California

When moving from Alabama to California, you must register your vehicle within 20 days of establishing residency. You must also transfer your driver's license within 10 days. Plan to visit the California DMV promptly after your move.

Registering your vehicle in California costs $68 base + county fees + VLF. Title transfer fee is $23 (title transfer is required). Vehicle sales/use tax is 7.25% (plus local). Budget for these costs before your move.

California requires emissions testing: Statewide biennial smog check. No recurring safety inspection is required. Check if your specific county requires testing.

California requires minimum liability insurance of 30/60/15 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage, in thousands). Your current Alabama minimums are 25/50/25. You must update your insurance to meet California requirements before registering.

California requires both front and rear plates (Alabama requires rear only). Surrender out-of-state plates; new CA plates issued. You will need to surrender your Alabama plates and obtain new California plates.

For the most current requirements, fees, and forms, visit the official California DMV at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/. Requirements can change, so verify before your move.