Can I register a car at my second home in California?

Traffic Laws Forum
1

I’ve got a question about registering my car. It’s currently registered at my primary home in California, but now I’m planning to keep it at my second home. Can I register it there instead? It’ll mostly stay at the second home, so I want to make sure everything’s legit with the DMV. Anyone done this before or know what’s involved?

2

Yeah, you can do that. The DMV goes by where the car is ‘principally garaged.’ If it’s mostly at your second home, it’s fine to update the registration.

3

Brooke said:
Yeah, you can do that. The DMV goes by where the car is ‘principally garaged.’ If it’s mostly at your second home, it’s fine to update the registration.

Good to know, thanks! Do I just go to the DMV, or is there an online option?

4

@Colby
I think you’ll need to go in person since you have to show proof of the second address. Bring utility bills or something like that.

5

@Colby
You might be able to start the process online, but most likely they’ll want to verify everything in person.

6

Just make sure your insurance is updated too. They check that the car’s address matches what’s on file with your insurance.

7

BriefCaseMaven said:
Just make sure your insurance is updated too. They check that the car’s address matches what’s on file with your insurance.

Oh, didn’t think about the insurance part. Thanks for the heads-up!

8

@Colby
No problem! It’s an easy fix—just let your insurance company know about the new garaging address.

9

What do they mean by ‘principally garaged’? Like, does it have to be there all the time?

10

Rohan said:
What do they mean by ‘principally garaged’? Like, does it have to be there all the time?

Not 24/7, lol. It’s just where the car is kept overnight most of the time. Doesn’t have to be 100% of the time.

11

Rohan said:
What do they mean by ‘principally garaged’? Like, does it have to be there all the time?

Gotcha, that makes sense. Thanks!

12

Make sure you bring your current registration and proof of insurance to the DMV. They’ll update both when you change the address.

13

Morgan said:
Make sure you bring your current registration and proof of insurance to the DMV. They’ll update both when you change the address.

Cool, thanks for the tip. Anything else I should know before going?

14

@Colby
Not really, just be prepared for the usual DMV lines, lol. Maybe make an appointment if you can.

15

If you’re keeping two cars, you can register them at separate addresses. Just make sure they meet the ‘principally garaged’ rule.

16

rayo said:
If you’re keeping two cars, you can register them at separate addresses. Just make sure they meet the ‘principally garaged’ rule.

That’s interesting. I only have one car for now, but good to know in case I add another.