If you purchase a vehicle from another person instead of a dealer, it is known as a private party purchase. Buyers have 10 days after purchasing the vehicle to transfer ownership from the seller to themselves, and sellers have 5 days after the sale to report the transfer of ownership to DMV.
To take over ownership of a vehicle, you will need:
- The vehicle’s title (sometimes referred to as a pink slip), signed by the person selling the car. (Their signature is required on Line 1 of the title.)
- If the vehicle’s title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
- If the seller is not the owner whose name is on the title, you will need a Bill of Sale signed by both the seller and the person whose name appears on the title.
- A record of the odometer mileage (if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
- If the title does not have a line where you can write the mileage information, complete a Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form. Make sure both the buyer and seller sign the form.
- A smog certification.
- Applicable fees and a use tax.
You can transfer ownership of the vehicle by mailing your completed form to DMV or visiting a DMV field office in person.
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