Moving to California. Car registration and title fees and regulations??

Question

I have a Hyundai Sonata 2000 and it is under my parent's name. I heard when the vehicle is worth under certain amount the title transfer fee can be waived, treating it as a gift from a family member. Is that true? and also, would it be best transfer title before I move to california? do I have to re-register once I get there? Thank you for reading and answering!!

Answer 1

You always leave the title in the state you bought it at. Unless you havent yet bought the car and had the title put in your name you can have your parents put down 100 dollars sale on title and thats a very small charge for title transfer,taxes. Then when you get to california take care of all registering,yes you have to register and everything else but with a hundred dollar purchace price it wont amount to much. The title will be turned in with everything else and it will come back in the mail to you with a california title I think,reguardless which state the title says the purchase price says everything on how much you have to pay.

Answer 2

Get the title and registration transferred over into your name before you move. Most States allow a vehicle to be a gift and not taxed if it is from an immediate family member. California has strict pollution policies so I would check on what is required before taking the car there. May be able to find it on the DMV website.

Answer 3

Transfer the title to your name before you go to Calif. Do Not change the name on the registration until you get to Calif. The name on the title has nothing to do with the name on the registration. When you get to Calif. you will have to purchase Insurance in that State.  

Answer 4

If you are moving here, you better step your game up and get a better whip!