What is the process of buying new car in CA when my residence is out of state?

Question

I am moving to CA for a new job, but technically my residence will still be in another state (because I have to wait until the home sells whenever that happens). I will be staying with friends/family in CA. I need to buy a new car in CA to get around. I will not be immediately changing my license to CA. I believe I can get coverage of the new car under my current insurance plan. I am guessing I will have no problem buying the car from a dealer. I am also guessing that I will have to pay CA sales tax. But what about registering the new car with the DMV? Which state will I register it to?

Answer 1

Since you are technically still living out of state, you can buy the car in CA, but you will have to pay taxes and registration on the state where you main residence is. Without an actual address, you probably won't be able to register it CA. What you would have to do is register it in your home state and then change it once you move here.

I would recommend just using a friend/family's address to buy your car, then you can change it once you get your own place in CA. That way you don't have to re-register the car.

Answer 2

First off, you need to have valid CA state insurance to drive or buy a new car. I believe Its ok to keep your old License & mailing address for that matter.

If your current Insurance can provide a CA Insurance Policy & ID Card then do that first. You will probably have to give the CA address where you are currently staying with Friends/family.

Once you finalize the car with the Dealer, he will need that CA address as well. You do have to pay CA tax. Based on that address & your current License, He'll issue CA temporary plates on that. Those are good for 15 Days or so.

I am not sure but I believe that they may want you to get CA License before those plates can be made permanent. Best ask the DMV on that one.