I'm expecting my new-to-me car this week and need to get the registration sorted out. I have the title in my possession and will complete that and pay taxes when I go to the DMV to get the car registered. However, I have a question about the smog requirements. The car is coming from MA and is a 2014 S4. Do I need to ask the seller for a copy of the most recent smog cert or do I have to get it re-smogged in CA?
7
Registering MA car in CA
- Thread starter 9uns
- Start date
StorableComa
Autocross Champion
- Location
- SoCal, USA
- Car(s)
- 17 GSW S FWD
Have to get it re smogged here and bring the certificate with you to register.
Thanks!
Coach Beard
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- CA
- Car(s)
- MK7 GTI
You’ll also have to likely take it to the DMV for an inspection. I had a CA car I took when I moved to Texas. I moved back a few years later and in order to register it again in CA I had to get a smog check, and an inspection that was a giant waste of time and the lady couldn’t figure out the chassis code for a hatchback.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handb...gistration-information/vehicle-verifications/
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handb...gistration-information/vehicle-verifications/
HelloNewman
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- SoCal
- Car(s)
- Mk7
Yep, complete waste of time. Sat in line forever, middle aged woman that knew absolutely nothing about cars came out and "inspected" my car. I had multiple cars to I had to go back several times. Pretty much the most ridiculous PITA process that accomplished absolutely nothing aside from ensuring I had a front plate on the car.
oh great, so they're going to make me drill holes into a new grill?? fucking awesome.
great. more fun at the DMV.
StorableComa
Autocross Champion
- Location
- SoCal, USA
- Car(s)
- 17 GSW S FWD
Could get a front mount plate holder if they make them. Just has to be visible, not drilled into the bumper.
2LEEGIT
Drag Racing Champion
- Location
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams
- Car(s)
- GTI MK7
Yep what everyone said above. If you have AAA, much easier and faster.
I have AAA roadside, not for insurance. Does that help at all?
Coach Beard
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- CA
- Car(s)
- MK7 GTI
They do not do inspections
Just zip tie the plate. I believe the law only applies to minimum/max height. Doesn't have to be in the center. I challenged a sheriff deputy on that and won (while he was signing off on my ticket).
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/...division=3.&title=&part=&chapter=1.&article=9.
The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground
2LEEGIT
Drag Racing Champion
- Location
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams
- Car(s)
- GTI MK7
AAA roadside is what I have. Do your smog, then bring all your docs, and register your out of state car there.
2LEEGIT
Drag Racing Champion
- Location
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams
- Car(s)
- GTI MK7
Unless something changed after Covid-19, I registered my out of state s13 at AAA.
https://mwg.aaa.com/frequently-asked-questions/kbid/906
Last edited:
Coach Beard
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- CA
- Car(s)
- MK7 GTI
To be fair it’s been a decade since I did mine. Good to know they’ll do it! Hopefully OP doesn’t have to deal with the BS DMV inspection! Keep us updated!
dude. you're the best!