California Out-of-State Vehicle Title Bond
Bringing a car in from another state and can't get a title? California registers out-of-state vehicles through the DMV, and when the regular evidence of ownership isn't obtainable, the DMV can take a Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057) with your application.
Estimate the amount first with the title bond calculator. This page is part of our California title bond guide; for the national picture, see vehicle title bonds. If you bought the car in another state, the out-of-state purchase overview covers the general process; the California-specific steps are below.
Prefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. No obligation.
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
First, which situation are you in?
California handles an out-of-state vehicle differently depending on your paperwork, and the steps split early:
- You have the other state's title (or can get it). This is a standard out-of-state registration: bring the vehicle in for a physical inspection, meet California's smog rule, and submit the DMV's forms. No bond is involved.
- You can't get a title at all. The DMV can accept a motor vehicle bond for a vehicle from another state or country when the regular evidence of ownership isn't obtainable.
- You hold a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration. For this one the DMV says to go back to the state where the vehicle was last titled first, and a bond may be required if that state can't issue a title.
Work out which situation you're in before you do anything else, because it changes what you bring.
Registering an out-of-state vehicle: the inspection and smog
For any out-of-state vehicle, California requires an in-person step. The DMV's out-of-state title transfer checklist states that "Registering an out-of-state vehicle in California requires a mandatory in-person visit to a DMV office because the vehicle must undergo a physical inspection."
The checklist pairs that inspection with a VIN verification on form REG 31. Who may complete it is strict. The REG 31 form says it "must be ... completed IN FULL by an authorized DMV representative, California licensed vehicle verifier, authorized auto club employee, or peace officer," and it is marked "NOT TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT." You cannot fill it in yourself.
If the car is still out of state, the DMV's out-of-state checklist notes that "a peace officer in that state can provide VIN Verification. However, it is mandatory that the peace officer uses the REG 31 form." The checklist also describes the California visit as mandatory, so whether an out-of-state REG 31 removes the need to bring the car to a California office is not something we have found spelled out on the checklist — confirm that with the DMV before you rely on it.
The same checklist states that "out-of-state smog tests are not accepted." Whether your particular vehicle needs a smog check at all is not something we have found on the checklist; confirm with the DMV.
The checklist also lists form REG 343 among the out-of-state paperwork; confirm the current checklist with the DMV for how it applies to your vehicle.
Eric will call and walk through the order of these steps with you, and he speaks Spanish if that's easier.
When you can't get the other state's title
California's Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual states that the DMV will "Accept a motor vehicle bond for any vehicle, including one from another state or country, when regular evidence of ownership is not obtainable. This includes an application to convert a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration." So a missing title on an out-of-state or foreign vehicle is a situation the bond can cover, once you've shown the regular ownership evidence isn't obtainable.
If you hold a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration, the DMV's title transfers and changes page sets a first step: "You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled. If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required." So for a goldenrod, go back to the last titling state first; a bond comes in if that state can't issue a title, with documentation to show it. Whether the DMV expects that same go-back step for an out-of-state vehicle that simply never had a title is not something we have found spelled out; confirm with the DMV.
How the California bond works for an out-of-state vehicle
The bond is a Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057). A few details matter for an out-of-state vehicle:
- Amount. The manual states that "The bond must be obtained for the fair market value of the vehicle or vessel." That is one times the fair market value.
- When it applies. A bond or a bond alternative is used "when the required supporting evidence of ownership is not available" and a condition is met — for a vehicle, the manual lists value of "$5,000 or more," and it treats a nontransferable (goldenrod) application as covered regardless of value. A vehicle under $5,000 follows a different route (a REG 256 with documentation), separate from the goldenrod rule — confirm which applies to you with the DMV.
- The surety. The bond must be "issued by an admitted surety insurer authorized to do business in California by the Department of Insurance," and "the signature must be notarized. A bond preprinted with the surety's signature and notary acknowledgement is not acceptable."
- A deposit alternative. In place of a bond, the manual allows a title deposit (REG 5059).
- Term. The REG 5057 condition reads "The bond remains effective in accordance with Vehicle Code section 4158." The number of years isn't on the form; confirm the term with the DMV.
The surety issues the bond; BuySuretyBonds is a licensed California insurance agency. We shop multiple U.S. Treasury-listed surety carriers, and Eric works to get you what you need as fast as he can.
What the out-of-state move costs
The DMV's out-of-state checklist marks its fees as approximate. It names "A $28 non-resident service fee plus standard registration fees," and for use tax a range "Ranging from 7.25% to 10.25%." Use the DMV's own fee estimate and confirm the figure for your vehicle with the DMV.
Related California title situations
- California lost or duplicate title — if the title existed but is missing.
- California salvage and rebuilt titles — if the vehicle carries a brand.
FAQ
What is required to register an out-of-state vehicle in California?
The DMV's out-of-state checklist states that "Registering an out-of-state vehicle in California requires a mandatory in-person visit to a DMV office because the vehicle must undergo a physical inspection." That inspection is paired with a VIN verification on form REG 31, and the checklist states that "out-of-state smog tests are not accepted." Whether your vehicle needs a smog check at all, and how form REG 343 fits, are points to confirm with the DMV.
I bought a car out of state and never got a title — what do I do in California?
California's registration manual states the DMV will "Accept a motor vehicle bond for any vehicle, including one from another state or country, when regular evidence of ownership is not obtainable." If instead you hold a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration, the DMV says "You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled. If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required."
Can I convert a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration in California?
California's registration manual states the DMV will "Accept a motor vehicle bond for any vehicle, including one from another state or country, when regular evidence of ownership is not obtainable. This includes an application to convert a nontransferable (goldenrod) registration." You still have to show the regular ownership evidence isn't obtainable first.
Who can complete the REG 31 VIN verification?
The REG 31 form says it "must be ... completed IN FULL by an authorized DMV representative, California licensed vehicle verifier, authorized auto club employee, or peace officer," and that it is "NOT TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT." If the car is still out of state, the DMV says "a peace officer in that state can provide VIN Verification. However, it is mandatory that the peace officer uses the REG 31 form."
How much is the California Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond?
The registration manual states that "The bond must be obtained for the fair market value of the vehicle or vessel." That is one times the fair market value, with no multiplier. Estimate yours with the title bond calculator.
Are out-of-state smog tests accepted in California?
No. The DMV's out-of-state checklist states that "out-of-state smog tests are not accepted." Whether your vehicle needs a smog check at all is a point to confirm with the DMV.