California title transfers
Bought, sold, or gifted a vehicle? We handle the transfer paperwork and can do the change-of-ownership smog check in the same visit.
Required documents, transaction eligibility, inventory, and processing availability apply. Contact us to confirm your transaction.
Deadlines
The DMV must be told about a change of ownership within 10 days. Sellers should file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days.
What to bring
- The California Certificate of Title, signed by the seller and the buyer
- The odometer reading, if the title asks for it
- A valid smog certification, if the vehicle needs one (the seller provides it)
- A bill of sale (REG 135), if the title doesn’t show the price
- Photo ID
- Payment for the DMV transfer fee and any use tax due, plus our service fee
Smog for sales
Most sellers must give the buyer a valid smog certification, and it’s good for 90 days. If the vehicle is less than four years old, no smog check is needed. The new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead.
Fees
- Our Service Fee
- Quoted before we start
- DMV Fees
- Set by the state, depends on your vehicle and transaction
DMV registration, transfer and use-tax amounts are set by the state and paid through us to the DMV. Our service fee is separate and we tell you what it is before we start.
Common questions
I’m selling my car. Who gets the smog check?
The seller. California requires the seller to give the buyer a valid smog certification. If the vehicle is less than four years old, no smog check is needed for the sale. The new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead.
How long do I have to transfer a title?
The DMV must be told about a change of ownership within 10 days. Sellers should file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days.
Are you the DMV?
No. We’re a private business that handles smog checks and registration paperwork. DMV fees are set by the state and are separate from our service fee, and we tell you both before we start.
Official sources
- California DMV: Title transfers and changes
- California DMV: Smog inspections
- Bureau of Automotive Repair: Smog Check program
Checked against these sources on October 1, 2026.
Smog. Registration. Done.
Book a time or walk in.