6 California Vehicle Title Transfer Questions to Avoid Hassles

In California, there’s an important procedure for transferring a vehicle title once a person buys, sells, gifts, inherits, and donates a car.

Many people are not informed about title transfers and go through a big hassle instead of taking immediate action.

While many Californians try to follow the rules and keep copies of their auto-related documentation, there are still others who pay no heed to vehicle title transfers in the Golden state.

Here you’ll find 6 California Vehicle Title Transfer Questions (And How To Master The Procedure).

How do I transfer a car title in California?

During transaction, the seller must transfer the title documentation into the buyer’s name. That will save the seller from future hassles and other liabilities.

Follow these 4 steps:

1. Complete the back of the Certificate of Title. It’s also known as “pink slip”.
2. Take and complete a Bill of Sale, if you don’t require an odometer reading, or a Vehicle Transfer form, which is only available at the DMV.
3. Keep two copies of Vehicle Transfer form or Bill of Sale. They must include signatures of the two parties, year and make of the vehicle, selling price, date of sale, and VIN number.
4. Complete a vehicle history report that contains any accident history, car repairs, and history of previous owners of that vehicle.

Note that this process also applies to recreational vehicles.

In case you are transferring your car title to someone in another state, both of you (buyer and seller) must contact that state’s DMV to follow the specific steps that applies to them.

What if I lost my original vehicle title?

Sometimes people lose their vehicle titles during the titling procedure and that’s ok.

In that event, you will have to contact your local DMV office and request a title duplication prior to selling and transferring the car title.

Do it fast. Fill out an application for Duplicate Title. Then visit your local tax county collector’s branch or your local DMV office to submit the form.

What do I need to fill out on the Certificate of Title?

Once you get the Certificate of Title form, you must include the following information on the back of the car title:

1. Odometer
2. Vehicle Sale price
3. Date of Transaction

The seller must locate and complete the “By Seller” section to complete the transfer of the vehicle without future delays.

How do I gift a vehicle to a family member?

Besides from selling/buying your car, people sometimes want to gift their vehicle to another family member or a third party.

Note that title transfers between family members do not have to include a smog test. However, if you are transferring your title to a sibling, you may be required to provide a smog certification.

California considers a family member any person that falls into the following categories: Parents, Spouses, Children, Grandparents, Grandchildren, and Domestic partners.

If you have a half, step, or an adopted family member, they are also included in the list.

What if I am not considered a family member?

Gifting a car to a third party follows an specific procedure in California. Follow these steps to obtain a vehicle title.

1. Provide a car title and signature.
2. Submit an accurate odometer reading if your vehicle is under 10 years old.
3. Complete the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form. They are only available at your local DMV.
4. The vehicle recipient must sign the vehicle title.
5. Fill out a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form and submit it to the DMV within five days of the transaction taking place.

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How do I donate a vehicle?

Once you get familiarized with the gifting process, you’ll have no problem following these steps to donate your vehicle.

1. Donators must provide vehicle title and signature.
2. Submit an accurate odometer reading if your vehicle is under 10 years old.
3. Complete the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form. They are only available at your local DMV.
4. The vehicle recipient must sign the vehicle title.
5. Fill out a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form and submit it to the DMV within five days of the transaction taking place.

Note that most charities will require donators to submit a smog certification, which differs from gifting a vehicle.

As we talked about smog certifications, they must be dated within 90 days, so stay current. You may also qualify for a tax exemption depending on which charity you are donating your vehicle to.