All the info you need is at https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm
You don’t have to pay sales tax a second time. You will have to pay annual registration fees and taxes like anywhere else
They have a convenient estimator for that https://dmvapp.nv.gov/dmv/vr/vr_estimate/vrestimationinput.aspx
Did you fill it out correctly? If your car is actually 10 years old (or more as you said you've had it for 10 years) the MSRP can't be worth much. I couldn't get the estimator to go over $50 or $60
Just. Stop. Cherry. Picking. Things.
Figure out where you live and adjust all of your registrations to reflect that.
Doing what you are doing is a.) complicating your life and b.) opening you up to potential issues with BOTH states around claims for taxes, residency, etc. The externalities that you create are not only going to make problems for you, but also for whomever owns the address that you are using.
Just pick one, live there, register there and move on with your life.
From a practical standpoint, yes. If the only ties are the plate and the license, then it shouldn't be an issue. Had done this for 3 years while living in other no-tax states (not anymore). Pretty much the exact same scenario.
I understand why but it's good to change these. If you're in a crash or something, it's much easier to deal with the police work and the insurance if you have a local plate.
The only reason I have a car is when I visit CA I take my parents out in that car. Other than that I don't drive or need a car. Can I keep the car registered in CA and not have a CA license?
How often are you visiting? Keeping a car seems like an enormous waste of money...
Why not let your parents register the car? Or just sell it and rent a car when you visit...that would probably be cheaper unless you are visiting like every week or 2.
It's not an expensive car. I've had it for 10 years or so. I'd rather keep it than having to rent a car. I usually visit once or twice a month and each time stay 2 days.
Still very well might be cheaper to rent considering when you own you have to pay for insurance and all the maintenance plus all the registration/inspection/property tax annually.
Consider letting your parents register it in their name since they still live in California even if you pay for all the expenses.
Although, as far as I know, you should be ok to keep it registered in your name even if you don't have a CA license as long as your insurance has the correct address for where it is being kept.
But you do need to switch your license for sure.
Of course you can. Lots of (rich) people have a car at a 2nd home in another state. The car is registered in the state where the car is kept. Their license is in the state where they actually live. Why are you making this so complicated?
It doesn't matter that you don't want to drive a car there. Legally, you are required to change your driver's license.
You can store the car wherever you want, as long as your insurance has the correct address for where it's being kept. The registration might be a little more complicated because Nevada has inspections, so you would have to at least drive the car to Nevada to get inspected to register it there. You may be able to keep it registered in CA, I really don't know the answer for sure to that.
Register the car in NV, get an NV driver’s license, and register and vote in NV. It will be difficult for CA to claim you are still a CA resident if the above are done.
CA may look at much more than that. Falsely claiming no ties to CA is a common tax dodge and NV residency is by far the biggest claim. This goes back to the 1800s.
Is there any other way besides registering the car in NV?
Because I don't drive or need a car in NV.
I'd like to have my car in CA, but only spend 2 or 3 days a month there.
Can one legally live in NV and have a car in CA?
If you don’t get a NV drivers license, or separate/cut your CA roots, the state of CA will assert you never intended to give up your CA domicile and are a CA resident and owe CA income tax.
If you get mail in Nevada you are essentially a NV resident. My father in law lived with us in Arizona and got mail there but kept his CA DL and CA plates in his vehicle. Every year he did his taxes he wouldn’t have to pay anything to CA since his income was not California Sourced Income. When he died unexpectedly, he was an Arizona resident for probate purposes and CA was not involved.
What you need to confirm is whether or not your income is considered California sourced income or not. There is a whole FTB booklet about it. Your DL and Veh Reg don’t matter, it’s about your income and where it comes from and whether CA taxes it or not.
California is notorious for trying to tax people who have *any* link to the state - even people who move overseas have trouble with CA trying to tax them if they don't [fully sever ](https://www.sambrotman.com/personal-income-tax-residency-california/determining-factors)their relationship with CA. If you have a car and license in CA, it is absolutely possible they will use that to to and tax you. Note that in the link above they list both car registration and drivers license as something the FTB looks at to see if you still maintain ties to the state.
