How To Sell A Car In California: Step-By-Step Guide (2026)

Gather the Required California DMV Documents

The first step in how to sell a car in California is to understand the paperwork you need to transfer ownership of your vehicle. Generally, a title is sufficient. However, if the seller is not the registered owner, you must also prepare a bill of sale.

If you do not have a title, you can still sell your vehicle, but you will need to provide the buyer with a signed application for a replacement title.

Get a Smog Certification for Your Vehicle

California requires sellers to provide buyers with a smog certificate that is less than 90 days old. The state exempts vehicles that are older than 1975 or from the most recent four model years from this requirement.

Determine Your Car's Value and Set a Price

A key step in learning how to sell a car in California is to understand how vehicle prices are set. You can find online resources that explain how to determine your vehicle’s condition and use the age and vehicle model to estimate its value. You can then use the value to set the price.

Prepare Your Car for Sale and Allow Buyer Inspection

In most cases, you will have a better chance of selling your vehicle if you clean it thoroughly and remove any personal items. List your car for sale on reputable classified advertising websites. When interested parties contact you, allow a test drive and, if the buyer desires, an inspection by a mechanic.

Complete and Sign All Required Forms With the Buyer

You complete a sales transaction by signing the title and a vehicle bill of sale in California. If you have any conditions on the sale, such as selling the vehicle as-is or accepting payments for the sale price, you should document those terms.

Submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

California’s DMV requires sellers to report ownership transfers within five days. This document also notifies the DMV that you are no longer liable for any lawsuits or violations of California traffic laws by the vehicle’s driver.

Understand Transfer Fees, Taxes and Payment

Sellers generally pay no fees to transfer title or obtain a car registration in California. Moreover, the buyer’s payment is typically not considered income subject to income taxes unless you sell vehicles for a living.

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