How to Sell a Car in California Privately? (State Guide)

The buyer has 10 days from the sale date to transfer the title and register the car with the California DMV. If they miss that window, they’ll face late registration fees.

The 10-day clock starts on the date of sale, not the date they receive the paperwork.

Title notarization is not required in California, since the title assignment itself never needs a notary.

A bill of sale is recommended in California for protection. The one situation where it becomes particularly important is if the seller’s name doesn’t appear on the title.

Yes, but you need to coordinate lien release with your lender. In California, most lenders hold the title through the ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) system, so they need to release it before you can complete the sale.

Some lenders let you pay off the loan at closing using the buyer’s funds, with the title released directly to the buyer afterward.

If you owe more than the car’s worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.

If the estate goes through probate, you’ll need a court order or letters testamentary before the DMV will let you transfer the title.

For $239,700 for deaths on or after April 1, 2026, or $208,850 for deaths from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026, with registered vehicles excluded from the total, California allows a simpler process using Form REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate). To use it, Pick up Form REG 5 at a DMV office (not downloadable), then submit it with the title to transfer ownership..

Once the title is in your name, the standard private sale process applies.

It depends on how the names are joined. If your names are connected by “AND,” all owners must sign. If they’re connected by “OR,” any one owner can sign alone.

Check the exact wording on your title before the sale.

Don’t try to fix it yourself with white-out or cross-outs. Any correction voids the title in California.

You’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form REG 227 and pay the $28 fee before you can proceed with the sale.

Your obligations as the seller are the same. You still need to provide the smog certificate (if required) and file the NRL within 5 days.

The buyer handles registration in their home state, which may require a VIN inspection or additional steps on their end.

Yes, standard California plates stay with the car. The buyer uses them temporarily while they complete registration.

Specifically, you can leave the standard plates on the vehicle, or remove personalized/specialty plates and transfer them to another vehicle you own.

Yes. You must provide a valid, passing smog certificate for most gasoline-powered vehicles more than four model years old. The certificate is valid for 90 days.

Electric vehicles, diesels, and vehicles from 1975 and older are exempt.

Find a smog station near you at the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s website. Typical test cost runs $30 to $70.

Yes. You must file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (Form REG 138 (NRL)) with the California DMV within 5 days of the sale.

Filing File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) online through the California DMV portal within 5 days. is the fastest option and gives you instant confirmation. This protects you from parking tickets, toll violations, and accident liability after the sale.

Penalty for not filing: you remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents until you file. Don’t skip this step.

The process is similar but smog requirements may not apply depending on how the buyer uses the vehicle.

You can also compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor to find the best deal. Read the full guide for California junk car sellers.

Learn more: How to Sell a Junk Car in California