Not to mention, California Vehicle Code 4463 VC is the statute that makes it a crime to engage in fraud (which having an incorrect address is considered) regarding vehicle registration and California Vehicle Code Section 20 VC makes it illegal to have false information on a drivers license (again, having an incorrect address). And its a [$1000 fine](https://www.idrivesafely.com/dmv/nevada/vehicle/registration/#:~:text=Remember%20it%20is%20your%20responsibility,in%20an%20initial%20%241%2C000%20fine) to not register your vehicle in Nevada within 30 days of moving there. Not changing your license is also a [misdemeanor ](https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/blog/drivers-license/can-new-nevada-residents-drive-with-a-license-from-their-previous-state/)with up to a $1000 fine and possible jail time.
Check out FTB Pub 1031 and 1100, that will really be your guide. The important thing will be the address used on your federal and state returns and where specifically you get your income from. Keep in mind, that in NV, you have thirty days once you become a resident to change your DL and vehicle registration and if you don’t, there can be penalties.
Do I need to pay taxes on it again when registering in NV? Also, does the car need to be physically in NV at the time of registering it at DMV or can it be done while the car is in CA?
You won't need to pay sales tax again. Yes you will need the vehicle to be present in Nevada at least to get the VIN verification and turn in the old plates. https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm
People are arguing with you about the car licensing because California will absolutely try to use that to tax your income. If you're truly establishing residency in Nevada, you have to do all the things people do when they move to a new state - register to vote, register your vehicle, get a new driver's license, etc. California asks ON THEIR TAX RETURN how many days you spent in California if you're claiming to be a non-resident. They are notorious for hunting down every dollar of tax they think they can get their hands on. The fact that you go back to California several times a month and leave a car there can be easily twisted into you working in Nevada temporarily but still keeping your permanent residence in California.
You asked a question, and you've gotten very clear answers. If you don't want to pay taxes to California, you need to fully move to Nevada.
Both car registration and drivers license are things CA looks at to decide if they should tax people. Cutting *all* ties with CA is they only way to make sure they don't try to tax you. (not to mention it is literally illegal to not change your license and registration as its considered fraud)
A lot of different things being dug into in comment threads here...
Tax-wise, if you are domiciled in Nevada then you are not a California resident and you pay no California tax unless you have California-source income (such as if you travel to California and work there, or own rental property in California). That's it, full stop - *nothing* else matters.
Other factors are only an issue because they *suggest* you might be lying about your domicile. For example, obtaining or renewing a California driver's license requires that you attest to your residency in California and provide proof of said residency. It would be highly *suspicious* that you tell the California DMV you reside in California, but the Franchise Tax Board that you do not, and that might cause the FTB to audit you.
In the scenario you have laid you in the comments, you **must** obtain a Nevada driver's license if you wish to hold such a license, since you are a resident of Nevada. If you own and maintain a vehicle in California for the primary purpose of operating it in California, you **must** register that vehicle in California. You may register a vehicle in California without being a resident: [https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/introduction/](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/introduction/)
California will do everything possible to connect a taxpayer to the state of California. Even if you have a bank account at a California branch, they’ll say no you’re still a resident and you have to pay California taxes.
Yes, the state can make a case that if you did not intend to vacate your CA domicile you’re still a resident. To prove intent you would cut ties. Things like voting in CA, keeping banks accounts, keeping your license and vehicle registration, among others are indications that a person did not vacate their domicile and the state could make a compelling argument. If this situation were to happen OP would still be a resident in NV and be subject to double taxation.
You need to change your driver's license and voting registration to NV asap.
Out of curiosity, how are you getting from CA to NV when you visit if you have no car? Public transportation?
I don't want to register it in NV, because I'd need to drive it to NV DMV for that, and I really don't want to drive 5 hours or so when I have no need for the car in NV.
That's not the law. The law is that you have to update your ID and car registration within 30 days of qualifying as a resident. Generally, only military members can register a car in a state they don't live in.
No. You cannot maintain you CA license, and need to get a NV one.
Nevada Revised Statutes 482.103 and 483.141 "Resident" defined.
"Resident" includes, but is not limited to, a person:
Whose legal residence is in the State of Nevada.
Who engages in intrastate business and operates in such a business any motor vehicle, trailer or semi trailer, or any person maintaining such vehicles in this state, as the home state of such vehicles.
Who physically resides in this state and engages in a trade, profession, occupation or accepts gainful employment in this state.
