How to Sell a Car in California (Private Party)
California sellers must submit a Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) within 5 days of sale and provide a smog certificate for most vehicles. The buyer has 10 days to transfer the title.
Required Documents
- California Certificate of Title — signed on the back by the seller with odometer disclosure
- Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) — submitted online to CA DMV within 5 days of sale
- Smog Certificate — required for most vehicles over 4 model years old; seller's responsibility unless buyer waives it
- Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price and protect the seller
- Valid government-issued ID
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the back of the pink slip (title), including odometer mileage
- Buyer submits the signed title to CA DMV within 10 days to avoid a $15 penalty
- Seller must file REG 138 online at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days — this is critical to release liability
- If the title has a lien, the lienholder must release it before the sale (Form REG 166)
Taxes and Fees
- California use tax applies to the purchase price — rate varies by county (typically 7.25%–10.25%)
- Buyer pays use tax to CA DMV during registration, not at the point of sale
- $15 title transfer fee payable by the buyer at CA DMV
- Smog certificate costs $30–$70 depending on the testing station
Timeline
- Seller must file REG 138 (Notice of Release of Liability) within 5 days of sale
- Buyer must transfer title within 10 days to avoid a $15 late penalty
- Smog certificate must be no more than 90 days old at the time of transfer
Seller Tips
- File the REG 138 online immediately after the sale — do not wait
- License plates stay with the vehicle in California (unlike most states)
- If you cannot locate the title, apply for a duplicate using REG 227 before listing the car
- Vehicles less than 4 model years old or with fewer than 7,500 miles are typically exempt from smog
How to create a bill of sale
- Obtain a smog certificate (valid within 90 days) from a licensed smog station.
- Sign the back of the California pink slip, including the odometer reading and sale price.
- Complete a bill of sale with buyer name, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
- Hand the signed title, smog certificate, and bill of sale to the buyer.
- File the Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days of the sale.
- Notify your insurance company of the sale date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) in California?
REG 138 is a form you submit to CA DMV within 5 days of selling your vehicle. It releases you from liability for the car after the sale date. You can file it online at dmv.ca.gov for free.
Do I need a smog check to sell my car in California?
Yes, most vehicles require a smog certificate unless the car is a diesel vehicle, 4 model years old or newer, or has fewer than 7,500 miles. The smog certificate must be from within 90 days of transfer.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in California?
The buyer has 10 calendar days to submit the title to CA DMV. After that, a $15 penalty applies.
Do I keep my license plates when I sell my car in California?
No. In California, license plates stay with the vehicle, not the seller. The buyer keeps the plates and must re-register in their name.
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