How to transfer ownership of a car in California

Ownership of a car confirms ownership. This is true in California and throughout the rest of the country. If you buy a car from a dealer, they will take over the transfer process and you don't have to do anything (in this case, the bank usually owns the property). However, if you are buying a car from a private seller, gifting a car to another family member, or dealing with an inherited car, there are a few things you need to know about how to transfer ownership of a car in California.

Buyer Steps

If you're buying a car from a private seller, follow these steps to make sure the process goes smoothly.

• Make sure the seller has signed the title and filled in all required fields.
• Make sure the copyright holders have signed the title.
• Check the odometer and match it with the odometer check provided by the seller.
• Check the car for emissions (smog check) if the car is older than 4 years. If the car is 4 years old or older, you will need to pay an $8 smog transfer fee.
• Submit your documents to the DMV and pay the $15 transfer fee. You will also need to pay government taxes and fees. Please note that you only have 30 days to do so and must notify the state government within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle.

Common Mistakes

• Do not transmit the current smog check.
• Failure to notify DMV within 10 days of vehicle purchase.

Steps for sellers

Sellers have a few specific steps to follow. They are the following:

• Sign the title deed of the vehicle and hand it over to the buyer.
• If any liens are raised against the vehicle, ask the lien holders to sign before transferring ownership to the buyer.
• If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, please complete the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer of Ownership Form, available only from the California DMV and must be obtained in person (cannot be printed at home). You can also call 800-777-0133 to get it in the mail.
• Provide the buyer with a valid smog verification certificate.
• Submit a Transfer and Release Notice within 5 days of the vehicle being sold to the buyer.

Common Mistakes

• Not completing a release from liability.

car donation

In California, you can give your car as a donation or as a gift. As a gift, you can donate the vehicle without having to go through a new smog test to eligible family members, including parents, grandparents, spouses or cohabitants, children and grandchildren. All other steps are the same as for ordinary buyers and sellers. However, the person receiving the donated vehicle will be required to complete a Statement of Fact to use with their taxes.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in California, visit the state DMV website. Please note that the CA Reg website can also be used to expedite the transfer process.