Registration in California

Some nonresident vehicles may have been previously registered in California within DMVs four-year file retention period.

The following must be submitted:

• A REG 343 completed as shown in the Basic Registration Requirements section in this chapter.
• The last-issued nonresident registration as shown in the Basic Registration Requirements section in this chapter.
• Evidence of ownership. If the vehicle is registered in a:
  • Title-Issuing State: The title from that state or the California Certificate of Title and the nonresident registration card or a letter from the nonresident registration jurisdiction verifying that state did not issue a title.

A nontransferable (goldenrod) registration may be issued when there is an outstanding California Certificate of Title. An Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form cannot be accepted unless the application contains evidence of prior California registration and that a nonresident title was not issued.

• Nontitle State: The California Certificate of Title or a bill of sale to the person shown as owner on the nonresident registration with the nonresident registration card or a letter from the nonresident registration jurisdiction verifying the California Certificate of Title was collected by that state and a REG 227.

• A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form.
• For commercial vehicles:
  • If no changes/alterations have been made to the vehicle, a REG 256 by the owner certifying there have been no alterations/changes made to the vehicle in lieu of a weight certificate.
  • If changes/alterations have been made to the vehicle, a California Weighmaster’s Certificate.
  • A REG 4008 giving the operating weight of the vehicle, unless the vehicle is a pickup with an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less.
• Fees. If the vehicle is:
  • Registered Previously in the Same Registration Year: Only the reregistration fee. The previously assigned registration expiration date is retained. However, the previous license plates are invalid and new license plates must be issued.
  • Registered in a Prior Registration Year: All appropriate fees.
  • Registered to New Owner: No transfer fee; however, all other fees are due.
• The previously issued California license plates, unless the plates qualify for retention under the old plates reassigned to a collector vehicle or Year of Manufacture (YOM) programs. Refer to Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates section in Chapter 21 for reassignment of old plates on collector vehicles and YOM License Plates.
• The out-of-state license plates.
• A smog certification, if appropriate