california car shippingauto transportvehicle shippingcalifornia regulationscar transport guide
How to Ship a Car to California: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about shipping a car to California, including costs, regulations, best routes, and step-by-step instructions.
Updated 1/12/2025
10 min read
How to Ship a Car to California: Complete Guide for 2025
California is one of the most popular destinations for car shipping in the United States. Whether you're relocating for work, buying a vehicle from out of state, or moving to the Golden State permanently, shipping your car to California requires careful planning and understanding of state regulations.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping a car to California, including costs, regulations, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth transport experience.
Why Ship a Car to California?
California attracts millions of new residents each year, and many choose to ship their vehicles rather than drive cross-country. Here are the most common reasons:
Long-distance moves – Driving from the East Coast can take 4-5 days
Time savings – Focus on other moving tasks while your car is transported
Vehicle purchases – Buying cars from dealers or private sellers in other states
Seasonal relocations – Snowbirds moving between states
Military deployments – PCS moves to California bases
California Car Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car to California varies significantly based on distance, route, and transport type. Here's what you can expect:
Popular Routes to California:
From
Distance
Open Transport
Enclosed Transport
New York
2,900 miles
$1,200 - $1,500
$1,800 - $2,400
Texas
1,400 miles
$800 - $1,100
$1,300 - $1,700
Florida
2,400 miles
$1,000 - $1,300
$1,600 - $2,100
Chicago
2,000 miles
$900 - $1,200
$1,400 - $1,800
Factors Affecting California Shipping Costs:
Distance and route popularity
Seasonal demand (higher in summer months)
Vehicle size and weight
Transport type (open vs enclosed)
Pickup and delivery locations
California Vehicle Registration Requirements
When shipping a car to California, you'll need to register it with the California DMV within 20 days of establishing residency. Here's what you need to know:
Required Documents:
Vehicle title (must be clear of liens)
California smog certificate (vehicles 1976 and newer)
Proof of insurance
Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Statement of Facts (REG 256) if applicable
California Smog Requirements:
All vehicles 4 years and older must pass a smog check
Diesel vehicles 14,000 lbs and under require smog certification
Electric and hybrid vehicles may be exempt
Out-of-state vehicles need smog check before registration
Registration Fees:
Registration fee: $46 - $175 (based on vehicle value)
California Highway Patrol fee: $24
Smog transfer fee: $8
License plates: $21
Step-by-Step Car Shipping Process
1. **Get Multiple Quotes**
Compare prices from 3-5 reputable auto transport companies
Verify licensing and insurance coverage
Read customer reviews and BBB ratings
2. **Book Your Transport**
Schedule pickup 1-2 weeks in advance
Provide accurate pickup and delivery addresses
Choose between open or enclosed transport
3. **Prepare Your Vehicle**
Remove all personal items
Keep fuel tank at 1/4 full
Document existing damage with photos
Disable car alarms and toll transponders
4. **Vehicle Pickup**
Be present during pickup inspection
Sign the Bill of Lading
Keep all documentation safe
5. **Track Your Shipment**
Stay in contact with your carrier
Monitor progress through tracking systems
Prepare for delivery
6. **Vehicle Delivery**
Inspect your vehicle thoroughly
Compare condition to pickup photos
Sign delivery receipt only after inspection
Best Routes for Shipping to California
Major California Destinations:
Los Angeles Area:
Most popular destination
Multiple carrier options
Fastest delivery times
San Francisco Bay Area:
High demand route
Competitive pricing
Regular carrier availability
San Diego:
Popular military destination
Consistent transport options
Reasonable pricing
Sacramento:
Central California hub
Good carrier availability
Moderate pricing
Seasonal Considerations
**Peak Season (May - September):**
Higher demand and prices
Longer booking lead times
More carrier availability
**Off-Season (October - April):**
Lower prices and demand
Faster booking process
Weather-related delays possible
**Best Times to Ship:**
Spring (March-May): Moderate prices, good weather
Fall (September-November): Lower demand, stable weather
California-Specific Shipping Tips
**Choose the Right Pickup Location:**
Major cities offer better pricing
Rural areas may require additional fees
Terminal-to-terminal can save money
**Plan for Smog Requirements:**
Schedule smog check immediately upon delivery
Research certified smog stations in your area
Budget extra time for potential repairs
**Consider California Traffic:**
Delivery times may be longer in LA/SF areas
Plan flexible delivery windows
Communicate with carriers about traffic delays
Common California Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not researching smog requirements
❌ Waiting until the last minute to book
❌ Choosing the cheapest quote without verification
❌ Forgetting to remove personal items
❌ Not documenting vehicle condition
FastCarShip California Services
At FastCarShip, we specialize in California car shipping with:
Licensed and insured carriers
Door-to-door service throughout California
Real-time tracking and updates
Competitive pricing on all routes
Expert customer support for California regulations
Our California Coverage:
Los Angeles and Orange County
San Francisco Bay Area
San Diego and Imperial Valley
Central Valley (Fresno, Bakersfield)
Sacramento and Northern California
Get Your California Car Shipping Quote
Ready to ship your car to California? FastCarShip makes it easy with instant quotes, professional service, and guaranteed satisfaction.
👉 Get your free instant quote today and join thousands of satisfied customers who chose FastCarShip for their California car transport needs.
Key Takeaways
California car shipping costs range from $800-$2,400 depending on distance and service
Register your vehicle within 20 days of establishing California residency
Smog certification is required for most vehicles before registration
Book transport 1-2 weeks in advance for best rates and availability
Choose a licensed, insured carrier with good reviews and proper credentials
Professional auto transport carriers ensure safe delivery nationwide with experienced drivers and modern equipment
Enclosed transport provides maximum protection for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles during shipping
Ready to Get Your Car Shipping Quote?
Get an instant, accurate quote for your vehicle transport with no hidden fees.
Learn how car shipping costs are changing in 2025 and why shipping multiple vehicles (multi-VIN) can save up to 26% per mile. Discover cost trends, strategies, and expert tips.
Learn how to ship your car from Anchorage, Alaska to Seattle, Washington. Includes shipping options, costs, timelines, and tips to prepare your vehicle.
