Private-Party Transfer Help
Bought From a Private Seller
Review the title, odometer disclosure, smog certification, and buyer and seller signatures before submission.
Gift or Family Transfer
Confirm whether the transaction qualifies for California gift or family-transfer requirements and which forms apply.
Missing or Complicated Documents
Identify missing signatures, lienholder releases, or title issues before they delay the ownership transfer.
Important Information
- California DMV says the buyer must report the ownership change within 10 days of the purchase date.
- The seller should submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days. Filing the notice does not transfer the title.
- The original California title generally must be properly endorsed. Other forms may apply when the title is missing or the transaction involves a gift, family transfer, or lienholder.
- A smog certification may be required, although exemptions apply to some vehicles and transfers.
- Taxes and DMV fees depend on the transaction and vehicle record.
Review California DMV title-transfer requirements
Service scope: California Vehicle Plates is an authorized California DMV business partner and independent registration service. Service fees are charged in addition to applicable DMV fees.
California Private-Party Transfer FAQs
How soon must a buyer transfer a vehicle?
California DMV says a buyer must report the ownership change within 10 days of the purchase date.
What should the seller do after the sale?
The seller should submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days. This notice does not transfer the title.
Is a smog certification required?
It is often required for a private-party sale, but exemptions apply. We review the vehicle and transaction before confirming.
Can California Vehicle Plates complete the transaction?
We can process eligible DMV business-partner transactions. The exact result depends on the vehicle record and required documents.
How It Works
1
Submit the vehicle, buyer, seller, and transaction information.
2
We review the title, signatures, lienholder status, smog, and supporting documents.
3
Bring or mail the required originals. DMV mails the new title after the transfer is processed.