CA Veh Code Section 4152

(a)

The department may accept an application for registration of a vehicle which is not within this state, but which is to be registered to a resident of this state, at the time all documents and fees, as determined by the department in accordance with the provisions of this division, are submitted to the department.

(b)

Any fees submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be subject to refund based upon the fact that the vehicle has not been and is not within this state.