Car Shipping from Washington to California
Washington to California is a West Coast corridor, and people search for it as "WA to CA." The shipping is straightforward. What catches people out is California's rules for a car arriving from out of state, especially if the car is new or was bought in a neighboring state.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, the average cost to ship a car from Washington to California is about $771, with standard open-carrier shipments generally ranging from $450 to $1,350.
These are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. Car shipping cost guide Get a quote
**Open transport:** the industry standard and the most affordable method. How open car transport works
**Enclosed transport:** protects the vehicle from weather and road debris and typically adds 40% to 60% to the base rate. Enclosed car transport explained
**Larger vehicles:** SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks take up more space and weight, generally adding $100 to $200.
**Non-running vehicles:** an inoperable car typically adds $150 to $300 for the specialized equipment needed to winch it onto the trailer. See our non-running vehicle guide
How Long It Takes
This is the reverse of a corridor where typical city pairs run 2 to 5 days in transit once the car is picked up. See California to Washington for city-pair examples See our guide to how car shipping works
When to Ship
Moving a vehicle in late spring and early summer hits peak pricing because of the surge in overall moving demand. Late fall and winter rates are usually lower, though holiday weeks can cause brief price spikes.
California's Rules for a Car From Out of State
**Registration timeline.** Once the car arrives in California, you're generally required to start the registration and VIN verification process within 20 days of bringing it into the state.
**The 7,500-mile rule.** California prohibits residents and businesses from importing or registering a new out-of-state vehicle that doesn't meet California emissions standards if it has fewer than 7,500 odometer miles when acquired. A "49-state" or federal-only new car under that threshold can't be registered. A car with 7,500 miles or more is treated as used and faces fewer restrictions. To check, look under the hood for the emission control label, which should state that the vehicle complies with California or 50-state standards. People moving to California with a car they already own and register elsewhere are typically exempt.
**Smog inspection.** Most out-of-state vehicles need a California smog inspection before they can be registered, with an exception for battery-electric vehicles. Requirements can depend on the vehicle's age and fuel type, so check with the DMV.
**Use tax.** When you register the car, California collects use tax based on the purchase price and your local rate, minus any tax you legally paid in another state. You can't avoid California tax by buying in a state with none. See Texas to California for the full list of registration steps
Shipping From California to Washington
Direction changes the price. California to Washington averages about $901, noticeably higher than the $771 average for Washington to California. See California to Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington to California?
The market average is about $771, with standard open-carrier shipments generally between $450 and $1,350.
What is California's 7,500-mile rule?
It prohibits California residents and businesses from registering a new out-of-state vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles that isn't certified to California emissions standards. A federal-only new car can't be registered, and a car over 7,500 miles is treated as used.
Do I need a smog check to register in California?
Most out-of-state vehicles do, except battery-electric vehicles.
How soon do I have to register my car in California?
Generally you need to start the registration and VIN verification process within 20 days of bringing the car into the state.
When is it cheapest to ship from Washington to California?
Late fall and winter. Late spring and early summer are the peak.
Shipping a Car on This Route?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.