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Forum > Out of State Vehicle > Question

Registering an Out of State Kia Optima in CA

For my 2008 Kia Optima... what documents do I bring to get CA registration tags and smog check?

I need a smog check and CA certificate for my out of state vehicle. I also need a CA drivers license and my insurance is currently being transferred to CA. I would rather not need to take off work to make multiple DMV visits (one for license and one for registration), so ideally, I would not need to present a CA drivers license to obtain a CA registration certificate.

Do I need to present a California driver's license and proof of CA insurance in order to get my car registered in California, along with a smog check? What documents do I need to bring? Can I just go to a Smog Check station with my current WI license and WI proof of insurance, and get a CA smog certificate (assuming the vehicle passes the smog check)? Thank you.

Answer:

It is not necessary to have a California drivers license in order to obtain a smog check. Simply visit a smog check center and advise them you need a smog check for initial California vehicle registration. They will be happy to inspect your vehicle. Obtaining a California drivers license is a completely separate process then vehicle registration. One will not affect the other. Neither is required to complete the others process. posted by SmogTips Support

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