[header] How to register a car in california [title] Gather ownership documents. [step] To register your car, you'll have to bring documents that prove to the dmv that you own it. This generally means you'll need to bring your title, or the bill of sale if you financed the car and the title is being held by the finance company. 
[substeps] If you purchased your car from a dealership, they typically take care of the registration for you. You'll get a temporary registration certificate to use until the dmv sends you the official registration.