Cars/Driving in California

Vehicle Registration

The State of California requires that persons who become "residents" of the state register their vehicles within 20 days of entry. Although foreign students are considered "non‑resident" according to the U.S. Department of Immigration, the state has a right to declare one a "resident" of the state for its own purposes.

Persons are considered California "residents", for purposes of vehicle registration, if they meet any of the following descriptions:

  • intend to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis
  • are present in the state for six months or more in any 12 month period
  • have registered to vote in California
  • have a business or employment address here
  • accept gainful employment here
  • pay tuition at a California institution of higher learning
  • rent or lease a home for residence here
  • have a California driver's license
  • declare residency to obtain a license or other privilege not ordinarily extended to non‑residents
  • act in other ways that indicate a presence in California that is more than transient or temporary.

The DMV considers students as residents!

Registration can be done at any of the Department of Motor Vehicles branches. They work on an appointment system, so it is good to call ahead, make an appointment, and reduce your waiting time. Check the DMV website for more information and locations: www.dmv.ca.gov

Driver's License

The same regulations regarding residency apply for one's driver's license. You must get a California Driver's License if you drive in California. You may be able to get a license with only a written test if you present a valid license from another state. Otherwise you will need to take both a written and a driving test. They are done on different days. It is good also to work with the appointment system. You can get a test booklet mailed to your address from one of the DMV offices listed above. You must have and show your original Social Security Card or the form showing you do not qualify for a Social Security Card in order to get a California Driver's License. If you do not have a Social Security Card because you have been denied by the Social Security Administration show that information to the Department of Motor Vehicle and your license will be issued.

Insurance

Automobile insurance for liability is required in California. Most automobile insurers in California write policies for a six‑month period. It is wise to shop around for insurance as rates vary considerably. It is important to be able to show proof of previous insurance coverage. If you do sell your car before coming here, for example, be sure to bring along copies of documents showing that you were previously insured and if possible an offer to reinsure (i.e., renewal offer).

California Non-Driver Identification Card

Students who do not have a driver's license and find their passport inconvenient to carry around for identification purposes can obtain a California Non‑Driver Identification Card. This is especially useful when writing checks and is recommended even for students with an international driver's license. These can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles. A Social Security Number is required in order to obtain an identification card.

Canadian Vehicles

One of the questions for Canadian students is whether or not to bring in their vehicle from Canada. This section seeks to provide information to help you clarify your options.

You will be required to register your car in California. Unless your insurance company will continue your coverage under California registration, you will also need to insure your vehicle in California.

The critical variable for Canadian students is whether your car meets U.S. safety and emission standards. Canadian cars do not meet California standards, but you can get a letter from the manufacturer of your vehicle stating that your car meets U.S. standards. This is good to have for customs and for registering your car in California. If your car meets U.S. Safety and emission standards and is more than two years old/has more than 7500 miles, you may import it duty free and register it in California. You can tell if it has been manufactured to U.S. standards by finding one or two stickers indicating that the car meets both U.S. Environmental Standards as well as U.S. Safety Standard (may be in engine compartment, door post, or elsewhere). After arriving in California, call 1-800-622-7733 to make an appointment at one of the state’s Consumer Assistance and Referee (CAR) centers. Be sure to bring the manufacturer’s letter with you when you go to a CAR to obtain your Smog Check.

When you cross the border, you must complete a U.S. Customs form EPA 3520-1 and have it signed by U.S. Customs. Tell the customs agent that you are a Canadian student, and have in hand your letter of admission to MBBS and your I-20 or IAP-66. It is also helpful to have a copy of the letter from the vehicle's manufacturer. Make sure you have extra copies of all your documents for D.M.V. and Insurance Companies.

After you have your Smog Certificate, take it along with your current Canadian registration, a copy of your EPA-3520-1 form (they may not need this but it is good to have it just in case) to a DMV office and proceed with the registration. You need to make sure this is done within 21 days of your arrival in California or you will be charged a penalty fee.

If you have any questions or need more information you can call the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Foreign Vehicle Information Unit, at (916) 657-8551.

You can import a U.S. bought vehicle to Canada without paying duty or sales tax, provided that:

  • You have been a resident in the U.S. for one year (short returns for vacation do not break your string - however, returning home to work for the summer might).
  • You have not paid more than $10,000.00 Cdn for it (If more than $10,000.00, the excess is dutiable),
  • You have owned the vehicle for 6 months, and
  • You do not sell the vehicle for 1 year after importing.
  • That it meets current Canadian safety standards.

You may want to check specific details by calling the Canadian National Customs Hotline (from Canada) 1-800-267-6626.

You will need to secure insurance separately. We would suggest you make a photocopy of your current registration, particularly if your insurance is a government plan and linked to your registration. Insurance companies want to see proof of your insurability.