Whether you’re getting a new convertible to soak up that SoCal sun or an SUV to plow through some Tahoe snow, you can’t do much with your new car until you’ve transferred the title over to your name. Doing the paperwork after buying from a private seller can seem intimidating, but KSL Cars is here to guide you through this relatively simple process, so you can get out on the road sooner.
What you’ll need to get started
California actually makes it pretty easy for drivers to transfer and register their privately purchased vehicles with its online web portal. Here are some of the things you’ll need before you get started, at home or at the DMV.
- Certificate of Title (with signatures of buyer, seller and/or lienholder)
- Bill of Sale
- Your driver’s license number
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Purchase price and date
- Owner or lienholder’s name and address
Depending on the situation, you may also need to fill out some additional paperwork. The online portal should tell you if you need any of these forms, but if you’d like to be prepared or print them out just in case, these forms include:
- Application for Replacement of Transfer of Title (REG 227) (If title is missing)
- Smog Certification (If model year is older than 8 years)
- Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262)
- Statement of Facts (REG 256)
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138)
How much does it cost to transfer a title?
The fee to transfer a title in California is $15. However, private sales in California are still subject to a sales tax, which is 7.25%. This will be paid at the time of registration.
What is a smog certification?
When registering a car or renewing a registration in California, your car needs to pass a special kind of emissions test called a smog inspection. The Smog Check system was put in place to identify, repair and/or replace vehicles with excessive emissions in order to reduce air pollution.
All vehicles need a smog inspection, unless the vehicle is:
- Older than the 1975 model year (and gas powered). This includes motorcycles and trailers.
- An electric vehicle
- Less than 8 model-years old
- Diesel-powered and older than the 1997 model year OR has a gross vehicle weight of more than 14,000 pounds
- Powered by natural gas and more than 14,000 pounds
You can find the nearest location able to perform a Smog Check at bar.ca.gov/. A Smog Check will cost you between $30 and $70 on average.
How long will a transfer take to complete?
Once you complete the registration process (either online or at the DMV), pay all required fees and meet any other requirements such as a Smog Check, the vehicle record will be updated to reflect the change in ownership. You will be issued a new title in 10-15 calendar days.
Have a car to sell instead? List your vehicle on KSL Cars today.
