Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements - California DMV
You will likely pay California use tax (typically 7.25% to 10.25%, depending on your home county) when you register the vehicle. If you paid sales tax in the state of purchase, you can often receive a credit for tax paid to reduce the California bill, provided the other state is reciprocal. buying an rv out of state california
For 2025 and 2026 models, new motorhomes over 8,500 lbs GVWR face stricter sales restrictions in California and several other states. If buying a 2024 or newer model, verify the engine's "Clean Idle" or "Low NOx" certification, especially for diesel units. If buying a 2024 or newer model, verify
California considers any vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles to be "new". If you buy a new RV out of state, it must have a manufacturer's label certifying it meets California emission standards. If it is non-compliant and has under 7,500 miles, the DMV will block registration. If it is non-compliant and has under 7,500
Purchasing an RV outside California is a viable way to find specific models or better deals, but as of 2026, California's strict emissions and tax laws make the process complex. While the actual purchase is straightforward, bringing the vehicle into the state requires careful attention to the "7,500-mile rule" for emissions and mandatory use tax payments.
