<p>Do you have to register them and put them through Cali emission tests? Or no because being a college student doesn't equal permanent residency?</p>
<p>I don’t think you do, as long as you keep it registered and all checked up according to your home state’s regulations.</p>
<p>Until you claim permanent residency or begin working full time in California (40+ hrs a week) you do not need to register your car in California. Not sure about Smog checks, so I would look on the DMV website.</p>