I have an 08 base M/T ( 103,000 mi ) purchased in MA. I am moving to CA. Do I have to do anything other than get an inspection in order to register it there? Thanks for any advise. I have searched relentlessly and just cant seem to make sense of it.

 

Pretty much the basics. You'll have to get it smogged, insurance, umm tell you what here is a great link to the california dmv. Hope this helps!!

How To Register A Vehicle from Out-of-State (Nonresident Vehicle)

 

VIN and vehicle inspection at the DMV, smog check, current insurance. Should be about it. I'd make sure you have all the old registration and paperwork as well and bring it with you to the DMV when you go get your inspection.

GO GET YOUR SMOG FIRST, otherwise you're going to wait in line twice lol

 

(First post, so hi!)

+1 to what wanderer said about getting smog first, but also suggest you get your VIN inspection done first before going inside to do the actual registration transfer.

Step 1) You can go to any "smog check" place, show them your current out of state registration and tell them you're a new resident... pay your $50 or whatever and they'll take care of you. (if you're on the peninsula I can recommend someone)

Step 2) Then, go to the DMV with your title and current registration, wait in line outside with your car and they'll do the VIN check (checking the title/etc against the actual car to make sure you're not faking anything). Takes like 2 minutes once you get to the front of the line.

Step 3) Then, go inside with your smog paperwork, your VIN check paperwork and your title/etc and register the vehicle. Pay your crazy expensive registration fee (compared to where I came from), get your plates and leave. Otherwise you'll have to wait in line again at the DMV to drop paperwork (VIN check) back off another day. Also, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT at the DMV for your reg and license stuff -- saves so much time.... you can do it online.

And welcome to california! I moved from Philly back in August of this year with my 2008 fit and my wifes odyssey, so had to learn this the hard way.

edit: just realized the OP was weeks ago, so if you've already done this, hope it went smooth!

 

Do yourself a favor & keep it registered in MA. CA is such a bitch about things & it gets pricey for registration every year. I had my EK registered in PA for 9 years while not actually living there (had a friends address to use). Also your not subjected to BS carb laws. I know some will argue about this but there are ways to legally have this.