Titling BMW in California

M3BrianG · 05-31-2025, 09:23 AM

Just bought my dream spec E92 M3 (Mineral White on Fox red ext 6MT ZCP) out of state (Illinois) sight unseen! That being said, I’ve never had to title a car on my own. California laws are very strict, I know I need to get a smog test and vin inspection. Anything else I should be aware of? Also, how long does this process take? Car was financed so I need to send in proof of lien within 30 days.

StradaRedlands · 05-31-2025, 09:58 AM

Congratulations! I bought an out of state car on eBay maybe 15 years ago, and the smog cert was NBD, just like any car. Only thing out of the ordinary was that I had to bring the car to the actual DMV office for an inspection. It was cursory, and went quick. I think they just checked VIN number to make sure it wasn't a scam and that's it. I don't remember if I had to have an appointment, but that long ago the process could have been updated. Good luck and report back... plus post pics of the new whip!

M3BrianG · 05-31-2025, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Congratulations! I bought an out of state car on eBay maybe 15 years ago, and the smog cert was NBD, just like any car. Only thing out of the ordinary was that I had to bring the car to the actual DMV office for an inspection. It was cursory, and went quick. I think they just checked VIN number to make sure it wasn't a scam and that's it. I don't remember if I had to have an appointment, but that long ago the process could have been updated. Good luck and report back... plus post pics of the new whip!

Thanks! Currently in the process of getting it shipped. I’ll be out of town next weekend so I delayed it a bit. Once I get it, I will post pics!

StradaRedlands · 05-31-2025, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3BrianG

Thanks! Currently in the process of getting it shipped. I’ll be out of town next weekend so I delayed it a bit. Once I get it, I will post pics!

Will be worth the wait!

OpenTopCruiser · 06-01-2025, 12:08 AM

I did this last year, buying aZ4 from Arizona. Make sure the temp plates you get are valid for a while as it took over 4 months for Arizona DMV to process all the paperwork for the title change. YMMV in other states, but CA requires that the other state sends the new title to them directly, so it might take a while for you to be able to get CA plates.

05-31-2025, 09:23 AM	#1
M3BrianG New Member 29 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: May 2025 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0)	Titling BMW in California Just bought my dream spec E92 M3 (Mineral White on Fox red ext 6MT ZCP) out of state (Illinois) sight unseen! That being said, I’ve never had to title a car on my own. California laws are very strict, I know I need to get a smog test and vin inspection. Anything else I should be aware of? Also, how long does this process take? Car was financed so I need to send in proof of lien within 30 days.
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05-31-2025, 09:58 AM	#2
StradaRedlands Major General 8534 Rep 5,257 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 328i [8.25] 2013 BMW X5 35i [8.17] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [8.50] 2006 BMW 330i [8.59] 2011 BMW 528i [8.92]	Congratulations! I bought an out of state car on eBay maybe 15 years ago, and the smog cert was NBD, just like any car. Only thing out of the ordinary was that I had to bring the car to the actual DMV office for an inspection. It was cursory, and went quick. I think they just checked VIN number to make sure it wasn't a scam and that's it. I don't remember if I had to have an appointment, but that long ago the process could have been updated. Good luck and report back... plus post pics of the new whip!
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06-01-2025, 12:08 AM	#5
OpenTopCruiser Member 286 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 Join Date: Oct 2024 Location: San Rafael, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW Z4 [10.00]	I did this last year, buying aZ4 from Arizona. Make sure the temp plates you get are valid for a while as it took over 4 months for Arizona DMV to process all the paperwork for the title change. YMMV in other states, but CA requires that the other state sends the new title to them directly, so it might take a while for you to be able to get CA plates.
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