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Transferring a Car Title in California

Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in California when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.

Short answer: In a private-party sale, the buyer has 10 days to transfer ownership and the seller has 5 days to report the transfer to the DMV (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability). California DMV, Registration for a Vehicle Purchased from a Private Party; California Driver's Handbook, Section 11

Transferring a car titleIn a private-party sale, the buyer has 10 days to transfer ownership and the seller has 5 days to report the transfer to the DMV (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability). The buyer needs the title signed by the seller on Line 1 (or an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title, REG 227, if the title is lost), a bill of sale if the seller is not the owner on the title, an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old (REG 262 if the title has no mileage line), a smog certification, and the applicable fees and use tax. The transfer can be done by mail or at a DMV field office.
Source: California DMV, Registration for a Vehicle Purchased from a Private Party; California Driver's Handbook, Section 11
Registering after you moveA vehicle previously registered in another state or country must be registered in California within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state (the Driver's Handbook also says within 20 days after getting a job in California). Registration requires the out-of-state title or registration, a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by DMV, law enforcement or a licensed verifier, and a smog certification for most gasoline vehicles 1976 and newer, diesel vehicles 1998 and newer under 14,001 lbs GVWR, and natural gas or propane vehicles under 14,001 lbs. All California-registered vehicles must meet California emission requirements. A person who intends to become a resident and drive must apply for a California driver's license.
Other pages: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/how-to-register-an-out-of-state-vehicle-htvr9/ ; https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/vehicle-registration-requirements/ .
Source: California DMV, New California Resident Portal; How to Register a Vehicle From Out of State (HTVR 9); California Driver's Handbook, Section 11

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FAQ

How do you transfer a car title in California?
In a private-party sale, the buyer has 10 days to transfer ownership and the seller has 5 days to report the transfer to the DMV (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability). The buyer needs the title signed by the seller on Line 1 (or an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title, REG 227, if the title is lost), a bill of sale if the seller is not the owner on the title, an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old (REG 262 if the title has no mileage line), a smog certification, and the applicable fees and use tax. The transfer can be done by mail or at a DMV field office.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to California?
A vehicle previously registered in another state or country must be registered in California within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state (the Driver's Handbook also says within 20 days after getting a job in California). Registration requires the out-of-state title or registration, a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by DMV, law enforcement or a licensed verifier, and a smog certification for most gasoline vehicles 1976 and newer, diesel vehicles 1998 and newer under 14,001 lbs GVWR, and natural gas or propane vehicles under 14,001 lbs. All California-registered vehicles must meet California emission requirements. A person who intends to become a resident and drive must apply for a California driver's license.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.