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State guide

Selling a car privately in California

Everything you need to complete a legal private vehicle sale in California — title transfer steps, required forms, fees, and official DMV links.

Key note: Seller must notify DMV within 5 days via REG 138 NRL. Smog certification required for most vehicles over 4 years old. Use REG 262 for title transfer. Combined tax rates vary by county.

Step-by-step title transfer guide

  1. 1

    Gather required documents

    Before listing your car, locate the original title (lien-free), your government-issued ID, and any maintenance records. In California you'll also need an odometer disclosure statement.

  2. 2

    Agree on price and conduct a test drive

    Research comparable listings on CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to price competitively. Meet in a public place for the test drive. Bring a friend if possible. Verify the buyer has a valid driver's license before handing over the keys.

    Protect yourself with a vehicle history report

    Buyers expect it. Sellers who provide a CARFAX report close deals faster and at higher prices.

    Get CARFAX Report →~$40 · 30-day cookie · recommended for all private sales
  3. 3

    Complete the title transfer

    Sign the back of your California title in the presence of the buyer. Fill in the buyer's name, address, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading in the designated fields. Print clearly — corrections can void the title.

  4. 4

    Complete the bill of sale (official form)

    California requires a bill of sale documenting the transaction. Include seller name, buyer name, vehicle year/make/model/VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. Use the official state form linked below.

  5. 5

    Collect payment safely

    For amounts under $5,000, cash is fine. For larger transactions, use a cashier's check from a major bank or a bank wire transfer. Verify any check at the issuing bank before releasing the vehicle. Never accept personal checks from strangers.

    Selling for $5,000+? Use a secure payment service

    Escrow.com holds the buyer's funds until the title is transferred — eliminating payment scams.

    Use Escrow.com →~0.89% fee · recommended for high-value transactions
  6. 6

    Notify the California DMV and cancel your insurance

    Report the sale to the California DMV to protect yourself from liability after the transfer. Remove your license plates (unless transferring them) and cancel or transfer your insurance. Keep copies of all paperwork for at least 1 year.

  7. 7

    Buyer registers within 5 days (seller notice)

    The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle at the California DMV within 5 days (seller notice) of the sale date. They will pay the 7.25% base (+ local) sales tax and the $21 title fee at that time.

Required forms & documents

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Vehicle title (signed)

The original title in your name, signed on the back

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Bill of sale

Official state form available

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Odometer disclosure

For vehicles under 10 years old

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Photo ID

Government-issued ID for both parties

Transfer your warranty to the buyer

A transferable extended warranty increases buyer confidence and can add $500–$2,000 to your sale price.

Check warranty options →Transferable coverage · improves sale price

California bill of sale (required)

California requires a bill of sale for private vehicle transactions. Use our free generator or download the official form.

Generate bill of sale →Official state form ↗

Official California DMV resources

California DMV — Vehicle Title Transfer

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/

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Frequently asked questions — California

Do I need a notary to sell my car in California?+
No. California does not require a notary for a standard private vehicle sale. Both parties simply sign the title in each other's presence.
Is a bill of sale required in California?+
Yes, a bill of sale is required for private vehicle sales in California. Use the official state form.
How long do I have to transfer the title in California?+
The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle within 5 days (seller notice) of the sale date in California. Late registration typically results in penalty fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in California?+
The title transfer fee in California is $21. Additional fees such as registration, county surcharges, or processing fees may apply when the buyer visits the DMV.
Is there sales tax on a private car sale in California?+
Yes. The buyer pays 7.25% base (+ local) sales tax when registering the vehicle at the California DMV. This is collected at the time of title transfer, not at the point of sale.