BajaNomad

California car registration exemption

ddaarrbbyy - 9-23-2008 at 04:27 PM

I remember reading about a form to supply the DMV for cars registered in California but kept in Mexico, exempting the need to maintain insurance in California....any leads?

Alan - 9-23-2008 at 04:54 PM

I believe that it can be exempted from (a certain type of bi-annual test, shhhh! Do not repeat out loud or in print) if you can demonstrate it is stored in BCS but I don't believe they have an exemption for insurance and I don't know if they recognize a Mexican policy.

gnukid - 9-23-2008 at 04:54 PM

DMV statement of facts:

Smog certificate exempt
check box
Vehicle is outside California

on the line below, write clearly

Vehicle is at my vacation home in Baja California Sur at Calle Insurgentes 14567 La Paz, BCS

Except ut your correct address and include the postal code and bring something with the address on it, if you can.

Don't discuss it, just fill it in. If there is an issue, state clearly the vehicle is in Baja California Sur not in California. Or just leave and try again. It is legal and correct but sometimes people in some offices have issues with it.

Tip: Prior to going to for the renewal go online and use the DMV form to change the registered address to the baja address, maintain the mailing address as either your baja address or your US address if you fear no mail will be delivered in mex. I receive my stickers in mexico if the sticker is going to be mailed while I am there. Doing so reinforces the facts.

Basically the DMV accepts consistent correct documents. Inconsistent, poorly written docs get flagged. Having the statement of facts agree with the computer screen plus something with the address written if asked bolsters the consistent quality of the data.

Gather forms while you are in the DMV and keep them with you in case you want to mail them from Baja or use them again without returning to the office.

[Edited on 9-24-2008 by gnukid]

slimshady - 9-23-2008 at 07:06 PM

Which form is it.

gnukid - 9-23-2008 at 07:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by slimshady
Which form is it.


CA DMV Statement of Facts

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg256.htm

Section: B and then fill out the last section G.

My vehicle is at my home 123 Emiliano Zapata, Punta Arena, Playa Perfectitita, Baja California postal code


--------------------------------
You may be asked questions:

Is the vehicle there permanently? do you live there? Any answer is fine, but be honest and basically state your case, you live in two regions sort with lots of time at x location and temporarily or semi-permanently are using your car in baja and its too far to drive back for a smog nor is it required legally due to the unreasonable burden. Though you expect to bring it back likely or maybe not if its disabled.

Bring the forms with you to baja, hand em out, you can fix gringo pueblo coche problemas y muchas mas with these forms. Literally you can send the form by fax from jungle larrys palapa and solve lost plates, stickers, replacements, smog exemption etc... bring em camping-bro! The stickers will arrive at Chapitos Mercado or where ever you change your mailing address to be.

Do not raise your voice, be clear and consistent. Do not cry, try try again, do not sing sad songs. hmmm mmmm

If you screw up a portion of the form, then it will be flagged and denied which will begin a process where you are assigned a person in Sacramento and then you will submit the faxes to them and try again which is fine, but if you screw up and are inconsistent or shifty you will be denied.

[Edited on 9-24-2008 by gnukid]

fandango - 9-23-2008 at 08:22 PM

when i register my CA truck that lives in baja, i include a copy of my mexican insurance along with the statement of facts. i do this through the mail and once at the AAA office. the vehicle needs to be a certain number of miles south of the border to be exempt of smog tests.
in response to an earlier post regarding mex insurance being voided if you don't have calif insurance, i confirmed with discover baja that that is not the case.

Hook - 9-23-2008 at 09:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fandango
when i register my CA truck that lives in baja, i include a copy of my mexican insurance along with the statement of facts. i do this through the mail and once at the AAA office. the vehicle needs to be a certain number of miles south of the border to be exempt of smog tests.
in response to an earlier post regarding mex insurance being voided if you don't have calif insurance, i confirmed with discover baja that that is not the case.


I think where the confusion exists on having CA insurance to make your Mex insurance valid is when you opt for FULL COVERAGE instead of simple liability. The times I have gotten an annual, full coverage Mex policy, they have stipulated that you must have FULL COVERAGE on your US policy to be able to get the Mex policy.

I have no idea why.

fandango - 9-23-2008 at 11:50 PM

hook; that is something i didn't consider. makes sense. with so many possibilities it is good to hear what others learn.