When purchasing a vehicle through a private sale in the state of California, a title transfer must occur. A title transfer ensures that legal ownership passes from seller and buyer, thus allowing the buyer to the register and insure the car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle. In this guide, we’ll show you how to complete a California title transfer online, thereby changing ownership of a vehicle.
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How to Complete a California Title Transfer Online
Completing a California title transfer online is easy with eTags. As soon as you get possession of this all-important document, you can head over to our site and get started. Here are the steps you’ll take through the process:
- Select California as your home state from our pop-up menu
- Choose “Transfer Your Title”
- Answer the series of questions and prompts as they come up. You’ll need to have the following information handy:
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- In which state the car is currently titled
- Type of transfer (in this case, a purchase)
- VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Sale price, sale date, odometer reading
- First and last name of buyer
- Email address and phone number
- You’ll have a chance to review your order, and if everything looks good, head to Checkout
- Enter your payment info, read over the terms and condition and place your order!
And that’s how to get going with an online title transfer in the state of California.
Seller Responsibilities: Release of Liability Form
It’s important to note that any vehicle seller in California must submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability – also known as an NRL. This document notifies the California DMV that ownership of a vehicle has changed and releases the seller from any responsibility relating to the vehicle from that point on. Meaning, an NRL protects the seller from any legal ramifications coming about from things like parking tickets, traffic violations, or car accidents attributed to the new owner.
What to Do if the Seller Doesn’t Have a Title
If the vehicle seller doesn’t have a the certificate of title on hand, they will have to apply for a duplicate https://www.etags.com/title-replacement/california title. Keep in mind, they will need to download and complete an Application for Duplicate Title or Transfer of Title (Form REG 227).
Special Considerations for California Title Transfers Involving Gifted Vehicles
If the vehicle is being gifted to you, you’ll need a completed Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) to get fee exemptions for family transfers and smog certification. If someone is selling a vehicle that they inherited from a deceased person, the seller needs to submit an Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate (Form REG 5).
California Title Transfer FAQ
How do I buy a vehicle from a private seller in California?
Purchasing a vehicle through a private sale in California is a bit different from buying one at a car dealership. Mostly because it falls to you to be sure that the right steps are taken…such as the title transfer – which you now know how to do! But in order to help you out, we’ve compiled a quick list of what it takes to buy a car via private sale:
- Visit reliable websites that feature vehicles available in your area.
- Set a meeting time and place to inspect and test drive the vehicle
- Confirm that the seller has a clean certificate of title to sign over to you. If there is no title, wait until the seller obtains an official, legal duplicate document online with eTags.com (here)
- Negotiate with the seller to reach an agreeable price.
- Have the seller fill out and sign over the vehicle title and liability release form (NRL)
- Sign and complete the sections on the back of the title where Buyer is indicated.
- Head over to eTags to transfer your California title online, or set an appointment at the DMV.
- Follow the prompts, provide the necessary information, and place your order
Of course, if at any time in this process you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us – because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
