California DMV Vehicle Title Transfer
When you buy a car in California you must register and transfer the title into your name within 10 days of the purchase date. Your vehicle's old title must be turned in to the DMV either by mail or in person in order to complete the title transfer process.
How much time do I have? Department of Motor Vehicles title transfer and registration fees are due within 10 days of the vehicle sale or purchase date, or 10 days from the day you establish residency or employment in California. An exact amount of fees can calculated when you submit your application to the DMV, visit a local vehicle registration service provider, or use NeedTags.com™ to process your vehicle title transfer online. You can start the process by using their DMV fee calculator located below at no charge.
Do I need auto insurance? Yes. As with all U.S. states, California requires valid auto insurance prior to car registration. You will be able to transfer your vehicle title into your name without auto insurance but in order to receive current vehicle registration, you will need to provide the DMV proof of insurance. Minimum 15/30/5 auto insurance is required. The first two numbers (15/30) covers each person injured in an accident up to 15,000 dollars, with 30,000 dollars total allowed per accident to all parties involved. The last number refer to the total coverage per accident for property damage in California. These are the minimum California requirements.
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Do I need a smog check? California vehicle registration laws require the seller of a vehicle to provide the buyer of the vehicle with a valid and passing smog check certificate at the time of the sale or transfer in order to register a vehicle. Smog certifications obtained for the purpose of title transfer or vehicle sale are good for 90 days from the date of issuance for DMV registration.
For the purpose of vehicle title transfer you can obtain a smog check at any type of smog test center which includes: test only centers, test & repair centers, or STAR smog stations. Either of these shops can perform the smog test required for initial California registration or title transfer. A passing smog inspection is required to received new registration (registration card and license plate sticker) however a passing inspection is not required to "post" DMV fees.
A smog check is not required on a title or pink slip transfer if the vehicle's biennial smog certification was submitted to the DMV within 90 days prior to the transfer date.
Smog Exempt - Smog certifications for California vehicle registration or title transfer are not required for any motor vehicle that is 4 or less model years old, except if the vehicle is being brought in from out-of-state.
Not Smog Exempt - Out of state vehicles requiring initial California registration, regardless or vehicle year model, are required to undergo a smog inspection in order to receive a new California title, license plates, and stickers.
If multiple sales occur before the DMV is notified, a separate transfer fee is collected for each sale when the application for transfer is received by the Department of Motor Vehicle. Fees may include registration penalties.
Release your liability. Complete a Notice of Title Transfer and Release of Liability Form. As a seller you are responsible for reporting the change of ownership to DMV within 5 days from the date of sale. After the DMV updates this information you will be cleared from future liability arising from the vehicle's use. The purchaser is also responsible for reporting the change of ownership to DMV. They have a 10 day window to report the transfer from the purchase date.
Process by Mail - You may submit registration documents in-person at a local DMV branch office, with or without an appointment, or by mailing to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
For questions or concerns you may contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133.
