How To Transfer A Car Title in California
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Transferring a car title is necessary if you’re switching from one owner to the next, as it’s necessary to show who owns a vehicle. This process differs by state. If you live in California, the process will look different from Vermont. Those on the West Coast might wonder how to transfer a car title in California.
If you’re getting ready to transfer a car title in California and aren’t sure what to do next, you’re in the right place. Though it might seem complicated, it isn’t too much in this state. Whether you’re transferring through selling, buying, or another method, there’s much to learn. Keep reading to learn more about the process in the Golden State.
What is a Title Transfer
When considering how to transfer a car title in California, it’s first helpful to understand a title transfer. The title of a vehicle is a legal document that shows who owns it. A title transfer, in its simplest definition, is legally transferring the ownership of a car from one person to another.
The transfer process will vary depending on the state, but some core details remain. Signatures from the buyer and seller are required. There also might be verification steps in the middle to ensure identities.
If you invest in your vehicle from a dealer, there is no need to worry about a title transfer. However, anything sold privately will require this process.
Transferring a Paper Title When Selling/Buying Privately in California
The process is relatively straightforward when transferring a title in California. This change can happen thanks to a gift of a car, inheritance, lien repayment, and more.
To transfer the title, you will need:
- Signature of seller and lienholder
- Transfer fee
- Signature of buyer
- California Certificate of Title or Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title
Gather these before doing anything else.
Once you have these items, take them to the DMV office. Although riskier, it’s also possible to mail them in.
Transferring a Title for Vehicles Registered Out of State
If you want to transfer a title for a vehicle registered out of state, there are a few things you need. You must have an out-of-state title, smog certification, appropriate fees, proof of California insurance, and a completed application for the Title registration form. There needs to be signatures from both parties involved in the process.
Typically, you have 20 days to bring the information to the DMV and get everything registered with the person there. If it goes longer than that, you might have to pay additional fees to get the title transferred.
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Transferring a Title When Donating a Car in California
If you are donating your car in California and need to transfer the title, the process is a little different. There should be a little piece of paper at the top of the California title that says, “Release of Liability”. Rip this form off and write the organization on top, mailing it to the address listed on the paper.
This process should only be followed if you are donating your vehicle to an organization. It is not the typical process for transferring a title from one person to another.
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Transferring a Title When Inheriting or Gifting a Car
The final type of title transfer you can encounter in California is the process of transferring the title when inheriting or gifting a vehicle. If through inheritance, you will need to prove that you are the beneficiary of the estate before completing the title transfer. A lawyer can help you through this process if you are the legal inheritor.
If gifting a car, follow the traditional path for transferring a car from a buyer to a seller. Fill out the title transfer in its entirety and bring the appropriate fees and identification to the DMV to complete the process.
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Fees
When considering how to transfer a car title in California, you must consider the fees. It doesn’t matter how old the car is or how low it costs - there will still be fees to pay when moving ownership from one hand to the next.
According to dmv.ca.gov, here are a few fees you will encounter:
- Transfer fee: $15
- Registration fee: Varies by car/driver
- Lien sale authorization: $5
There are many more.
Fees are something that will always come with the government. When transferring a title, consider these before completing the process.
Final Thoughts
There are many steps to consider when learning to transfer a car title in California, but it isn’t too complicated whether you’re the buyer or the seller. The most vital thing you can do is double-check that you have everything before going to the DMV - it will save you ample time and money.
We hope this information was helpful! The title is necessary if you want to prove ownership of a vehicle. Without it, anyone can be the owner - so you need to get the process taken care of as soon as possible through the above steps stated for California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a car title in California?
If you want to get a car title in California, you must fill out an application for a Duplicate Title Form or complete the appropriate forms for a title transfer if you’re moving from a different state. Typically, you will either mail this information in or bring it to your local DMV for processing.
How do I transfer a car title in California?
If you want to transfer a car title in California, complete the Certificate of Title with the appropriate information and signatures. Then, bring the necessary fees and paperwork to a local DMV or ship everything in for a complete title transfer in California.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in California?
There are several fees you might encounter when completing a title transfer in California. The basic title transfer itself costs $15, but there is also a $25 smog transfer fee in some cases.
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