How to sell a car privately in California
Selling your car yourself usually gets you more money than a trade-in. Here is what California requires of the seller, in order.
Get a smog check, unless the car is exempt
In a private sale the seller is responsible for the smog check. The car must have passed within the last 90 days, and you give the buyer a copy of the inspection report. Many cars are exempt, including gas and hybrid cars four model years old or newer. See the full smog rules.
Find your title (the pink slip)
You sign the Certificate of Title over to the buyer. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, use DMV form REG 227 instead. If a bank or lender still holds the loan, the lender has to release its interest first. How to sign it over.
Write down the odometer reading
Federal rules require the mileage on every sale of a model year 2011 or newer vehicle for its first 20 years. Older vehicles are generally exempt.
Agree on the price and get paid safely
Cash at your bank, or a cashier's check you confirm by calling the issuing bank yourself, are the safest. Never accept a check for more than the price. Read about car sale scams.
Sign the title and fill out a bill of sale
Sign the title on the seller's line and hand it to the buyer with the smog certificate. A bill of sale (DMV form REG 135) is a record for both of you and is required if the person selling is not the owner named on the title.
File the release of liability within 5 days
Within 5 calendar days of the sale, tell the DMV you sold the car, online or on form REG 138. Until you do, parking tickets and other trouble can come back to you. How to file it.
Remove your things and cancel your insurance
Take out your belongings and garage remote, then call your insurance company once the sale is final.