California title transfer after a private sale

In a California private sale, the seller signs the title over and reports the sale to the DMV within 5 days. The buyer then submits the signed title and pays the fees within 10 days. Wait more than 30 days and the DMV adds a $15 late penalty.

What you need

• The California Certificate of Title (“pink slip”), signed by both seller and buyer
• A smog certificate from the last 90 days, for most vehicles over four years old
• The odometer reading, for vehicles less than 10 years old
• A bill of sale (REG 135) showing the price and date
• A lien release, if a lender is still listed on the title (REG 166 or the lender’s signature on the title)
• Payment for the transfer fee and use tax

Seller: step by step

1. Sign the title. Sign and print your name as the registered owner. If two owners are joined by “AND”, both must sign.
2. Fill in the odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. If the title has no space for it, the DMV says to use form REG 262, which you have to request by mail or in person (call 1-800-777-0133).
3. Fill in a bill of sale (REG 135) with the price and date, and give it to the buyer.
4. Sort out the smog certificate. Most vehicles over four years old need a smog certificate from the last 90 days for the transfer.
5. File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days. You can do it online. You need the buyer’s name and address, the plate number, the last five digits of the VIN, and the odometer reading. Filing the NRL protects you from tickets and liability after the sale date, but it does not transfer ownership. Only the buyer’s application does that.

Lost the title? The seller fills in Sections 1 to 4 of REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title) and gives it to the buyer instead. See our guide to replacing a lost California title.

Buyer: step by step

1. Check the title. The seller’s name should match their ID. Look for a lienholder listed on the title; if there is one, you need their release.
2. Sign the title as the new owner.
3. Submit within 10 days of the sale, at a DMV office or by mail to: DMV, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269
4. Pay the fees. Expect a transfer fee of about $15 to $28, plus use tax on the purchase price at your county’s rate (usually 7.25% to 10.25%). If the registration has expired or is about to, registration fees are due too. The DMV has a fee calculator on its title transfer page.
5. Wait for the new title. The DMV mails it, usually within 30 to 60 days.

Common mistakes

• Waiting too long: the 10-day clock starts on the sale date, and a $15 penalty applies after 30 days.
• Seller skipping the NRL: until it is filed, tickets and tolls can come back to the seller.
• Missing smog certificate: the transfer stalls until one is provided.
• Signing in the wrong place on the title. If you make a mistake, ask the DMV before crossing anything out.

Buying from a relative or getting a car as a gift?

Gifts and transfers between family members follow different rules for use tax and smog. See gifting a car to a family member in California.