Car Shipping from Arizona to California
Arizona to California is a short, busy route, and people search for it as "AZ to CA." Shipping the car is the easy part. California then requires a specific sequence to transfer your Arizona title and register the vehicle, and it comes with deadlines and fees worth knowing before the car arrives.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, shipping a car from Arizona to California averages about $605, with typical prices ranging from $300 to $1,150 depending on your city pair, vehicle type, and carrier.
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. How shipping costs are calculated Get a quote
**Larger vehicles:** SUVs, minivans, and full-size trucks take up more trailer space and usually add $100 to $200, or up to 40% more, to the standard sedan rate.
**Non-running vehicles:** a car that needs a winch to load typically adds $150 to $300. See our non-running vehicle guide
**Open or enclosed:** open transport is the standard and most economical choice. See our open transport guide See our enclosed transport guide
How Long It Takes
The route is short, so transit is typically 1 to 3 days once the car is picked up, which means the paperwork on the California side is usually the longer part of the process.
When to Ship
Prices typically rise during the fall snowbird season, October through December, and in the middle of summer, when shipping volume is higher. Providing a flexible pickup window of 3 to 7 days helps brokers map out efficient carrier routes and can reduce rush surcharges. See our guide to how car shipping works
Transferring Your Arizona Title and Registering in California
To transfer an Arizona title and register the vehicle in California, you must visit a California DMV field office within 20 days of establishing residency or arriving in the state. You'll need:
The total cost to register a vehicle in California typically ranges from $300 to $1,000 or more, because California calculates registration fees based on the car's market value, when you brought it into the state, the vehicle type, and your county. The California DMV's New Resident Fee Calculator will give you an exact figure before you go.
- **The application,** Form REG 343.
- **Your Arizona title,** or your most recent out-of-state registration card if you're still making payments or leasing.
- **A VIN verification,** a physical check of the vehicle identification number by a DMV representative, peace officer, or authorized inspector, on Form REG 31.
- **A California smog inspection,** which most out-of-state gas-powered vehicles need. Requirements can depend on the vehicle's age and fuel type, so check with the DMV.
- **A weight certificate,** required for certain pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
- **Proof of insurance** meeting California's minimum liability requirements.
- **Your driver's license and proof of your California address,** such as a utility bill or lease.
- **Fees and use tax.** California use tax ranges from 7.25% to 10.25% depending on your county.
Shipping From California to Arizona
Direction changes the price. California to Arizona averages about $662, a little higher than the $605 average for Arizona to California. See California to Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Arizona to California?
The market average is about $605, with typical prices from $300 to $1,150.
How soon do I have to register my car in California?
Within 20 days of establishing residency or arriving in the state.
What do I need to transfer an Arizona title to California?
Form REG 343, your Arizona title or out-of-state registration, a VIN verification on Form REG 31, a smog inspection, proof of insurance, your license and proof of address, and payment of fees and use tax.
When is it most expensive to ship from Arizona to California?
During the fall snowbird season, October through December, and in the middle of summer.
Do I tip the driver?
It's optional. Most customers tip $20 to $50 on short-to-medium deliveries, and $50 to $100 on long hauls, handed over after the final inspection and signing the Bill of Lading.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.