Your zip code: once you have sealed the deal, you have 10 days to transfer the title of the vehicle from the previous owner to you. But if you bought the car from a private party, you will need to apply for a title in your name by going in person to a dmv office with the following: california certificate of title or application for duplicate or paperless title form reg 227 , signed by the buyer, seller, and lienholder if any. If there's more than one seller on the title, or more than one buyer, all signatures will be required on the title transfer paperwork. All fees must be paid within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle, even if you're missing some of the necessary paperwork. This fee includes the $1 reflectorized fee it's also smart to get a bill of sale ―one copy for you and one copy for the seller.

You might not need this, but it's an easy backup document should there be any questions about the transaction later. While it doesn't cost much to transfer the title, you should expect to pay quite a bit more to register the vehicle ―especially if it's a newer model. You can get an estimate for the registration fees before you go to the dmv office by using the handy vehicle registration fee calculator. For an additional fee, you can also obtain personalized or specialized license plates for your new vehicle.

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For more information about transferring the title, read the dmv's registration and title faqs. If you are purchasing a vehicle from out of state, you must file the change of ownership and register the vehicle in california within 20 days of taking ownership of the vehicle. To help you, the california dmv has prepared a brochure about registering nonresident vehicles and has also prepared an excellent list of things to look for when purchasing a vehicle from out of state.

If you buy a car from another state and don't get a title for it, you'll have to undergo the nontransferable registration process. If you are not the owner listed on the nontransferable registration, you must submit: a completed application for title or registration form reg 343. The most recent title signed by the previous owner s , transferring ownership to you as the new owner. A motor vehicle bond―if ownership of the vehicle is not proven with the proper documentation.

Tomorrow, if everything goes well, i will buy a used car from an individual in california. Some things may have already been omitted because they weren 39 t relevant for me, so you may want to independently browse the websites i 39 m using as sources. Things to ask: the vin of the car usually 17 characters, on windshield full name of the seller you 39 ll need it anyway for the check check the carfax report for the car. Compare odometer, accident history etc with what seller said better yet, just avoid accident cars, the risk isn 39 t worth it make sure it 39 s not an old junk car poorly repaired 34 salvage 34 title check the smog check history fails are a sign of trouble. In california, in most of the cases, the seller is required to provide a certificate of check newer than 90 days old it seems the information flow to website is slow enough that this latest check does not show up, or something.

If you know what you 39 re willing to pay, go to your bank and get a cashiers check. Otherwise, you will need to go back to the bank after haggling, and without a deposit the seller may have sold the car to someone else. Some people say haggling at dealerships is easier if you show up with a cashiers check just a bit short from what they 39 re asking.