Registering in California

[DB22]

Hey everyone, i'm new to the forum and did some searches but didn't find exactly what i was looking for.

I have a 1995 D90 NAS that I've owned since 2001. It was last registered and driven in Georgia in 2004 (long story). I now want to bring it to California (where I currently live).

I have my Georgia title, registration card from 2004, and I want to confirm the steps and timing to have it registered in California.

1. Bring the unregistered D90 to California.
2. Get a smog check.
3. Complete Reg343 (application for title/registration in California)
4. Take the Smog check and completed Reg343 to the DMV so they can complete Reg31. ( I have the original bill of sale so hopefully no issues on this one)
5. Do all of the above within 20 days of bringing it to California. I can legally drive it for those 20 days without it being registered anywhere?

Does this sound right?

Two concerns:
1. First is that it isn't registered anywhere...it was last registered in Georgia but I no longer live there so I don't believe I can register it there temporarily.
2. How difficult will the smog check be for the NAS...i'm just getting used to the forum and am reading some scary california issues...those seem to be more on ROW but just wanted to check in.

Cheers on a friday evening!

 

[Eliot]

I'm going to guess that California is merciless about out of state plates?

 

[javelinadave]

They sold them new there so go get a test and go to the MVD.

 

[pmatusov]

2. How difficult will the smog check be for the NAS...

Not really.
It has to have 50-state catalytic converters, though - they do take their time to get down on their knees

 

[Napalm00]

You are overthinking it.

Get the truck to California
Get it insured in California
Get a smog check
Register and title it with paperwork in your name

Nas are easy in CA

 

[jymmiejamz]

I'm going to guess that California is merciless about out of state plates?

Plenty of people will claim that they are strict about it, citing the cheaters website, but the reality is most people with out of state plates never have an issue. I never registered my Defenders there, and not for any particular reason. I have plenty of friends with vermont and Montana tags there as well.

 

[mgreenspan]

I had my UK spec 110 there with Texas tags for three years without issues.

 

[DB22]

Thanks for all the responses. Looking forward to bring it out west.

 

[lithium1330]

good luck with the move! as Napalm00 said,... it's straight forward with an NAS.
Where in CA are you moving to?

 

[ullur]

With no registration (if out of state is expired), you will not be able to drive in on road right away. Bring your title, proof of insurance, and the application to the DMV. They can then partially process the paperwork/payment and give you a temp operation permit so you can drive the car to smog. Ask for a three month one as the default is one month. This will give you plenty of time to address issues (if any) flagged by the smog check. Then you return to the DMV with the car for vin check and finalize the registration.

Smog will check that the engine settings match the emissions sticker on the underside of the hood. You will want to make sure your engine timing is within range. I recommend going for a long drive prior to arriving to the check to insure the engine is nice and hot. I just use a check spot that's about 15 miles down the freeway from me and show up when they open so I'm the first in line. I also keep it idling it the whole time while waiting. cat's may be an issue if they have been replaced with non CARB approved versions over the years.