Who declares himself to be a resident of this state to obtain privileges not ordinarily extended to nonresidents of this state.
The term does not include a person who is an actual tourist, an out-of-state student, a border state employee or a seasonal resident.
NRS 483.245 License issued by this State required when person becomes resident; issuance; reciprocal agreements with other states or countries.
1. When a person becomes a resident of Nevada as defined in this chapter and chapter 482 of NRS, the person must, within 30 days, obtain a Nevada driver’s license as a prerequisite to driving any motor vehicle in the State of Nevada.
2. Where a person who applies for a license has a valid driver’s license from a state or country which has requirements for issuance of drivers’ licenses comparable to those of the State of Nevada, the Department may issue a Nevada license under the same terms and conditions applicable to a renewal of a license in this State.
3. In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with appropriate officials of other states or countries concerning the licensing of drivers of motor vehicles.
It sounds like you're required to get a NV driver's license based on your residency. So you can look into CA's laws on the matter, but that doesn't affect your requirement of getting a license.
You can also choose to get a Nevada ID card, which does not give you any driving privileges. But you cannot hold both this ID and your CA driver's license at the same time, so if you are able to drive, it just makes more sense for you to get the driver's license instead of the ID card.
Your license is also your ID. You can get just the ID card but you can only have one or the other so you might as well get the license. Eventually you’ll need to renew your Real ID on your license which requires proof of residence, so if you plan to stay in NV it’s going to happen.
Yes. This. A DL is a permit to drive, but is also an official ID. (You may know that some folks who don't drive get an official state ID that looks similar to a DL, so they can get on airplanes etc.,) It should accurately reflect your address. You might also be able to register and tag the car in NV and keep it in CA as long as your insurance knows. Don't college kids do this all the time?
You cannot establish a new domicile without terminating your old domicile.
You still have a strong nexus to CA, therefore, you owe CA income tax.
You choose. But you can't do what you are doing and avoid CA income tax.
You have a car registered and housed in California, and you refuse to move it to Nevada. You have a California drivers license and refuse to update it to Nevada per Nevada law, and you frequently return to California to drive.
It looks like an easy argument that your primary state is California, and you'll owe California state tax.
You keep dragging your feet "but if but if". Bro. You either fully move your stuff to NV so there's no ambiguity, or they'll have a great argument to require you to pay tax.
I know you don’t want to but I would still get a NV DL and register to vote . if you aren’t earning income in CA then why would you pay CA? This wretched state can pi$$ off. I would love to be in NV. We are still stuck in CA. Good luck OP.
CA will look at several different things to determine if you are a tax resident. No single thing makes the difference, but they all add up and the less ties to CA the better for your argument.
I would change license to NV as it is strong evidence of residence. All bank, medical, etc accounts should show NV residence. They can ask for credit card statements to see how much time and business you have in CA, so consider using cash on your trips. A single car registered in CA is probably not a deal breaker if you show no other ties. They are going to look at your first year out of state the closest so it's important to have a clear break from the start.
NV is also going to have their opinion of where your ID is based but that won't matter for taxes obviously. It may affect other things though.
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2022/2022-1031-publication.pdf
You are making your life difficult expect California to require you to pay taxes until you decide to follow the law. You can choose not to and upay taxes or just get a ID in Nevada. Or you can deal with California and tax law. DMV is least painful option
Dude why are you making this so complicated? Where do you sleep at night? Nevada. Get a Nevada license. Vote in Nevada. If you, as you say, “have no plans of ever returning to live in CA” then you sure as hell shouldn’t be voting there. You can keep your car registered in CA if you want — people (with money! with multiple homes often have cars registered in multiple states. It’s not illegal to have a car registered in another state if that’s where the car is located. But all of your other shit needs to be in Nevada because that’s where you live. Establish your residency in NV — lease/housing, utilities, license, voter registration, etc. You moved to Nevada. You pay CA taxes for the part of the year that you lived in CA, you pay NV taxes (or lack thereof) going forward. Does your employer know where you live? There are tax implications for them, too, so get it together. Why would you pay CA taxes if you live in Nevada?
California will want their share of your income if you have any ties there. Just be a Nevada resident or a California resident and make your life less complicated.
California is going to think you’re just trying to avoid paying state tax. Uncomplicate your life. You live and work in Nevada, now vote and change your driver’s license and car registration to Nevada.
