Transfer a Car Title in California

If you’ve recently purchased or sold a vehicle in California, it’s important to know how to transfer the car title properly. While it may seem like a daunting task, the process of transferring a car title in California is straightforward if you follow the right steps. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of transferring a car title in California, including important forms and fees that need to be considered. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how to transfer a car title to a family member in California. Let’s get started!

Understanding Car Titles: An Essential Document for Vehicle Ownership

A car title serves as a vital legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle. In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles outlines the key components included in a car title:

Components of a Car Title

• Full Owner Information: Including name and address of the legal owner of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A unique identifier for the vehicle.
• Registration Date: The date when the vehicle was initially registered.
• Lienholder Information: Details about any financing or liens on the vehicle.
• Branded Title Information: This indicates if the vehicle has a branded title, such as “salvaged.”
• Vehicle Value: An approximate value of the vehicle at the time of registration.

When Is a Car Title Transfer Necessary?

A California DMV title transfer is required in various scenarios, including:

• Purchasing a Vehicle: When acquiring a vehicle from an individual or dealership.
• Selling a Vehicle: When transferring ownership of a vehicle to another party.
• Inheriting a Vehicle: Upon inheriting a vehicle from a deceased family member or through estate proceedings.
• Donating or Gifting a Vehicle: When giving a vehicle as a gift or donating it to a charitable organization.
• Completion of Car Loan: Once a car loan has been fully paid off, a title transfer may be necessary to update ownership records.

Documentation Required for a California Title Transfer

To facilitate a smooth California title transfer process, certain documents and information are needed. The DMV outlines the following prerequisites:

• Driver’s License: Personal identification of the individuals involved in the transfer.
• License Plate Number: Unique identifier for the license plate associated with the vehicle.
• VIN: Vehicle Identification Number that distinguishes the vehicle.
• Owner Information: Full name and address of the current owner or lienholder.
• Vehicle Details: Make, model, and year of the vehicle.
• Purchase Information: Date of purchase and the agreed-upon price of the vehicle.
• Existing Title: The current California title should be provided; if missing, complete Form REG 227 for a replacement.
• Signatures: Signatures of the buyer, seller, and lienholder (if applicable) are essential for a successful transfer.
• Odometer Reading: The mileage reading on the vehicle; there are exceptions for older vehicles.
• Transfer Fee: A fee, which varies, must be paid for the title transfer process.

Completing the Title Transfer Process

Once all necessary paperwork is gathered, the title transfer documents can be submitted either via mail to the designated DMV address or in person at a local DMV office. Alternatively, the process can now be completed conveniently online via the DMV’s website.

Upon submission, it typically takes approximately a month for the DMV to review the documents and finalize the title transfer. By ensuring all required information is accurately provided, the title transfer process can be efficiently completed, ensuring proper ownership records for the vehicle in California.

Do You Need a Smog Certification When Transferring a Title in California?

Many car owners in California wonder if a smog certification is necessary when transferring a title. The answer is it depends on the circumstances surrounding the transfer.

When Is a Smog Certification Required?

A smog certification is necessary in some scenarios when transferring a title in California. For instance:

• Vehicle Sale: When selling a vehicle, providing the buyer with a valid smog certification is mandatory.
• Out-of-State Transfer: Bringing a vehicle from another state requires a smog certification to register the vehicle in California.
• Vehicle Registration Renewal: An emissions inspection may be necessary during registration renewal, depending on where the owner lives.

Vehicles That Don’t Need Smog Certification

The California DMV website provides a list of vehicles exempt from requiring a smog certification:

• A gasoline-powered vehicle with a 1975 year model or older. This includes motorcycles and trailers.
• A diesel-powered vehicle with a 1997 or older model or with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 pounds.
• Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds.
• An electric vehicle.
• Gasoline-powered and less than eight model-years old.

