State
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City
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Make
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Model
Select
Price Under
Select
Mileage
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*T&C Applied
California
Manhattan Beach
Private Seller
64,454 (mi)
$26,995
California
City and County of San Francisco
Private Seller
94,267 (mi)
$12,400
As the buyer, you have 10 days from the date of purchase to transfer ownership into your name. You can do this by visiting a DMV office, a AAA branch (if you are a member), or sometimes online if the transaction is straightforward. The seller is required to report the sale to the DMV within 5 days using a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
When buying a car from a private owner in California, you need the original California Certificate of Title, often called the "pink slip." The seller must sign line 1 on the front of the title. If there is a lienholder (like a bank) listed on the title, the seller must also provide the original lien release document to prove the loan has been paid off. Always check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the car’s dashboard.
By California law, the seller is responsible for providing a valid smog certification at the time of the sale. The certificate must have been issued within the last 90 days. If the car is four model years old or newer, a smog test is generally not required; instead, you will pay a smog transfer fee. Electric vehicles and certain hybrids are also exempt. Never rely on a seller’s promise to "pass smog later"—insist on seeing the valid certificate before buying.
Aside from the signed title, you should complete a Bill of Sale (Form REG 135) to document the transaction. This form records the purchase price, which determines the use tax you will pay. If the title does not have a designated space for the odometer reading, you will also need a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (Form REG 262), which cannot be printed online and must be obtained directly from the DMV or a licensed business.
It is highly recommended. Even if a car passes a smog check, it could have other serious mechanical issues. Arrange to meet the seller at a trusted repair shop to have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. If the seller refuses to allow an inspection, consider that a major red flag.
Navigate California's Private Car Market: Documents, Inspections, and Safety Tips.
View CA Guide
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