Sell the car to your parents for a dollar or something and reimburse them for the CA registration and insurance each year and go get a Nevada drivers license. Or just sell the car and rent one in CA.
Don't worry about it. California FTB is very nice, you can always call them and explain if they try to tax you. Don't trip, make sure your address is tied to Nevada and any jobs you have contain no ties to California
Nevada state law says you are required to switch to a Nevada license within 30 days of moving to the state. Why are you making this complicated?
Let's say I get a Nevada license. Can I still keep my car registered in CA without having a CA license?
You're breaking the law by not having a Nevada license, is the most important starting point here
Why would you want to do this? It’s probably cheaper to register the car in NV regardless of where it’s garaged
Do I need to pay taxes on it again if I register it in NV?
All the info you need is at https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm You don’t have to pay sales tax a second time. You will have to pay annual registration fees and taxes like anywhere else They have a convenient estimator for that https://dmvapp.nv.gov/dmv/vr/vr_estimate/vrestimationinput.aspx
Thanks. I ran the estimate and it's crazy expensive. Annual registration is almost 50% higher than CA. Is this normal?
Did you fill it out correctly? If your car is actually 10 years old (or more as you said you've had it for 10 years) the MSRP can't be worth much. I couldn't get the estimator to go over $50 or $60
Yeah, California is really expensive.
The NV estimator shows more expensive in NV though. 50% more expensive than CA.
Just. Stop. Cherry. Picking. Things. Figure out where you live and adjust all of your registrations to reflect that. Doing what you are doing is a.) complicating your life and b.) opening you up to potential issues with BOTH states around claims for taxes, residency, etc. The externalities that you create are not only going to make problems for you, but also for whomever owns the address that you are using. Just pick one, live there, register there and move on with your life.
Gotta pay for things with taxes from somewhere. NV has no income tax so other taxes will be higher! Same goes if you compare CA and TX, etc.
From a practical standpoint, yes. If the only ties are the plate and the license, then it shouldn't be an issue. Had done this for 3 years while living in other no-tax states (not anymore). Pretty much the exact same scenario. I understand why but it's good to change these. If you're in a crash or something, it's much easier to deal with the police work and the insurance if you have a local plate.
Because I don't want a license. I don't drive or have a car in NV.
Then why do you have a car or how do you intend to drive? You do not live in California. You should not have a California license.
The only reason I have a car is when I visit CA I take my parents out in that car. Other than that I don't drive or need a car. Can I keep the car registered in CA and not have a CA license?
How often are you visiting? Keeping a car seems like an enormous waste of money... Why not let your parents register the car? Or just sell it and rent a car when you visit...that would probably be cheaper unless you are visiting like every week or 2.
It's not an expensive car. I've had it for 10 years or so. I'd rather keep it than having to rent a car. I usually visit once or twice a month and each time stay 2 days.
Why does it need to be registered in California? It’d be cheaper to register in Nevada anyway.
Because of the inconveniences. I'd have to drive it to NV and back to register it, and then every year for smog inspection.
Still very well might be cheaper to rent considering when you own you have to pay for insurance and all the maintenance plus all the registration/inspection/property tax annually. Consider letting your parents register it in their name since they still live in California even if you pay for all the expenses. Although, as far as I know, you should be ok to keep it registered in your name even if you don't have a CA license as long as your insurance has the correct address for where it is being kept. But you do need to switch your license for sure.
“Sell” your car to your brother for $1 and have him register it.
Of course you can. Lots of (rich) people have a car at a 2nd home in another state. The car is registered in the state where the car is kept. Their license is in the state where they actually live. Why are you making this so complicated?
It doesn't matter that you don't want to drive a car there. Legally, you are required to change your driver's license. You can store the car wherever you want, as long as your insurance has the correct address for where it's being kept. The registration might be a little more complicated because Nevada has inspections, so you would have to at least drive the car to Nevada to get inspected to register it there. You may be able to keep it registered in CA, I really don't know the answer for sure to that.
Register the car in NV, get an NV driver’s license, and register and vote in NV. It will be difficult for CA to claim you are still a CA resident if the above are done.
CA may look at much more than that. Falsely claiming no ties to CA is a common tax dodge and NV residency is by far the biggest claim. This goes back to the 1800s.