Before initiating a vehicle transfer, it’s essential to check the California DMV website or seek professional assistance to determine the requirements. This will ensure that the transfer process is completed smoothly and efficiently.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Car Title in California

Transferring your car title is crucial to owning a vehicle in California. A title transfer is mandated by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) anytime ownership changes hands, whether you’ve sold or purchased a vehicle. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the process quick and hassle-free:

• Gather the Required Documentation
• To transfer a car title, you need to gather all necessary documents, such as:
• California Certificate of Title
• Smog certificate
• Bill of Sale (for private transactions)
• Affidavits (if applicable)
• Payment for required fees

Get the California Certificate of Title

The California Certificate of Title is a crucial document in transferring vehicle ownership. Make sure you have the original title or obtain a new one if the original is lost or damaged. Submit an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) if necessary.

Obtain a Smog Certificate

State law requires a Smog certificate when transferring a vehicle made in 1975 onward that is under 8 model years. Moreover, any diesel vehicle made after 1998 must have a Smog certificate, as does any natural gas vehicle built after 1975. Get the certificate from a state-certified Smog check station.

Pay the Transfer Fees

As part of the title transfer process, transfer fees commonly charged may include:

• Registration fee
• Transfer fee
• Replacement title fee
• Sales and Use tax fee
• Potential penalty fees

Complete the Title Transfer Process

When transferring the title, the owner(s) listed on the title must sign and date it. Other crucial information includes the mileage reading, purchase price, and buyer information. Besides, the buyer should pay use tax to the DMV.

Once you have all the required documentation, submit the paperwork to the DMV within ten days of transferring ownership. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at the local DMV office. The DMV fees vary based on how you choose to submit your documentation, but online submission is known to be the fastest.

Title Transfer When Buying a Car in California

When buying from a dealership, the titling process is usually initiated by the dealer. If requested, you’ll receive a temporary permit until the actual license plates arrive.

If buying a car from a private seller, ask them for the signed title and a Bill of Sale in a written and signed agreement. The Bill of Sale serves as proof of purchase, which is crucial should any legal issues arise.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Each DMV office may differ slightly, so checking with your local DMV branch for additional steps, if required, is vital.
• Depending on various factors, a title transfer can take several weeks to process, so start the process early.
• Maintaining full documentation and following state laws is crucial in avoiding future legal complications.
• Transferring a car title can be complicated, but knowing the correct steps and having all the necessary documentation ready can make the process seamless and ensure proper ownership records in California.

Navigating the Title Transfer Process

When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in California, the dealership is generally responsible for handling the title paperwork on your behalf, simplifying the process for you. Upon completion of the purchase, the car title will be mailed to you by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

However, the process is slightly different if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller. The seller must provide you with the signed car title as proof of releasing ownership. Subsequently, you are required to take the signed title to your local DMV office to initiate the transfer of ownership.

Title Transfer When Selling a Car in California

For individuals selling their vehicles in California, the responsibility lies in ensuring that the title is readily available and signed for the buyer. Furthermore, an odometer reading must be provided on the title or by using the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form. Following the sale, it’s imperative to submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) online within a 5-day window to release any liability associated with the vehicle.

Obtaining a California Title When None is Available

When a California title is unavailable, applying for a replacement is a viable solution. If a lienholder release form exists, it must also be notarized and handed over to the buyer as part of the selling process.

Title Transfer in California if the Owner has Passed Away

In the event that you become the rightful heir of a vehicle after the owner’s passing, California allows for the transfer of the title 40 days after the owner’s death without the need for probate or court involvement, provided the owner’s property value does not exceed $166,250. The transfer process entails signing the title with the deceased owner’s name, submitting a death certificate, and possibly an odometer disclosure. Additionally, completion and submission of an Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) is necessary, along with the payment of any requisite transfer fees.

Managing an Out-of-State Title in California

For individuals who have recently relocated to California, it’s essential to register their out-of-state title within 20 days of becoming a resident. This involves completing an Application for Title or Registration. Those who have bought a vehicle from another state need to perform an out-of-state title transfer in California, which requires submission of an application for the title along with the original out-of-state title bearing the seller’s signature.

Transferring Title Between Family Members

Transferring a vehicle between family members in California involves following the specified processes. Both parties must sign the title, and additional documentation such as the Statement of Facts (REG 256) form and an odometer disclosure may be necessary. Any transfer fees must also be paid.If you have any further questions, contact our team at Titelo!