If I buy a car from out of state, say Arizona and I go to register it in CA, do I just get a smog and go to the DMV or do they require some sort of inspection also?

 

all you need to know...except for how tough going to the smog referee can be and making sure no stock parts are missing or modified...

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/os.htm

 

Well, I am buying a track car, replacing my Porsche which is going to become my daily driver soon. I'm buying a turbo Miata and it won't pass inspection I don't think unless it's done by someone I know of course ....

I wonder what thsi means: The vehicle must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier. These inspections are most easily obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV, where there is no extra fee charged for the inspection.

I wonder if I can take it to an inspection place other than the DMV, such as a law enforcement officer?

 

I went to CHP for an initial safety inspection on my special construction...had to make an appointment and fortunately the officer was a racer and didn't look too close..but that was the luck of the draw...still had to go to the smog referee and he made it as difficult as he could...I think the preliminary inspection is just to check vin number and make sure the car is not stolen...they will probably still send you to the referee for an out of state car, especially one that is modded...isn't Kalifornia grand...

 

So if I were to go to the CHP and get a racer officer that will not look too close, how do I go about it? I go there first before DMV and smog, so what paperwork does the CHP sign to verify?

 

I happened to be out at a local airport and there is a CHP sub-station there so I just dropped in and told them what I was doing (keep in mind that I had to go there for installation of a vin tag for my special construction vehicle)...it wouldn't hurt for you to drop into a substation and tell them you are considering buying an out of state vehicle and can you bring it there for inspection...they are usually extremely helpful and will explain the process...you will at least come away with more knowledge...worth the time IMO...

 

Yeah, i'll probably do that... Thanks!

 

Yes, you have to have a smog check. And there is an inspection form - primarly to ensure that the VIN numbers match. I had my inspection done at AAA. They can sign the form off.

 

So let's say I can get the car thru the smog situation somehow.... If I go to the AAA to get the inspection, are they just going to inspect for the VIN numbers matching and ignore the big ol turbo under the hood, or are they going to hassle me over that?

 

When you bring in a car from out of state....you have to go get a smog check and THEN go to the DMV only.....for an inspection.....they are basically looking to insure it's the same car as the title says it is......they are looking at Vin verification and that any necessary stickers are intact.....that's it. They are not looking for smog equip or mods etc.....I've done it 4 times in the last 5 years. CHP is only if it's been wrecked or altered etc.....

 

Oh really... so if I can get it passed smog, all the DMV does is say ok, the vin is correct here's your registration???

 

TurboChris is correct. You can even take it to the DMV first. They will just check the VIN and ask for the sale date. Make sure that your sale date and registration date are within 10 days, otherwise the will charge you late fees.

 

Since it's a track car you can say the car is for show only, but you won't be able to drive it on streets and can't insure it I believe.

 

Yes, they just want to verify it's the car you say it is....and as far as the ten days......just tell them you didn't get it into CA till a few days ago.....they don't care.....as long as you don't admit to it being in CA for longer...you can say it took longer to ship or you couldn't get there to tow it home or any of a dozen reasons.....it just ten days once you bring it into the state.