Private sale — What You Need to Know
A transaction between two private individuals without dealer involvement. Both parties negotiate directly and the seller transfers the title after payment.
Seller guidance
You are responsible for disclosing known defects, providing an accurate odometer statement, and delivering a clean title. Once the bill of sale is signed and funds received, remove the vehicle from your insurance and notify your DMV of the transfer.
Buyer guidance
Run a title search or VIN history report (NMVTIS, CARFAX) before handing over funds. Confirm the seller is the titled owner and the title is free of liens. Take possession of the signed title on the day of sale.
Legal note (California-specific)
CA requires both parties to complete REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form). The seller must report the sale to DMV within 5 days using the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (online at dmv.ca.gov). Failure to report leaves the seller liable for parking tickets and tolls after the sale.
Private sale checklist
- Verify the seller name matches the title exactly
- Confirm no open liens via your state DMV or NMVTIS
- Complete federal odometer disclosure (vehicles <10 years old)
- Sign and date the bill of sale with both parties present
- Transfer title and notify DMV within your state deadline
- Complete REG 262 (Transfer and Reassignment Form)
- Seller: submit Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days
- Buyer: transfer title at DMV within 10 days to avoid penalty fees
Side by Side Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$5,000–$30,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for side by side buyers
- Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
- Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
- Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
- Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
- Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
- Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
- Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
- Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope
Common recall categories
SteeringFuel SystemFire HazardSuspensionThrottle
On average, each side by side model has approximately 2.6 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
California Tax & Fee Summary
State Sales Tax Rate
7.25%
7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%)
Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate
Visit the official California DMV website
Dublin Private sale side by side generator — when to file
California requires title transfer within 10 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For private sale transactions specifically, file at California DMV – Dublin (Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov for the nearest Dublin, CA office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. California CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties. Miss the 10-day window and California typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Dublin bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $23.00 title transfer fee plus 8.75% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at California DMV – Dublin; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.