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If it was registered in CA already and he has proof you SHOULD be good. It all comes down to one little sticker and some paperwork
Couple of questions: does it have the CARB sticker in the engine compartment? If not, AAA will not register it and send you to the DMV. It will require a DMV supervisors override (and you likely won't get it). If there is no sticker in the engine compartment you will most likely have to take it to a carb ref, even if it does pass the standard test only facility. Second, does the seller have the documents from the original importer? The CARB ref will require this before he does anything These would be:
1) Bond release letter from the USDOT
2) Letter from the EPA stating that it meets 50 state standards
You can contact both of these agencies to get this. Bond release letter costs $20 and if they find your VIN you can get it in a day. EPA paperwork takes 2 months but research is free (Does that make any sense to you? its the government I guess so go figure...) This is not a slam dunk,they might not find enough info to get you the paperwork you need.
If the seller does not have these (it's his responsibility to save 'em) you might be able to get the documents from the original importer (who is hopefully not out of business) Their name should be listed on the plaque inside the drivers side door or wherever it was mounted. If the original importer has folded, seller doesn't have the paperwork, and the EPA and DOT can't verify the work was done, well be prepared for it to be treated like it's being imported for the first time. This might cost you $2-$3,000 for an independent import lab to check it out only one in socal and one in Napa I believe. That price is before they replace anything that they feel is missing, and they are sticklers.
Don't ask me how I know all this.
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