Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing, and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers, and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

California State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes: automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers, and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured.

Current California Law:

• Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.)

• ​Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.

• Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, BUT at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)

• Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California's Mandatory Seat Belt law. 

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving.

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide, including NAS Lemoore. 

Driver's License

All drivers in the state must have either a current California license or a current license from their home of record.

Dependents, over age 16 but under age 18, must either (1) apply for and obtain a California drivers license within 10 days of entry to California, or (2) maintain their valid out of state license until the expiration date provided they apply for a California "Nonresident Minor's Certificate and submit proof of financial responsibility (Form SR22/Proof of Insurance).

Registering Vehicles in California

Nonresident military personnel may either register their automobile in California or operate their automobile with a current registration from their home of record. Vehicle registration from the last duty station is valid for one year, or the expiration date, whichever comes first. The vehicle registration may be renewed in the home state or California before the end of the registration period. California provides a reduced rate of fees for military personnel, but the vehicle must be registered to the military member.

The following items are needed to register the vehicle:

• Completed Application for Registration (DMV for REG343) and out-of-state title
• Last issued out-of-state registration card (required if no title submitted)
• Verification of Vehicle by DMV or law enforcement (DMV for REG31)
• Smog certification (motor vehicles only)
• Weight certificate for commercial vehicles and trailers only.
• Appropriate DMV fees (includes registration, transfer fees and use tax if due.
• Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement completed.

Registering Vehicles on Base

You are required to register all motorized vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles, that will be driven on station. Please stop by Pass & ID office Bldg. 716

Proof of ownership or current vehicle registration, insurance and a valid driver's license are required for each vehicle at the time of registration.

If you have a car registered out of state it will need to pass a smog certification. Autos five yeas old and older will need a smog check also.

Minimum insurance requirements are $15/30,000 public liability and $5,000 property damage, although we recommend you carry more for your own protection.

If you do not own the vehicle and are not a member of the owner's family, you must present notarized permission from the owner to drive the vehicle.

Vehicles must pass an annual safety inspections and motorcyclists must wear boots, safety vest and helmets while on base and must have a safety course card.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.