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State registration guide

California JDM Import Registration Guide

CARB excludes 1967 and older cars from modification and testing. It sets USEPA requirements effective 15 November 1972 for 1968–1974 cars. CARB generally requires a laboratory test and Certificate of Conformance for 1975 and newer direct-import cars more than two years from production; 1979 and older cars with original-equipment diesel engines are exempt from direct-import laboratory testing.

State agency pages checked October 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy or ship.

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Registration steps
  3. CARB direct-import program and Smog Check
  4. Expected timeline
  5. Common issues
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. Other state guides
  8. Sources

Quick answer

California registration has separate state and federal requirements, and CARB excludes 1967 and older cars from modification and testing. Its FAQ sets separate requirements for 1968–1974 cars. For 1975 and newer cars more than two years from production, laboratory certification generally applies, with an exemption for 1979 and older original-equipment diesels.

Key facts — California

NHTSA age rule
25 years from the car's own manufacture date
EPA age rule
21 years from production year; engine conditions apply
California gate
CARB: requirements depend on model year, production age and original-equipment diesel status
Vehicle verification
REG 31; 1981+ vehicles with short VINs go to CHP
Fee deadline
20 days from entry into California
Smog Check
Gasoline model year 1976 and newer; 1975 and older exempt

Overview

It sets USEPA requirements effective 15 November 1972 for 1968–1974 cars. NHTSA counts 25 years from the car's manufacture date. EPA Code E requires at least 21 years, calculated as import year minus manufacture year, in original unmodified configuration. A replacement engine must match the original model, or the engine and any aftertreatment must come from a certified vehicle no older than the imported car. Ask EPA's Imports Hotline about engine eligibility: imports@epa.gov, 734-214-4100.

DMV says diesel vehicles, motorcycles and off-highway vehicles cannot be converted at this time. CARB separately exempts 1979 and older original-equipment diesels from direct-import laboratory testing. Ask CARB (1-800-242-4450) and DMV about the exact car before buying.

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Registration steps — California

  1. Gather ownership and Customs evidence

    DMV's imported-vehicle page, checked 12 October 2026, asks for an out-of-state title or other proof of ownership, and evidence that the vehicle cleared customs: stamped and endorsed CBP forms HS-7, 3299, 3311, 3461, 6059, or 7501. Trucks and pickups also need a weight certificate. DMV lists a lien release (REG 166) where applicable.

  2. Check the emissions evidence DMV may ask for

    The same DMV page says you may also need a certificate that a CARB-licensed laboratory inspected the vehicle, evidence that it meets EPA and California emissions standards (such as an emissions label), and a smog certificate. DMV says the title is branded "NON-USA" if it lacks the federal certification label and U.S. emissions label the manufacturer attaches.

  3. Complete the application forms

    DMV's page lists the Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), Verification of Vehicle (REG 31), and a Statement of Facts (REG 256). It says the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form (REG 262) is not available online because it is printed on security paper.

  4. Have the vehicle verified on REG 31

    REG 31 is marked "not to be completed by applicant"; an authorized verifier must physically inspect the vehicle. The form prohibits licensed vehicle verifiers when the federal safety label is missing or was never issued (it names direct import-grey market vehicles) and for vehicles with documents from a foreign country. Separately, REG 31 sends used motorcycles with foreign documents to CHP. 1981-and-newer vehicles with a VIN under 17 digits must be referred to CHP.

  5. Pay fees and receive a temporary permit

    DMV says registration fees for a direct import must be paid within 20 days of entry into California, even if other requirements are unmet. When all fees are paid, DMV issues a one-time 30-day temporary operating permit to finish the other requirements. DMV's exemption section tells staff that, if an applicant cannot qualify for an exemption, they should not collect fees and should pick up any temporary permit.

