RV & Motorhome Registration in California

Registration Renewal

How to Register

Registering a motor home or recreational vehicle in California is just like registering a car. Be sure to register it within 10 days with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dealers will take care of title transfer and registration for you. If you bought from a private party, make an appointment at your local DMV office and bring:

• Completed Application for Title or Registration

• Proof of ownership, such as Certificate of Title OR Application for Duplicate Title. If you got a loan, you won't have this.

• Bill of Sale.

• Smog certification (depending on the age of the vehicle)

• Transfer fee of $15

• Registration fee of $34

• use tax

• Additional registration and Vehicle License Fees

Use the registration fee calculator to estimate your fees before heading to the DMV.

When you renew, you have to provide proof of insurance. Your vehicle might be also be required to pass a smog test.

Smog Testing

Motor homes and RVs between six and 30 years old require smog certification. Diesel-powered RVs are exempt.

Depending on the county you live in, you might be required to submit a new smog certificate to the DMV every two years, when you renew your registration.

Check the California DMV smog certification page to find out more about the smog requirements for your vehicle. If you need to get your RV smogged, be sure to confirm with the inspection station ahead of time that they can accommodate your larger vehicle.

Nonoperational RVs and Motor homes

If your RV or motor home is sitting in your driveway inoperable, you can register it as nonoperational.

The DMV has a nonoperation registration renewal brochure with more information. The fee to register a vehicle as inoperable is $16.

Registering a Vehicle From Out of State

The DMV provides a handy checklist on what's required.

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