Can I keep out-of-state plates as part-time resident if I take property tax exemption?

Q: I moved from California to the Midwest over a decade ago. Starting next year, my wife and I plan to spend winters in San Jose and the other time in the Midwest, which will remain our primary residence and California will be our part-time residence. As I own property in California and will claim an exemption, per the Franchise Tax Board, I would be a California resident.

Can I keep my out-of-state plates and registration “forever,” renewing annually, until I move permanently to California? I’ll be spending three to four months at a time in California.

Anonymous

A: The DMV answered your question. If a driver claims a property tax exemption in California, then they are considered a California resident and must register their vehicle in California. A customer can only claim one primary residence. More information on what constitutes a “California resident” can be found on the DMV’s website at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-determine-residency-when-fees-are-due-on-out-of-state-vehicles-htvr-33/.

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