No, you cannot complete an initial vehicle registration at AAA (the American Automobile Association) in California. While AAA is an incredibly useful service for its members, it functions as a private organization and not a branch of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Its offices are authorized to handle specific DMV-related transactions, but a brand-new registration from scratch is not one of them.
AAA in California is best utilized for convenience services that help you avoid a trip to the DMV. These include renewing your vehicle registration, submitting a transfer of title, and handling vehicle smog certifications. However, for an initial registration—such as when you've purchased a car from a private party, moved to California from another state, or received a car as a gift—you must go directly to a California DMV office. This is because these transactions often require in-person verification of documents like an out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and a physical inspection of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
The primary benefit of using AAA for eligible services is skipping the long lines at the DMV. The process is typically faster, and the staff are known for being helpful. To use these services, you must be a current AAA member. If your transaction is a simple renewal, AAA is your best bet. For anything involving a first-time registration, plan on a DMV visit.
| Service | Available at AAA in CA? | Notes |
|---|
| Vehicle Registration Renewal | Yes | Must be a AAA member. |
| Title Transfer (for an already registered CA vehicle) | Yes | Common for private party sales. |
| Smog Certification Submission | Yes | AAA can submit the certificate for you. |
| Initial Vehicle Registration | No | Requires a visit to the CA DMV. |
| First-time Title Application | No | Must be done at the DMV. |
| Registration for a Vehicle from Out-of-State | No | DMV requires a VIN inspection. |
| Replacement License Plates/Stickers | Yes | For existing registrations. |
