{"id":4392,"date":"2018-02-27T17:18:35","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T17:18:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?p=4392"},"modified":"2026-01-09T11:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T11:50:09","slug":"sell-used-vehicles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/sell-used-vehicles\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Title Transfers: How To Sell Used Vehicles In California"},"content":{"rendered":"

Selling Used Vehicles in California? If you are planning on selling your used vehicle in the Golden State, you must comply with the adequate paperwork and bureaucracy.<\/p>\n

In fact, The California DMV has several rules and regulations that every Californian driver must follow.<\/p>\n

It could be overwhelming to catch up with all the details. However, once you follow these steps, things could get easier than you expected.<\/p>\n

Learn how to sell used vehicles in California. It\u2019s all about doing the right thing and that\u2019s the only secret.<\/p>\n

Selling a used vehicle in California<\/h2>\n

Once you decide to sell your used vehicle, The California DMV requires sellers to provide the following documentations:<\/p>\n

Legal release<\/h3>\n

This legal document of ownership and transfer requires the signature of the seller.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s any lien holder on the vehicle, they are also required to sign it.<\/p>\n

Know that the seller is responsible for filling out the release of liability within 5 days after the transfer took place.<\/p>\n

Smog certificate (If applicable)<\/h3>\n

Be proactive and find out whether you are eligible to provide a smog certificate when selling a used vehicle in California.<\/p>\n

The smog vehicle inspections laws are very strict. Note that sellers with a vehicle model of 1975 and older are not required to have smog inspections.<\/p>\n

If you renewed your registration within the last 90 days, you won\u2019t need to submit a smog certificate either.<\/p>\n

The same applies for sellers whose vehicles are under 4 years old. You don\u2019t have to submit a smog certificate.<\/p>\n

Odometer reading<\/h3>\n

In California, vehicles that are 10 years old or older are not required to provide odometer disclosure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If the seller\u2019s vehicle is over 10 years old, the California DMV requires owners to add it on the Certificate of Title or on the Vehicle\/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form.<\/p>\n

\"Selling<\/a><\/p>\n

California release of liability<\/h3>\n

You are required by law to notify the California DMV if you sell or even transfer your used vehicle to a third party.<\/p>\n

Sellers must fill out the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 calendar days from the date of the sale.<\/p>\n

Duplicate registration in California<\/h3>\n

Sometimes it happens that you (the seller) don\u2019t have the certificate of title for several reasons including:<\/p>\n