Can the California DMV tell when you moved to the state when you go to change your registration?

I need to change my registration from MD to CA but I have been living in CA for awhile. I just recently got a steady job that will allow me to finally have enough money to pay for registration but I am worried about how much I'll be fined. Do I need to say I've been here the entire time? I got my license changed last year, have been pulled over a couple of times, and have my car insurance at my CA address. However, is it possible to say I've been living between states because I hadnt found a steady full time job in order to avoid the hefty fees?