New Cars

Each year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will process and record every new vehicle that is purchased. When a consumer purchases a new vehicle from a franchised dealer, that dealer is required to send the DMV all information about the purchase. This information will include the registered drivers name, address, drivers license number, vehicle identification number, lien holder, year, make, and model of the vehicle. The DMV will then record this information and distribute official California license plates. When requested, the DMV will issue personalized license plates and each license plate will be sent direct to the registered address with a new registration card and current stickers which will be placed on the license plate.

Picking out a new vehicle these days is a difficult task. With all the different makes and models your choices seem endless. The best advice is to test drive your choices and decide which vehicle best suits your needs. After that decision is made, pick the color combination, model package, and equipment you want. Then price shop your vehicle with online services as well as from dealers direct. Take the lowest priced dealer or service and go with them. Make sure you have secured the lowest possible interest rate and negotiate best you can on extended warranties and all after market products they may offer. Always put on your seat belt and enjoy your new car, truck, van, or SUV.

License Plates

The franchised car dealer you purchased your vehicle from will send DMV all necessary information for you to receive your license plates usually in less than 60 days. If you have a personalized license plate on your existing vehicle, you may sign a "plate reassignment" form and transfer them to your new vehicle. You may also ask for a new personalized license plate and choose from several different license plate designs.

Warranty

Every new vehicle purchased will come with a free limited warranty. Although they differ between makes, most are usually 3 years or 36,000 miles. Some may be more, some less. In any case, the major components of your vehicle will be covered under most circumstances. You may also purchase an additional extended warranty if you like which is sold at all franchised dealers. Currently, some of these extended warranties will go as far as 7 years or 100,000 miles.

Registration

Your registration will be mailed to you direct from the DMV. Each registration will have two stickers, one indicating the month your vehicle was purchased and one the year. You will receive new "year" stickers each year with periodic smog requirements. Post your stickers on your rear license plates and keep your registration in your glove box.

Lien Holder

The California DMV will be notified of your lien holder (bank or credit union financing your vehicle) by the franchised dealer you bought it from. You will not receive your title until your last payment is made. Your lien holder retains legal ownership of your vehicle until it is paid in full.

Title

Your California title will arrive in the mail once your lien is satisfied (paid off). In some cases, the lien holder may not have an actual title but just a signed "lien satisfied" form which you may then take to the DMV and they will send for your official title.