California car-selling forms and document checklist

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 10, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your California sale.

California Notice of Transfer and Release of LiabilityReport the sale separately from signing the title.Selling a California car with a missing titleCheck the ownership record and lender involvement before choosing replacement paperwork.California Smog Checks when selling a carCheck the vehicle and transaction before assuming an inspection is required or exempt.Selling a California vehicle on planned nonoperationA car that does not run is not automatically recorded as PNO.California salvage and nonrepairable vehicle documentsRead the certificate before choosing a sale, repair or disposal route.Junking or dismantling a vehicle in CaliforniaSelling a car to a dismantler and dismantling it yourself involve different responsibilities.Selling an inherited vehicle in CaliforniaEstablish who can sign before arranging a sale or collection.California odometer disclosures and signaturesPrepare the correct mileage disclosure for the vehicle and transfer.Keeping California personalized or special-interest platesDecide what happens to your special plates before the car leaves.Selling a California car with a lender or lienResolve the lender’s interest alongside the vehicle offer.Correcting a California title before sellingResolve an incorrect entry before completing the transfer.Selling a car in California with an out-of-state titleThe vehicle’s location and its title jurisdiction are separate details.California vehicle retirement versus a private junk-car saleCompare the state program’s eligibility and process with a private offer.California vehicle pickup and sale recordsPrepare the car, ownership documents and follow-up before collection.A vehicle left on California property: removal and ownershipEstablish who owns the vehicle before choosing a sale or removal route.Selling a California vehicle through an authorized representativePrepare the owner’s authorization before someone else signs the sale documents.