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CALIFORNIA · SELLER GUIDANCE · PRACTICAL GUIDE

California car-selling forms and document checklist

Choose California vehicle forms by the task: replacement title, sale notification, representation or permanent disposal. An ordinary sale does not require every form in this directory.

Cash For Cars LLC Vehicle selling resources

Start with the title and vehicle record

Gather the ownership document, VIN, registration and any lender correspondence. Identify whether you have a standard title, salvage document or nonrepairable certificate. Use the matching California guide before filling in transfer sections.

Missing title: REG 227

The Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title covers specified replacement and transfer situations. Its instructions distinguish seller and buyer sections. It cannot be used to release an Electronic Lien Title lien; use the missing-title and lien guides for that situation.

Transfer details and authorization: REG 262 or REG 260

REG 262 serves multiple transfer-related purposes; REG 260 appoints an authorized representative. Use only the applicable sections and check mileage-signature requirements separately. The 2025 DMV bulletin allows earlier REG 31 and REG 262 revisions until supplies are depleted and directs digital submissions to the program requirements.

After the sale: release-of-liability notice

Submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five calendar days. Record the actual buyer and sale details, and retain the confirmation. The notice is separate from completing the buyer’s title transfer.

Keep the finished records together

Keep your sale agreement, accepted offer, transfer-document copies and notice confirmation. Add any lien release, representative authorization or impound release relevant to the vehicle. Avoid signing incomplete documents or guessing information that should match the official record.

Official sources.

Sources reviewed September 26, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your California sale.

Selling a California car with a missing titleFor a missing California title, check whether REG 227 fits the ownership record and transaction. A lender-held title or a transfer subject to secure odometer disclosure may need another route.California odometer disclosures and signaturesA California vehicle transfer may require odometer disclosure even when the car does not run. Check the model year, reading and correct signature document before completing the assignment.Selling a California car with a lender or lienBefore selling a California car with a lien, obtain the lender’s payoff and release instructions. The vehicle offer does not automatically settle the debt or remove the lien.Selling a California vehicle through an authorized representativeA representative selling a California vehicle needs valid authority for the transaction. REG 260 and secure REG 262 serve different purposes, particularly when odometer disclosure is required.

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