CA. DMV What to expect?

AMcCormick · 11-08-2008, 04:15 PM

I've moved from FL to CA. The FL regs runs out 12-08. I bought the truck in GA. 1year ago paid the sales tax in FL when registered. Just paid for 6months of insurance with a CA address. Truck is HO305/555 engine with no cat or muffler. What can I expect? Any tips before I go to the DMV?

Thanks, Andy

rwitt · 11-08-2008, 04:32 PM

Since there is no smog checks yet on a diesel pickup, you won't have to worry about that. They will do a visual inspection at DMV, but usually just checking VIN #'s on vehicle compared to registration. You'll need to get a certified weight certificate as they charge by how much the truck weighs. Since it's a used truck and you bought it over a year ago, there shouldn't be any sales tax charge either. Proof of insurance and current registration will be required also. That should about do it. Just have everything with you so you don't have to wait in line more than once. You can go online to the DMV website and make an appointment to do this. It can save you some time.
Rich

AMcCormick · 11-08-2008, 04:51 PM

regarding the "certified weight certificate" where would I do/get this and also would I want the truck to weigh in heavy or light? I was almost certain that the diesel does not need to be smogged. Thanks

rwitt · 11-08-2008, 05:09 PM

Weigh the truck as light as possible, low fuel tank level, no loaded tool boxes, etc. as all the extra weight could increase your fees. I bought my truck new in Nevada, and had to weigh it to register in California. I went to a local road oil company that could provide the certified scale slip. It needs to have the license number or vehicle VIN # on the certified scale slip. You can go to a truck stop(CAT Scale), some trucking companies, moving companies, and any gravel pit should be able to do this for you. I'd think a truck stop would be the easiest to find. The last time I weighed my truck was at a CAT Scale, it was $8.
Rich

AMcCormick · 11-08-2008, 05:27 PM

Light as possible. Thanks

DanSullivan · 11-08-2008, 06:29 PM

If you have a shell on it you can register it as a car and save the weight fees and you do not have to weigh it. You do have to leave the shell on the truck Dan

Regcabguy · 11-08-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanSullivan

If you have a shell on it you can register it as a car and save the weight fees and you do not have to weigh it. You do have to leave the shell on the truck Dan

If you do that,forget about parking in yellow zones,or hauling anything. I was told by the DMV that a permanently mounted,self contained camper was necessary for car plates. Part of the fees are tax deductable in Ca. Any public scale will do for the weigh job. Just mention it is for DMV. Light is the word. The appt. deal is a joke. When I got online it was three weeks backed up. I just arrived at 7:30 making me the first in line. Go up to info desk where they will assign you to a counter. The agent will take all of your paperwork and direct you to the inspection area. Then back to the same agent who will take your bucks. My '07 is running $433 this year. Take your spare off,anything not bolted on,no fuel etc. I was out of there in 45 minutes including a public employee's 20 minute late arrival.

DanSullivan · 11-08-2008, 10:17 PM

I have my truck with car plates on it, no problem with dmv at all, just was told I had to leave the shell on it , said I can haul anything I want as long as its mine and not for hire, you can not use it for contractor jobs ect. but taking thing to the dump ect not a problem, I just remembered you do have to have the pink slip as it changes the title, so if the bank has it you will have to wait to pay it off. I also did my 96 truck this way up to you saves money if it works for you

FFeiller · 11-08-2008, 10:32 PM

the bank will just be registered by the DMV as the lein holder. i've never had to pay off the vehicle first.
don't forget your Social Security card if you are going for a driver license

FFeiller · 11-08-2008, 10:34 PM

by the way welcome to the land of taxes and laws.

Regcabguy · 11-08-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanSullivan

I have my truck with car plates on it, no problem with dmv at all, just was told I had to leave the shell on it , said I can haul anything I want as long as its mine and not for hire, you can not use it for contractor jobs ect. but taking thing to the dump ect not a problem, I just remembered you do have to have the pink slip as it changes the title, so if the bank has it you will have to wait to pay it off. I also did my 96 truck this way up to you saves money if it works for you

That's interesting. Sounds like the clerk gave me the wrong info. I don't use the yellow zones much anyway. Next fall,I intend to off the camper and put a shell on it and just might go the car route. Thanks.

MickeyMiller · 11-09-2008, 01:35 AM

7000# is the break point in cost for registration, if I remember right. I brought my truck into California from Montana...All tool out, spare out, maps amd misc out, low fuel warning light on...6920 LBS. I thought about removing one of the batterys....

HBarlow · 11-09-2008, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMcCormick

I've moved from FL to CA. The FL regs runs out 12-08. I bought the truck in GA. 1year ago paid the sales tax in FL when registered. Just paid for 6months of insurance with a CA address. Truck is HO305/555 engine with no cat or muffler. What can I expect? Any tips before I go to the DMV?

Thanks, Andy

I haven't lived in CA since I left in 1988 so I do not claim to be current on the way laws are interpreted and enforced there now. I would be a little worried about registering a truck for the first time in CA with the muffler removed. You should be aware that CA is the land of overzealous vehicle enforcement and in particular, noise and emissions enforcement.

p-Bar · 11-09-2008, 03:15 AM

Don't forget to drop all your guns at the border. Welcome to the leftest state in the union

FullSack · 11-09-2008, 06:23 AM

Am I reading this correct that starting in 2010, you'll have to get your rig smogged every other year?

Vehicle Registration for 2008