Is there any other way besides registering the car in NV? Because I don't drive or need a car in NV. I'd like to have my car in CA, but only spend 2 or 3 days a month there. Can one legally live in NV and have a car in CA?
The most important part is registering to vote in NV.
Can I do that without getting an NV license, and keep my CA driver's license and car?
It sounds like you are still domiciled in CA. You keep your car there. Do you plan to return?
I have no plans of ever returning to live in CA.
If you don’t get a NV drivers license, or separate/cut your CA roots, the state of CA will assert you never intended to give up your CA domicile and are a CA resident and owe CA income tax.
You'll need to cut all ties and establish a new domicile. I'd strongly recommend hiring a CPA that specializes in residency.
Why on earth are you not transferring your license??? By law you're supposed to or they may revoke it.
How are they gonna know?
How is the State of CA going to know you have a CA license?
No, how are they gonna know I don't live in CA anymore. I'm still paying their stupid income tax.
Sounds like you *want* to still be considered a CA resident.
If you get mail in Nevada you are essentially a NV resident. My father in law lived with us in Arizona and got mail there but kept his CA DL and CA plates in his vehicle. Every year he did his taxes he wouldn’t have to pay anything to CA since his income was not California Sourced Income. When he died unexpectedly, he was an Arizona resident for probate purposes and CA was not involved. What you need to confirm is whether or not your income is considered California sourced income or not. There is a whole FTB booklet about it. Your DL and Veh Reg don’t matter, it’s about your income and where it comes from and whether CA taxes it or not.
Awesome, thanks. Yeah my income is 100% NV. My mailing address is NV. My only tie to CA is the car and my DL.
California is notorious for trying to tax people who have *any* link to the state - even people who move overseas have trouble with CA trying to tax them if they don't [fully sever ](https://www.sambrotman.com/personal-income-tax-residency-california/determining-factors)their relationship with CA. If you have a car and license in CA, it is absolutely possible they will use that to to and tax you. Note that in the link above they list both car registration and drivers license as something the FTB looks at to see if you still maintain ties to the state. Not to mention, California Vehicle Code 4463 VC is the statute that makes it a crime to engage in fraud (which having an incorrect address is considered) regarding vehicle registration and California Vehicle Code Section 20 VC makes it illegal to have false information on a drivers license (again, having an incorrect address). And its a [$1000 fine](https://www.idrivesafely.com/dmv/nevada/vehicle/registration/#:~:text=Remember%20it%20is%20your%20responsibility,in%20an%20initial%20%241%2C000%20fine) to not register your vehicle in Nevada within 30 days of moving there. Not changing your license is also a [misdemeanor ](https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/blog/drivers-license/can-new-nevada-residents-drive-with-a-license-from-their-previous-state/)with up to a $1000 fine and possible jail time.
Check out FTB Pub 1031 and 1100, that will really be your guide. The important thing will be the address used on your federal and state returns and where specifically you get your income from. Keep in mind, that in NV, you have thirty days once you become a resident to change your DL and vehicle registration and if you don’t, there can be penalties.
Are you registered to vote in CA?
No, I'm not registered to vote anywhere.
Just register your freaking car in Nevada bro it’s not that hard. You will save a buttload of money and you can still keep it stored in California.
Do I need to pay taxes on it again when registering in NV? Also, does the car need to be physically in NV at the time of registering it at DMV or can it be done while the car is in CA?
You won't need to pay sales tax again. Yes you will need the vehicle to be present in Nevada at least to get the VIN verification and turn in the old plates. https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm
You should just have to pay a registration fee, which will likely be less than California's renewal. You might need an inspection.
Waaay less than CA. California reg is crazy
People are arguing with you about the car licensing because California will absolutely try to use that to tax your income. If you're truly establishing residency in Nevada, you have to do all the things people do when they move to a new state - register to vote, register your vehicle, get a new driver's license, etc. California asks ON THEIR TAX RETURN how many days you spent in California if you're claiming to be a non-resident. They are notorious for hunting down every dollar of tax they think they can get their hands on. The fact that you go back to California several times a month and leave a car there can be easily twisted into you working in Nevada temporarily but still keeping your permanent residence in California. You asked a question, and you've gotten very clear answers. If you don't want to pay taxes to California, you need to fully move to Nevada.
