How to Transfer a Van Title in California

Seller's guide: which sections to complete, what to keep, and how to release liability after a private van sale in California.

✓ No Notary Required in California

Step-by-Step: Transferring the Van Title as the Seller

Complete the seller's sections on the California title

Back of the pink slip: (1) Registered Owner signature in the "Seller's Signature" line. (2) Printed name. (3) Date of sale. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading. If there are two registered owners, both must sign. Do NOT fill in the buyer's name — the buyer completes that section.

Provide odometer disclosure

Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Record the current mileage in the odometer section of the title assignment. California does not require notarization for a private title transfer.

Hand the title to the buyer and keep your copy

Keep the perforated top portion of the certificate (the "Notice of Transfer" receipt) or retain a photocopy of the completed title before handing it to the buyer.

Notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) of the sale

Submit the REG 138 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) online at DMV.ca.gov within 5 days of the sale. This ends your registration and financial liability for the vehicle.

Cancel insurance and plates

After the title is signed and handed over, contact your insurer to cancel or transfer your van insurance. File the REG 138 online immediately — California holds the registered owner liable for parking tickets, red-light camera violations, and toll charges until the release of liability is processed.

Most Common Title Transfer Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

✗ Error: Using white-out or correction fluid

✓ Fix: Apply for a duplicate title before the sale. DMVs reject corrected titles in all 50 states.

✗ Error: Leaving the odometer field blank

✓ Fix: Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs. Always fill it in.

✗ Error: Signing in the wrong section

✓ Fix: The seller signs the "Assignment" section — not the buyer section. Read the title carefully before signing.

✗ Error: Forgetting to notify the DMV after the sale

✓ Fix: File the release of liability/notice of transfer within the state deadline. Until you do, you remain liable.

✗ Error: Handing over the title without a bill of sale

✓ Fix: Always create a bill of sale alongside the title transfer. It's your dated, signed proof of sale price and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the seller or buyer fill out the California title?

Both parties complete different sections. As the seller, you complete the assignment section: your signature, printed name, date, sale price, and odometer reading. The buyer completes the buyer information section (name, address) when they apply for their new title at the DMV.

Does California require a notary to transfer a van title?

No — California does not require notarization for a private van title transfer. The seller simply signs and prints their name in the assignment section.

What does a seller need to include in the California title assignment?

Most states require: (1) Seller's signature. (2) Seller's printed name. (3) Date of sale. (4) Sale price (or "gift" if applicable). (5) Odometer reading. California may have additional requirements. Back of the pink slip: (1) Registered Owner signature in the "Seller's Signature" line. (2) Printed name. (3) Date of sale. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading. If there are two registered owners, both must sign. Do NOT fill in the buyer's name — the buyer completes that section. Do NOT fill in a buyer name — the buyer handles that portion when applying for their new title.

How does a seller release liability after transferring a van title in California?

File the REG 138 online immediately — California holds the registered owner liable for parking tickets, red-light camera violations, and toll charges until the release of liability is processed.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in California?

Submit the REG 138 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) online at DMV.ca.gov within 5 days of the sale. This ends your registration and financial liability for the vehicle.

What happens if a seller makes an error on the California title?

Do not use white-out or correction fluid on any section of a vehicle title — this voids the document and the DMV will reject it. If you make an error, apply for a duplicate title before the sale. A duplicate title typically costs $10–$75 and takes 1–3 weeks in most states. Never try to correct an error with any type of fluid or marker.

Generate a California Van Bill of Sale

The title transfer and bill of sale work together — create your California-compliant bill of sale to complete the sale.

Create California Van Bill of Sale