California Department of Motor Vehicles
If you're registering a vehicle in Kern County, you can visit the DMV office in Lompoc for vehicle registration, licensing, and plates. California requires annual vehicle registration and mandatory smog inspections for most vehicles. Be sure to keep all your vehicle documents up to date to avoid any legal issues.
Importing a Vehicle from Canada to California
If you're bringing a Canadian vehicle to California, there are several key steps to ensure compliance with both U.S. and California regulations:
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Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the U.S., your vehicle must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to submit the following forms:
- CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
- CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery)
- CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration)
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U.S. Standards Compliance: Your vehicle must meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions standards. You will need:
- A letter from the manufacturer confirming compliance with FMVSS and emissions standards.
- FMVSS and EPA labels on the vehicle.
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California Emissions Compliance: In addition to federal standards, your vehicle must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards. This typically requires:
- A certificate from a CARB-licensed lab.
- A smog certificate (for gasoline vehicles made after 1968 and diesel vehicles made after 1980).
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Vehicle Registration: To register your imported vehicle in California, you'll need:
- Proof of ownership (out-of-state title or equivalent).
- Documentation that the vehicle has cleared customs.
- Applicable fees and the following forms:
- Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
- Statement of Facts (REG 256)
- Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008)
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Additional Requirements: Depending on the vehicle, additional documentation may be needed, such as a weight certificate for trucks or a bond release letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if applicable.
For more detailed information or assistance, refer to the California DMV and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites.
Driver’s Licenses
CAF personnel and their spouses who are stationed in California can continue to drive with a valid Canadian driver’s license while they are settling in. California law allows military personnel and their dependents to use their out-of-state (or out-of-country) driver’s license as long as they remain active-duty military members or dependents of active-duty personnel.
However, once they establish California residency—such as by obtaining a California address—they will need to apply for a California driver’s license. It's important to check with the California DMV for any specific requirements or updates related to military personnel.
