Member of my family is serving in military, stationed in California.
This person took with them car that is registered and titled in the state of TX.
Will they have to obtain California plates, registration, title, etc,
or can they continue to drive the car as is? Few folks have mentioned
that it is not uncommon for military to live and work away from home state.
Also, regarding emissions test. If they are due, can they be performed under
California requirements, or will they have to be done back in TX?
Thanks in advance!

I looked this up on the DMV website, since my son had an issue with the local police while a non-resident student in Santa Barbara last year.

Firstly, there certainly is an exemption for non-resident, uniformed military personnel. Even California doesn't seem to be grinding those who are serving their country, and through no fault of their own, have been sent to CA as part of that.

Secondly, there is a non-resident student exemption, if you are paying non-resident tuition fees, and are not employed. This is how my son was able to have the ticket he was given by a zealous police officer waived. The officer apparently noticed the car with out-of-state (out of country in fact) plates parked regularly in front of my son's apartment. What he apparently didn't notice was the college parking sticker. A visit to the county Sheriff's office, and a talk with a clerk who knew the rules, settled things.
--
Bob: son's 81-GL, dtr's '94-940, my 83-DL, 89-745(V8) and 98-S90. Also 77-MGB and some old motorcycles.

It's all about residency. Go to dmv.ca.gov and type residency into the search. It gives all the criteria. Also check temporary residency. Students are not exempt, and I didn't find anything about military being so.

DS

In other words out of state military and students
Are suppose to juggle their home state plates,
and residency state plates, as their situation changes
throughout the year…Never mind giving anyone a
break, even if they are willing to put their life on line
for the country. Apparently California gave all of its
breaks to illegals…

CA is too broke to give anyone a break.

You got that right Chris. But we have hope. There are two really exceptional candidates and we all know that regardless of which one wins, we'll be back in the black in, oh, what, twenty minutes or so. Just in time for the big one to dump us all into the Pacific.

Best to call the DMV here in CA or check out the web site. I believe you do need to switch over to CA plates and registration if you have residency here but there may be a 6 month grace period. Please hurry up though. We need all the cash we can get.

Check with the DMV to be sure but I believe active military and college students can use plates from home state.

I'm in the Navy in California-- Short answer, No, he can keep his TX plates as long as he remains a legal resident of TX (more here- http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/militarylaw1/a/homeofrecord.htm, it's kind of complex.) He will likely have to get a smog check done to get a base access sticker, but I haven't heard of anyone having any real problems with that. I have a 2001 non-California Subaru with Oregon plates, and I had to get a smog check-- but no problems passing.

From here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/militaryvr.htm

Nonresident Military Personnel Operating a Vehicle in California

Nonresident military personnel, and both military or civilian members of NATO who are not citizens of the United States are permitted to operate a vehicle in this state with valid license plates from either:

* the individual's home state or country or
* the state or country where the individual was regularly assigned and stationed when the license plates were issued, if the following requirements are met:
1. The license plates displayed on the vehicle are valid plates issued by a foreign jurisdiction.
2. The vehicle registration and license plates are issued to the military person or spouse of the military person.
3. The vehicle registration and license plates are issued by the foreign jurisdiction where the military person was last regularly assigned and stationed for duty by military orders or a jurisdiction claimed by the nonresident military person as the permanent state of residence.
4. If the vehicle is a motor vehicle, the owner or driver has insurance.

NOTE: Military orders do not include military orders for leave, for temporary duty, or for any other assignment of any nature requiring the military person's presence outside the foreign jurisdiction where the owner was regularly assigned and stationed for duty.

This section applies to all vehicles owned by the military person or spouse except any commercial vehicle used in any business manner wherein the military person or spouse receives compensation.