California has very specific requirements when it comes to transferring ownership of a vehicle, either buying or selling it. Because the title establishes legal ownership, having a valid one in the vehicle at all times is very important. If you are selling you vehicle you will have five days to notify the CA dmv title transfer registration office and submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of liability Form. The nice part about this is that you can do this all online, which is so much more convenient than making your way down to a busy DMV office where you may have to wait in line.
You would be wise to make an appointment when you visit the CA dmv title transfer department of your local DMV. If you have paid off the bank or finance company-held loan on your vehicle, you will need to have the free title recorded. Sometimes the loan-holder will do this as a courtesy, but if not, it becomes your responsibility. When you buy a new vehicle, the car company does usually offer this service as part of the sales agreement, but it remains your option to accept or decline their service. You will also need to record the transfer of a vehicle that is a gifting or donation or is an inheritance. Even transferring its ownership within the family or making name corrections will call for a title transfer.
When you visit your local DMV office to meet with the folks in the CA dmv title transfer department, you need to come prepared. You will need to be able to show the California Certificate of Title for your vehicle that has been signed by the seller, the buyer, and/or any lien holder. It is also necessary to produce an odometer disclosure if the vehicle is less than ten years old. Some Californian counties also require a smog certificate that needs to be updated every other year. Finally, you also need the bill of sale.
No one looks forward to a trip down to the DMV or any of the specific departments, such as the CA dmv title transfer desk. However, knowing what to take will simplify the process. Besides the proper paperwork, don’t forget the fees. The standard Title Transfer Fee is $15.00, but there may be additional fees as well. Bring your patience and your sense of humor with you as well, and you should be in and out and on your way again with very little difficulty.