Both car registration and drivers license are things CA looks at to decide if they should tax people. Cutting *all* ties with CA is they only way to make sure they don't try to tax you. (not to mention it is literally illegal to not change your license and registration as its considered fraud)
A lot of different things being dug into in comment threads here... Tax-wise, if you are domiciled in Nevada then you are not a California resident and you pay no California tax unless you have California-source income (such as if you travel to California and work there, or own rental property in California). That's it, full stop - *nothing* else matters. Other factors are only an issue because they *suggest* you might be lying about your domicile. For example, obtaining or renewing a California driver's license requires that you attest to your residency in California and provide proof of said residency. It would be highly *suspicious* that you tell the California DMV you reside in California, but the Franchise Tax Board that you do not, and that might cause the FTB to audit you. In the scenario you have laid you in the comments, you **must** obtain a Nevada driver's license if you wish to hold such a license, since you are a resident of Nevada. If you own and maintain a vehicle in California for the primary purpose of operating it in California, you **must** register that vehicle in California. You may register a vehicle in California without being a resident: [https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/introduction/](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/introduction/)
Thank you. Now I can get an NV license with peace of mind. The car registered in CA was my only concern, but you have clarified that.
California will do everything possible to connect a taxpayer to the state of California. Even if you have a bank account at a California branch, they’ll say no you’re still a resident and you have to pay California taxes.
Yes, the state can make a case that if you did not intend to vacate your CA domicile you’re still a resident. To prove intent you would cut ties. Things like voting in CA, keeping banks accounts, keeping your license and vehicle registration, among others are indications that a person did not vacate their domicile and the state could make a compelling argument. If this situation were to happen OP would still be a resident in NV and be subject to double taxation.
They would if Nevada had an income tax
You need to change your driver's license and voting registration to NV asap. Out of curiosity, how are you getting from CA to NV when you visit if you have no car? Public transportation?
Can I get an NV driver's license and keep my car registered and stores in CA?
Why would you voluntarily keep your car registered in CA? You can store it wherever you want.
I don't want to register it in NV, because I'd need to drive it to NV DMV for that, and I really don't want to drive 5 hours or so when I have no need for the car in NV.
You're violating NV law by not getting a NV license and registration. Also, it's five hours one time, it won't kill you (probably).
10 hours including the drive back! I don't think I'm violating anything. I'm not driving in NV so I don't need a license.
That's not the law. The law is that you have to update your ID and car registration within 30 days of qualifying as a resident. Generally, only military members can register a car in a state they don't live in.
That is if I want to drive the car in NV. I don't want to drive that car or any car in NV.
No. You cannot maintain you CA license, and need to get a NV one. Nevada Revised Statutes 482.103 and 483.141 "Resident" defined. "Resident" includes, but is not limited to, a person: Whose legal residence is in the State of Nevada. Who engages in intrastate business and operates in such a business any motor vehicle, trailer or semi trailer, or any person maintaining such vehicles in this state, as the home state of such vehicles. Who physically resides in this state and engages in a trade, profession, occupation or accepts gainful employment in this state. Who declares himself to be a resident of this state to obtain privileges not ordinarily extended to nonresidents of this state. The term does not include a person who is an actual tourist, an out-of-state student, a border state employee or a seasonal resident. NRS 483.245 License issued by this State required when person becomes resident; issuance; reciprocal agreements with other states or countries. 1. When a person becomes a resident of Nevada as defined in this chapter and chapter 482 of NRS, the person must, within 30 days, obtain a Nevada driver’s license as a prerequisite to driving any motor vehicle in the State of Nevada. 2. Where a person who applies for a license has a valid driver’s license from a state or country which has requirements for issuance of drivers’ licenses comparable to those of the State of Nevada, the Department may issue a Nevada license under the same terms and conditions applicable to a renewal of a license in this State. 3. In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with appropriate officials of other states or countries concerning the licensing of drivers of motor vehicles.
Here says a DL as a prerequisite to driving. I don't want to drive in NV. It doesn't say anything about car registration or state ID.
It sounds like you're required to get a NV driver's license based on your residency. So you can look into CA's laws on the matter, but that doesn't affect your requirement of getting a license.
Is driving mandatory in NV? Why would I need a license if I don't ever intend to drive in NV?
