How to Transfer a Private Car Sale in California
Last verified: October 2026 against California DMV and CDTFA sources
In a California private sale, the seller signs the title and provides a smog certificate, and you transfer ownership with the DMV within 10 days.
Here is the order to do it in, what it costs, and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Get the signed title
The seller signs Line 1 of the title. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, record the mileage; if the title has no mileage line, use a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form (REG 262) signed by both of you.
If the seller is not the owner named on the title, get a bill of sale signed by both the seller and the titled owner.
- 2
Get the smog certification
The seller gives you a valid smog certification for a gas vehicle more than four model years old. For a vehicle four model years old or newer, no smog check is needed; you pay a smog transfer fee to the DMV instead. Diesel vehicles have no model-year exemption.
- 3
Transfer ownership within 10 days
You have 10 days after the purchase to transfer ownership with the DMV. The seller has 5 days to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
- 4
Pay the transfer fee and use tax
The transfer fee is $15. Use tax is charged on the purchase price at the sales tax rate where you register the car: 7.25% statewide, up to 11.75% with local district taxes.
- 5
Plan for registration fees
Registration is $76 plus a $34 CHP fee, plus a vehicle license fee of 0.65% of the car’s value, a transportation improvement fee from $33 to $231 depending on value, and county fees. Zero-emission vehicles from model year 2020 on add a $121 road improvement fee.
How California use tax works on a private sale
- You generally pay use tax at the DMV when you register, at the rate for the address where you register the car.
- Trade-in credit does not apply to a private sale.
- Purchases from close family members, and true gifts, can be exempt. See the gift guide.
What to bring
- The title, signed by the seller on Line 1
- Odometer reading for a vehicle less than 10 years old (REG 262 if the title has no mileage line)
- Smog certification from the seller (or the smog transfer fee for a vehicle four model years old or newer)
- Bill of sale, if the seller is not the owner named on the title
- Payment for the $15 transfer fee, use tax, and any registration fees due