What form of documentation is crucial for processing a nonresident vehicle's registration in California?

To process a nonresident vehicle's registration in California, it is essential to have both a smog certificate and a completed application. The smog certificate demonstrates that the vehicle meets the state's emissions standards, which is a legal requirement for many vehicles registered in California. This is particularly relevant since California has strict environmental regulations aimed at reducing air pollution.

Furthermore, the completed application provides necessary information about the vehicle and the owner, which is vital for the registration process. Without these two documents, the registration cannot be completed, which highlights their importance in ensuring compliance with state regulations and facilitates a smooth registration process for nonresidents.

While proof of residency documents and payment of fees are important aspects of the registration process in general, they are not specifically required for nonresidents. Nonresidents may not need to prove residency, and the requirements for fee payment vary based on circumstances; thus, the combination of the smog certificate and the application is the key focus for this particular situation.