Buying A Used Car Out Of State California May 2026

Required only if you are registering a truck or pickup. Taxes and Fees

You must have the original title signed over to you. A bill of sale is not enough to prove ownership for registration. buying a used car out of state california

Before traveling or shipping, run a VIN report (like Carfax) to ensure there are no liens or "salvage" brands on the title that might complicate CA registration. Required only if you are registering a truck or pickup