Buying a used car from a private seller in California

Buying from a private seller can save money. Here is what to collect at the sale and what you owe the DMV afterward.

Get these from the seller

• The title, signed by the seller, or a REG 227 if the title is lost.
• A passing smog certificate from the last 90 days, unless the car is exempt. Smog rules.
• The odometer reading, for model year 2011 and newer vehicles.
• A bill of sale. It is required if the seller isn't the owner named on the title, and it must then be signed by both the seller and the titled owner.

Transfer within 10 days

You have 10 days from the purchase to transfer the car into your name, by mail or at a DMV office. Transfer fees are due within 10 days, and penalties apply if they are not paid within 30 days.

What you pay

• The DMV transfer fee.
• Use tax. A private sale has no sales tax, but you pay use tax at the same rate as sales tax for the address where you register the car. It is collected by the DMV when you register.
• The smog transfer fee, if the car is four model years old or newer.
• Registration renewal, if it is due.

Buying from family

Use tax does not apply to a purchase from a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, spouse or registered domestic partner who isn't a dealer. Stepparents, stepchildren and ex-spouses do not qualify unless there was a legal adoption. Bring proof of the relationship.