for those who've had their mini's purchased out of the state of Cali., what's the procedure? I was just reading a thread from a guy that just got his MCS from Mini of the hamptons and it seems that he had to get it smogged right away and then hike it to DMV for plates? can anyone post their experience and some tips in making the deed easier? I'm sure a lot of people would benefit from it.... thanks.

 

Please do a search (try "California DMV").

There's tons of info including an excellent post by someone with a step by step procedure.

 

The suggested search will help, I'm sure.

The only problem I ran into was that the temp NY registration is only valid for 30 days. I bought my Mini on 6/24, so the temp reg expires 7/24. I just got my car today (7/22), so I had 2 days for smog and CA registration. Not that cops go looking for expiration dates on paper tags taped to people's windows or anything, but better to be safe than sorry.

If you buy from MOTH, Jerry will take care of the temp reg and set up shipping. Just get yourself to the delivery point (mine was a towing/impound company), get the car smogged, take all of your paperwork to the DMV and you're done. Voila!

 

You can get an extension on the temp.. should be no problem as I had the same problem , just another state. Read the back posts. everything you need to know is there. Really a very easy process..

 

California is a special case. Not every state is as strict. Here in Virginia all you need is the paperwork from the purchase state, since we have no smog testing program. I once registered a car in Utah when I lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and the car was never in the state of Utah!The real rub is taxes. Some states tax by vehicle purchase price, some by a fixed value from a manual, some by weight, or some other factor. When I bought a car in New York in the 60's, but was in college in North Carolina, I did not pay high New York sales taxes, and did not pay North Carolina taxes because it was a "road use" tax, and I signed a form that said I lived in New York. Check it out in advance, since the proper alignment of state laws can save you money!

 

Does every out of state car come with temp tags? I thought you only needed temp tags if you were driving it back to the state.

There's alot of info on the DMV website too. You have 20 days since the car is operated in CA or you take posession of it to register it at the DMV. You should get the vehicle verification done at a CHP office and then make an appointment w/ the DMV to register your car. That way you won't have to wait in the horrendously long line at the DMV twice. And I don't think they do vehicle verification appointments. But this is only if you know when your car will arrive.

 

I live in the Republik of Kalifornia and purchased my MCS in Utah (paid MSRP as opposed to $5000 over!) I was given a 30 day Utah registration and then had to get it smogged and take it to the DMV for registration. Overall not a big deal. If you know when you will pick up your car, make an appointment at the DMV and it will go that much smoother. If you wait till you get your car, as I did, there may not be an appointment available for 30 days.

To save that much on the car I would do it again in a heartbeat! Plus had a great weekend with my 8 year old daughter and my wife got some peace and quiet.

Dave
2003 DS/B MCS

 

once again, california really is not that bad to register in.. i would do it all at the dmv, make an appt and you will be out of there in one hour.. if you keep the car unregistered and out of california for 90 days the state tax is not collected. read the california dmv page for all the info. just ask for extensions on the temp tag. good luck.

 

[size=3][font=Times New Roman]Well I got my car sent to Cali from NY 3 months ago and it wasn't hard at all. You can actually get the car register 30 days after the car enters the state without a late fee. I even got the car smoged one week after going to the DMV. They gave me one of those temp registration card (the red ones with a number. About 6" x 6"). Once you turn everything in, (certificate of ownership and smog, money for CA sales tax, registration fee, and DMV paper) You walk out with your plates and sticker.[/font][/size][font=Arial][/font]

 

A DMV appointment is the most critical part of registering. Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment, park in the area designated for inspections and raise the bonnet. Somebody official will show up asking what you need, and then verify the VIN and catalytic converter compliance - the plaque is on the outside of the driver side wheel well. You can complete the paperwork while you wait in line. Remember to bring all the documents and the smog certification, and your checkbook and pen. It took me about 25 minutes at DMV and I left with plates and registration, and a slightly smaller checking account.