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www.snowbirds.org
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Arizona Licence Plates and Vehicle Registration
Arizona state law provides a 30-day non-resident registration for non-residents of Arizona who
purchase a vehicle from an Arizona dealer, and wish to import the unregistered vehicle to Canada.
The non-resident registration costs $15 USD and can be purchased from a Motor Vehicle Department
(MVD) or authorized Third Party office.
Like many other jurisdictions, Arizona has a plate-to-owner system. When a vehicle is sold or trans-
ferred, the seller retains the plate and either requests an MVD refund or transfers the plate to another
vehicle owned by the seller. The buyer may obtain a restricted use 3-day permit through MVD offices
or Third Party providers. Alternatively, Arizona state law provides authorized automobile dealers and
title service companies with temporary registration plates for customers. In order to operate the
vehicle for any other purpose, the registration process must be completed.
Fees and vehicle licence tax (VLT) vary depending on the vehicle.
California Licence Plates and Vehicle Registration
California state law requires drivers who intend to export a vehicle from California:
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Sign and present a completed Certification for Exportation (REG 32) in person at a Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office (all registered owners whose names are joined by “and” or a
slash (/) must be present and have signed the REG 32). The REG 32 form is available at any
DMV office. If the REG 32 is signed by a power of attorney, the attorney-in-fact must be present
in the office and submit a power of attorney worded specifically to complete the REG 32 or
either the original or a photocopy of a general power of attorney.
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Provide a clear title to the vehicle to be exported (the title must be in the name(s) of the
registered owner(s) submitting the REG 32). If there is a lien holder, line 2 of the title must
contain a lien release or a completed Lien Satisfied (REG 166) must be submitted. A Salvage
Certificate, Application for Duplicate Title, Notice of Vehicle Acquisition, and Bill of Sale cannot
be used in lieu of a title.
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Provide a California driver’s licence or identification card.
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Court clearances are required for unpaid citations.
California standard and trailer licence plates are issued when drivers buy a new vehicle, replace lost,
stolen, or mutilated plates, or turn in special interest licence plates. Standard licence plates can be
replaced by submitting an application, or by visiting a DMV field office.
If a vehicle is purchased or acquired from a private party, drivers have 10 days from the date of sale to
report to the DMV the change of ownership. Transfer fees must be paid to DMV within 30 days of the
purchase date, even if you do not have all of the required documents. Failure to pay your fees to the
DMV within 30 days will result in transfer and use tax penalties.
Florida Licence Plates and Vehicle Registration
Florida state law provides for a variety of legal uses of temporary licence plates. Such licence plates
are commonly used by motor vehicle dealerships, allowing customers the legal right to drive their
newly purchased vehicle off the lot, if the customer does not have an existing licence plate to
transfer. The temporary licence plates are valid for 30 days. This provides dealerships ample time to
apply for titles and registrations for their customers.