Register out of state diesel motorhome in California

Good to hear!

Update!
I ended up bought 1999 HR Navigator 40 with Cummins ISM/Allison 4000 from the dealer in Texas(I did not pay the sale tax), flew to Texas and drove it home in Ca 1400 miles.
I drove the MH to DMV today for VIN verification (no appointment needed) after that got in line and paid for the sale tax and DMV fee, I got the plate. No smog needed either.

00zx6r wrote:
Thanks all, will call DMV today.

Did you have any luck?

Thank you Tiffin94

My first post here. I am in the middle of registering a '94 tiffin allegro bay DP. The rig is from New Mexico. I've had to get a 3rd party vin verification (CHP is scheduled out 3 months). Certified weight and now CARB must release a hold on the vin since it is exempt. CARB now can hold up your registration until you submit photos and they release from DMV system. It is easy enough you just create a login and submit a case and pictures. https://air.arb.ca.gov/edvr

Thanks all, will call DMV today.

In 2004 the use tax exemption required functional use for 3 out of 6 months out of CA and storage was no longer a option. Fuel receipts were one of the accepted proofs. We submitted fuel, CG, food etc receipts and a travel log.

AFAIK the 2005 change was for 1 year. But for anyone interested get updated written information.

To get tax exemption from CA state board of equalization you will need to provide proof of either storage or facility rent payments for one entire year - If you bring the rig into CA before the year is up you will have to pay sales/use tax on purchase price. This was our 2002 experience.

I purchased our first DP from a CA dealer, took possesion in Nevada, registered in CA, used it out of state (last I knew the time period is now 1 year) and didn't pay any use tax with the Board of Equalization approval.

dougrainer wrote:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/registering-a-vehicle-purchased-from-a-private-party/

You will have to pay California sales tax. Doug

California disguises sales tax as a use tax. :W

Depending on where and from whom you buy the coach will determine how easy it will be to register. If purchased from a dealer, that dealer will take care of most of your paperwork. I bought our first pusher from PPL in Houston and the process was pretty straightforward. My second one was from a private party in Arizona and it was slightly more difficult. You will have to have the vin verified which can be a chore depending on who you have do it. And yes, you will have to pay the use tax. If you buy from an out of state dealer that has a reciprocal agreement with CA., they will charge you their sales tax and you'll get a credit for that from CA. against your use tax. I don't think any other State has taxes less than CA......Dennis