CARB direct-import program and Smog Check

CARB excludes 1967 and older cars from modification and testing. It sets USEPA requirements effective 15 November 1972 for 1968–1974 cars. CARB generally requires a laboratory test and Certificate of Conformance for 1975 and newer direct-import cars more than two years from production; 1979 and older cars with original-equipment diesel engines are exempt from direct-import laboratory testing.

CARB's direct-import requirements are separate from Smog Check. BAR's Smog Check page, checked 12 October 2026, says gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles of model year 1976 and newer need a Smog Check and model year 1975 and older do not. A Smog Check is required every other year to renew registration, and a passing certificate is valid for 90 days.

A Senate release says SB 1392, signed 16 September 2026, exempts qualifying collector vehicles built before model year 1981 from biennial smog certification from 1 January 2028. Qualifying vehicles must be insured as collector vehicles or driven under 1,000 miles a year. BAR holds an implementation workshop on 22 October 2026.

Expected timeline

The DMV and BAR pages checked for this guide give no standard completion time for registering a direct import. The dated limits they do give are the 20-day fee deadline after entry into California, the one-time 30-day temporary operating permit, and the 90-day validity of a smog certificate.

Common issues

  • Treating NHTSA's 25-year rule as California approval; DMV lists CARB's emissions requirements separately.
  • Paying registration fees later than 20 days after the vehicle enters California.
  • Booking a private licensed verifier for a car with foreign-country documents or no federal safety label.
  • Reading a Smog Check model-year cutoff as the direct-import rule; BAR's cutoffs apply to Smog Check only.
  • Assuming a diesel, motorcycle, or off-highway vehicle can be converted; DMV says it cannot at this time. CARB separately exempts 1979 and older vehicles with original-equipment diesel engines from direct-import laboratory testing.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions — California

How do I register a JDM import in California?
Submit ownership and Customs evidence with REG 343 and a REG 31 verification. CARB excludes 1967 and older cars from modification and testing. It sets USEPA requirements effective 15 November 1972 for 1968–1974 cars. CARB generally requires a laboratory test and Certificate of Conformance for 1975 and newer direct-import cars more than two years from production; 1979 and older cars with original-equipment diesel engines are exempt from direct-import laboratory testing.
Can I register a 25-year-old JDM car in California?
NHTSA counts 25 years from manufacture for federal safety standards. EPA's separate 21-year provision has engine conditions. CARB excludes 1967 and older cars from modification and testing. It sets USEPA requirements effective 15 November 1972 for 1968–1974 cars. CARB generally requires a laboratory test and Certificate of Conformance for 1975 and newer direct-import cars more than two years from production; 1979 and older cars with original-equipment diesel engines are exempt from direct-import laboratory testing.
Does an out-of-state title make my import California legal?
No. DMV lists an out-of-state title or other proof of ownership as one item, alongside Customs evidence and possible emissions evidence. DMV's direct-import section tells staff that exemptions do not apply to direct imports. Another section describes an exemption form (REG 256F) for used direct imports through model year 1975 with prior-residency or military conditions. Ask DMV whether either applies to your car.
Does California require a smog check for a 25-year-old import?
Smog Check depends on model year. BAR lists gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles of model year 1976 and newer as needing one, and model year 1975 and older as not needing one. DMV's list of evidence for direct imports includes a smog certificate and, separately, a CARB-licensed laboratory certificate.
Will my short Japanese chassis number need CHP verification?
Possibly. REG 31 says all 1981 and newer model year vehicles with a VIN of fewer than 17 digits must be referred to CHP for verification. It prohibits private licensed vehicle verifiers for vehicles with foreign documents. Its separate foreign-document requirement for CHP inspection concerns used motorcycles.
When are fees due, and how long does registration take?
DMV says direct-import fees are due within 20 days of entry into California, and paying them brings a one-time 30-day temporary operating permit. The DMV and BAR pages checked give no standard completion time. DMV tells staff not to collect fees from an applicant who cannot qualify for an exemption.

See also

Other state guides

Sources

Agency pages and forms below were checked on October 12, 2026.

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