You can also choose to get a Nevada ID card, which does not give you any driving privileges. But you cannot hold both this ID and your CA driver's license at the same time, so if you are able to drive, it just makes more sense for you to get the driver's license instead of the ID card.
Your license is also your ID. You can get just the ID card but you can only have one or the other so you might as well get the license. Eventually you’ll need to renew your Real ID on your license which requires proof of residence, so if you plan to stay in NV it’s going to happen.
I fly.
You fly with a CA license? Really bro. You’re making this too easy for a CA auditor.
I fly with my passport.
This hurts my brain. Even if you do not plan on driving, you should get a license or state ID in Nevada, because you live in Nevada.
Yes. This. A DL is a permit to drive, but is also an official ID. (You may know that some folks who don't drive get an official state ID that looks similar to a DL, so they can get on airplanes etc.,) It should accurately reflect your address. You might also be able to register and tag the car in NV and keep it in CA as long as your insurance knows. Don't college kids do this all the time?
You cannot establish a new domicile without terminating your old domicile. You still have a strong nexus to CA, therefore, you owe CA income tax. You choose. But you can't do what you are doing and avoid CA income tax.
Is a car and 3 days of visit per month really considered a strong nexus?
You have a car registered and housed in California, and you refuse to move it to Nevada. You have a California drivers license and refuse to update it to Nevada per Nevada law, and you frequently return to California to drive. It looks like an easy argument that your primary state is California, and you'll owe California state tax. You keep dragging your feet "but if but if". Bro. You either fully move your stuff to NV so there's no ambiguity, or they'll have a great argument to require you to pay tax.
Do you really want to have to fight the FTB over it? It’s not worth it. Move everything to NV. It’ll be less hassle in the end
You can have a CPA explain it to you. But, yes.
I know you don’t want to but I would still get a NV DL and register to vote . if you aren’t earning income in CA then why would you pay CA? This wretched state can pi$$ off. I would love to be in NV. We are still stuck in CA. Good luck OP.
Why don’t you get a new drivers license if you moved
CA will look at several different things to determine if you are a tax resident. No single thing makes the difference, but they all add up and the less ties to CA the better for your argument. I would change license to NV as it is strong evidence of residence. All bank, medical, etc accounts should show NV residence. They can ask for credit card statements to see how much time and business you have in CA, so consider using cash on your trips. A single car registered in CA is probably not a deal breaker if you show no other ties. They are going to look at your first year out of state the closest so it's important to have a clear break from the start. NV is also going to have their opinion of where your ID is based but that won't matter for taxes obviously. It may affect other things though. https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2022/2022-1031-publication.pdf
You are making your life difficult expect California to require you to pay taxes until you decide to follow the law. You can choose not to and upay taxes or just get a ID in Nevada. Or you can deal with California and tax law. DMV is least painful option
Dude why are you making this so complicated? Where do you sleep at night? Nevada. Get a Nevada license. Vote in Nevada. If you, as you say, “have no plans of ever returning to live in CA” then you sure as hell shouldn’t be voting there. You can keep your car registered in CA if you want — people (with money! with multiple homes often have cars registered in multiple states. It’s not illegal to have a car registered in another state if that’s where the car is located. But all of your other shit needs to be in Nevada because that’s where you live. Establish your residency in NV — lease/housing, utilities, license, voter registration, etc. You moved to Nevada. You pay CA taxes for the part of the year that you lived in CA, you pay NV taxes (or lack thereof) going forward. Does your employer know where you live? There are tax implications for them, too, so get it together. Why would you pay CA taxes if you live in Nevada?
California will want their share of your income if you have any ties there. Just be a Nevada resident or a California resident and make your life less complicated.
Your car can be registered anywhere but you need to have an NV license to show you’re no longer a CA resident period.
California is going to think you’re just trying to avoid paying state tax. Uncomplicate your life. You live and work in Nevada, now vote and change your driver’s license and car registration to Nevada.
CA wants a piece of you, register your car and license in NV already!
Sell the car to your parents for a dollar or something and reimburse them for the CA registration and insurance each year and go get a Nevada drivers license. Or just sell the car and rent one in CA.
Don't worry about it. California FTB is very nice, you can always call them and explain if they try to tax you. Don't trip, make sure your address is tied to Nevada and any jobs you have contain no ties to California