Vehicle Title Transfers – California
All vehicles in California need to have a title and should be registered. Driving a vehicle without a title or registration has serious repercussions. For one, you can get a citation or get fined. You may even be put under probation or serve time in jail.
If the ownership of a vehicle is being transferred to you, make sure that you update its title and registration information. This is mandatory regardless of the reason behind the transfer, be it a gift, an inheritance or a sale.
Requirements for Transferring Vehicle Ownership
Some of the documents or information you need to provide to transfer the car’s ownership under your name are:
- Vehicle’s Certificate of Title which contains the signature of the previous owner and yours as well. The odometer readings must also be written on the odometer certification box. Older titles often do not contain a box for the mileage. So, a separate form, the REG 262, must be accomplished and submitted.
- In case the title is missing, you need to submit an application for a duplicate title. Here is the link to the REG 227 form.
- A smog certification must also be provided aside from the certificate of title or the duplicate title application. The law requires the seller to handle the smog inspection and the procurement of the certificate. However, if a certificate was already given to the DMV 90 days before the sale, there is no need to get a new one.
- A Notice of Release of Liability should also be submitted through mail or in person to the DMV not later than 5 days after the sale of the vehicle. As a buyer, you are also required to inform the DMV about the transfer not later than 10 days after the ownership has changed.
- Payment for the transfer application which may already include fees for the transfer, registration renewal and duplicate title, amongst others. Fees may also be affected by the nature of the transfer, i.e., being given as a gift from a family member. Refer to this DMV page for family transfers.
You can visit the CA DMV website for more information on vehicle title transfer including the fees that need to be settled for this type of transaction.