Skipping the release of liability
The most common and most expensive mistake. Without it, you can be on the hook for the buyer’s tickets and tolls.
Seller’s guide
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
How to sell a car in California.
The title, the smog certificate, the release of liability and the mistakes that leave sellers paying for someone else’s parking tickets. Everything in one place.
- Title
- Smog
- Release of liability
- Plates
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
Or skip the hassle: get an offer
Takes about two minutes. Costs nothing.
Your details go to Carquired only. We never sell or share them.
- LookupPlate or VINWe pull the year, make, model and trim so you skip the typing.
- OfferA number in minutesBased on live market data for your exact car and miles.
- PickupFrom your drivewayHome, work, or wherever the car is parked. No trip to a lot.
- PaymentPaid on the spotSign the title, hand over the keys, get paid. That is it.
The short version
Selling a car in California in five steps.
California has more paperwork for car sellers than many states, but it is manageable once you know the order. Whether you sell to a private buyer, a dealer, or a buyer like Carquired, these are the steps.
- Find your title (the pink slip). If it is lost, apply for a duplicate with form REG 227. If the car is financed, your lender holds it.
- Get a smog certificate if your car needs one. In a private sale the seller is generally responsible for it.
- Sign the title over in the seller section, and record the odometer reading where required.
- Hand over the car and keys, and keep a copy of everything you signed.
- File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability with the DMV within 5 days. This is the step people forget, and it protects you.
Selling to Carquired? We walk you through each of these at pickup, and you do not need a smog certificate to get an offer.
In detail
Each step, explained.
| The title | The registered owner signs the seller line on the California Certificate of Title. If two owners are listed with "and", both sign. With "or", either can. If there is a lienholder, the lender has to release its interest first. |
|---|---|
| Smog certificate | For most gas vehicles more than four model years old, the seller provides a smog certificate from the last 90 days. Newer gas vehicles pay a smog transfer fee instead. Electric vehicles and gas vehicles from 1975 or older are exempt. Diesel rules differ. |
| Odometer | Federal and state rules require an odometer disclosure for many vehicles. Write the mileage exactly as shown, without tenths. |
| License plates | In California the plates generally stay with the car. Personalized and special interest plates can be kept if you apply to transfer or retain them. |
| Release of liability | Submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days of the sale. Until you do, parking tickets, tolls and even accidents can be traced back to you. |
| Registration fees | The new owner pays the transfer and registration fees. If the registration is expired, the buyer may also owe back fees, which affects what they pay you. |
| Sales tax | In a private sale, the buyer pays use tax when registering. The seller does not collect it. |
| Bill of sale | Not always required, but a simple bill of sale with the date, price, VIN and both signatures is good protection. |
Avoid these
Mistakes that cost California sellers money.
Handing over an open title
Never give a buyer a signed title with the buyer section blank. Fill in the buyer’s details with them.
Accepting unverified payment
Cashier’s checks can be faked and payment apps can be reversed. Verify funds before the title changes hands.
Forgetting toll transponders
Remove your FasTrak transponder or update your account, or you may pay for the next owner’s toll roads.
What we buy
We buy more than clean, paid-off cars.
Whatever shape your car is in, the form takes about two minutes. These pages explain how each situation works.
Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. DMV rules change, so check the California DMV website for your exact situation.
Who is responsible for the smog check when selling a car in California?
In a private sale, generally the seller, unless the vehicle is exempt. When you sell to Carquired you do not need a smog certificate to get an offer.
How long do I have to file the release of liability in California?
Within 5 days of the sale. You can do it online on the DMV website.
Do I keep my license plates when I sell my car in California?
Standard plates usually stay with the car. Personalized or special plates can be kept if you apply to transfer them.
Can I sell a car with expired registration in California?
Yes. The buyer will usually need to pay the back fees to register it, which can affect the price. Tell us on the form.
Do I need a bill of sale in California?
It is not always required, but it is a good record of the sale. We give you the details you need at pickup.
Areas we serve
Where we buy
Free pickup across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
Find out what your car is worth today.
Two minutes, your plate number, and you will know. No fees, no pressure, no obligation.
Hassan IlyasOwner, Carquired