Caution: Unless the vehicle was originally manufactured to meet California emission standards or the owner or vehicle qualifies for an exemption, California law prohibits:
California residents or businesses from bringing into California or registering in California, a motor vehicle that had less than 7,500 miles on the odometer (at the time of purchase, trade, or acquisition).
Anyone from importing a new direct import vehicle less than two years old.
Does This Apply to Someone Moving to California?
If you are moving to California from another
state, you may register a new 49-state
vehicle if it was first registered by you in
your home state, or for military personnel,
in the last state of your military service.
When applying for vehicle registration in
California, you must provide evidence that
the vehicle was registered.