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.

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. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. 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.

Vehicle Registration for Military Personnel in California

This information is intended to help service members understand California vehicle registration requirements. It is strongly recommended to verify all information with the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and the local base vehicle registration office for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Key Points:

Residency: California generally follows a "three-state rule" concept, meaning you cannot simultaneously claim residency in one state, have a driver's license in another, and register your vehicle in a third. This is a complex issue and should be discussed with the DMV.

Military Personnel and Registration: Service members stationed in California may have options regarding vehicle registration. They may choose to maintain registration in their home state or register their vehicle in California.

Out-of-State Registration: Out-of-state vehicle registration is valid in California until its regular expiration date. Upon expiration, you may renew in your home state or apply for California registration.

California Registration Requirements (if chosen): If you choose to register your vehicle in California, you will generally need the following:

• Out-of-State Title (if applicable): The DMV will likely request the out-of-state title.
• Last Issued Registration: Bring your current or most recent registration document.
• License Plates: You will surrender your out-of-state license plates.
• Smog Certificate (if applicable): California has strict emissions standards. Most vehicles require a smog check before registration. Exemptions generally include:
  • Vehicles older than 1975 (check with DMV for specific year)
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Vehicles registered as hybrid vehicles
  • Important Smog Note: Depending on the vehicle's year, make, and model, other exemptions or specific requirements may apply.
• Proof of California Car Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory. Minimum coverage requirements are:
  • $15,000 bodily injury (per person)
  • $30,000 bodily injury (per accident)
  • $5,000 property damage (per accident)
• Odometer Disclosure: Required for registration or transfer. The DMV can refuse registration if the odometer reading is not provided.
• Vehicle Inspection (possible): The DMV may require a vehicle inspection, particularly for vehicles from out of state.
• Fees: Registration fees apply, which may include a vehicle license fee (VLF) based on the vehicle's value. You may have to pay an additional transportation fee which can be found on the California DMV website.
• Application Forms: The DMV has specific forms for registering a vehicle. You can find these forms on the DMV website or at a DMV office. It is crucial to confirm if there are specific forms related to military status and potential fee adjustments.

Military Benefits:

• Military Rate: The California DMV may offer a military rate on the basic annual registration and vehicle fee. Contact the DMV to ask about the California DMV's Nonresident Military Exemption.
• Check for other exemptions: Contact the California DMV and local base vehicle registration office for the most accurate information.

Base Registration: Many military bases require you to register your vehicle with the base Provost Marshal's Office (PMO) or Security Office within a specified timeframe (e.g., 60 days) after arriving or registering the vehicle in California. Check the specific base regulations.

Motorcycles:

• Safety Gear (on base): When operating a motorcycle on a military installation, you must wear:
  • ANSI-approved helmet with fastened chin strap.
  • Shoes or boots with leather sides and hard rubber or leather soles.
  • Full-finger gloves.
  • Full-length trousers.
  • Long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
• Headlight: The headlight must be on while driving on base.
• Motorcycle Safety Course: All motorcycle drivers must attend a motorcycle safety course and obtain a Motorcycle Safety Card (or equivalent certification) as required by the base.

Cell Phones:

• Restrictions (on base): DoD installations enforce cell phone restrictions. Drivers on base cannot use a cell phone unless:
  • The vehicle is safely parked.
  • The driver is using a hands-free device.

Important Considerations and Recommendations:

• Contact the California DMV: The California DMV website (www.dmv.ca.gov ) is your primary resource. Contact them directly for specific questions about your situation.
• Base Regulations: Consult the specific vehicle registration requirements for the military base where you are stationed. The PMO or Security Office will have this information.
• Vehicle Inspections: Be prepared for potential vehicle inspections, both for safety and emissions compliance.
• Timely Registration: Adhere to deadlines for vehicle registration to avoid penalties.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or official advice. Always consult the official sources (California DMV and base regulations) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

DMV Locations and Driver's Licenses for Military Family Members in San Diego

DMV Locations:

• Number of Locations: There are approximately ten Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations in the San Diego area. The exact number may fluctuate, and it's recommended to use the California DMV website (www.dmv.ca.gov) to confirm locations and hours of operation.

Driver's Licenses for Military Family Members:

Nonresident Status: This is a complex issue and should be discussed with the DMV. The DMV maintains that lawful family members are entitled to the same nonresident status as their active duty sponsors.

California Driver's License (Potential Exemption): The DMV may grant an exemption from the requirement to obtain a California driver's license to family members of active-duty military personnel stationed in California, provided the following conditions are strictly met:

1. Valid Home State Driver's License: The family member's driver's license from their home state must remain valid.
2. Age Requirement: The family member must be age 18 or older.
3. No Permanent California Residency: The family member must not establish permanent residency in California. Factors considered for establishing residency include, but are not limited to:
   • Registering to vote in California.
   • Obtaining a California professional license.
   • Declaring California as your state of domicile for tax purposes.
4. No Commercial Driving: The family member must not be employed for compensation for the purpose of driving a motor vehicle (e.g., as a truck driver, taxi driver, delivery driver).
5. Adherence to California Law: The family member must comply with all other California driving laws, including insurance requirements, traffic laws, and DUI laws.

Important Considerations:

• Verification: It is imperative to verify this information directly with the California DMV. Contact a local DMV office in San Diego or consult the DMV website for the most current official policy. Ask for the specific regulation or code section that outlines this exemption for military family members.
• Documentation: The DMV may require documentation to prove your active-duty military status and your relationship to the service member. This might include a copy of the service member's orders and a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Residency Determination: The DMV has the final authority to determine whether you have established residency in California.
• Legal Ramifications: Driving without a valid driver's license (if deemed required by the DMV) can have serious legal consequences.
• Potential Changes: DMV policies can change. It is crucial to confirm the current policy with the DMV before relying on this information.
• Military ID: Active duty military personnel can drive in California using their valid home state license and military ID.

Strong Recommendation: Even if you believe you qualify for the exemption, it is highly recommended to contact the DMV and discuss your specific situation. Obtain written confirmation of your exemption if possible.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or official advice. Always consult the official sources (California DMV) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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 Governors Highway Safety Association page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 6 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

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