Questions about selling used car by owner in California.

[UCLAMAN]

Hi guys. Figured I would ask you bronco people since I will be getting a Bronco too.

when selling a used car by owner inCalifornia, what documents are necessary? I have title in hand.
It is my understanding that I just need the title.

if the car is less than 4yrs old, does it need smog?

after title and smog I simply need to fill out release of liability online within 10 days.

do I need a bill of sale?

thanks for the help.

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[UCLAMAN]

What is the difference btwn reg 262 and my actual title? Do i need reg 262?

 

[CoolTech]

Technically it is the sellers responsibility to provide the smog test. You can take it in and get this done anytime and it's good for 30-days (maybe longer?)

You'll WANT to do the release of liability as soon as possible - otherwise you risk infractions or, God forbid, something more serious coming back to you.

Meet buyers ONLY in areas that are well lit and where there are a lot of people around. Be careful about test drives. If you are not completely comfortable with the person, just tell them no.

A Bill of Sale - two copies and you both sign each. Each party keeps one. Again, best way to keep everything legit.

Be cautious of ANY check including Cashier's checks. Best case is that you meet at the buyers bank and you watch him/her get the money or Cashier's check. Just be careful - 95% of transaction go just fine.... you just don't want to be on the 5% side of the equation!

 

[UCLAMAN]

Technically it is the sellers responsibility to provide the smog test. You can take it in and get this done anytime and it's good for 30-days (maybe longer?)

You'll WANT to do the release of liability as soon as possible - otherwise you risk infractions or, God forbid, something more serious coming back to you.

Meet buyers ONLY in areas that are well lit and where there are a lot of people around. Be careful about test drives. If you are not completely comfortable with the person, just tell them no.

A Bill of Sale - two copies and you both sign each. Each party keeps one. Again, best way to keep everything legit.

Be cautious of ANY check including Cashier's checks. Best case is that you meet at the buyers bank and you watch him/her get the money or Cashier's check. Just be careful - 95% of transaction go just fine.... you just don't want to be on the 5% side of the equation!

So you recommend going to the buyers bank to pick up the cashier's check. Got it. Makes sense. are there other ways people end up paying for a used car? Cash? Drug money?

Aloso, since I have the title, no need for this form 26, correct?

 

[KJR50]

Yes, you need to do the smog prior to selling your car to a private party. Do all the paperwork at yours/or buyer’s bank, so you know the check is legit.

 

[Gloff]

So you recommend going to the buyers bank to pick up the cashier's check. Got it. Makes sense. are there other ways people end up paying for a used car? Cash? Drug money?

Aloso, since I have the title, no need for this form 26, correct?

Correct. 262 is for when the vehicle has no title or is an out of state title. The buyer fills out the back of the title when you give it to them.

Depending on the value of the car, I prefer to go to their bank and watch them get a cashier's check. Otherwise I just accept cash. Carrying 20k in cash is no fun. Going to the bank for a $2k car sucks too, so I say cash only if it's that cheap.


When you sell it, you fill out the bottom section of the title, and sign where appropriate. I would do a bill of sale to be on the safe side. You also have to submit the Release of Liability which is the perforated white paper attached to the title. You can do that online here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/nrl/nrlApplication.do

Smog is not required unless greater than 4 years old:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/smog-inspections/#:~:text=Starting January 1, 2019, if,visit smogcheck.ca.gov.

If I sell my car, do I have to get it inspected first?
Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car.
If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.

Picture of signing areas of title in CA.

 

[Fireman]

Hi guys. Figured I would ask you bronco people since I will be getting a Bronco too.

when selling a used car by owner inCalifornia, what documents are necessary? I have title in hand.
It is my understanding that I just need the title.

if the car is less than 4yrs old, does it need smog?

after title and smog I simply need to fill out release of liability online within 10 days.

do I need a bill of sale?

thanks for the help.

 

[Fireman]

Why do you guys got to make everything so complicated in California.

 

[gpitman]

Bill of sale isn't really needed unless you want to cover yourself in some way. Like if you to spell out any issues that they may come back to you for.

Make sure you complete the Release of Liability, I've gotten letters about liens against a vehicle because the new owner never switched the owner. I also keep a copy of the Release of Liability in case you need the proof.

 

[Moparguy]

Hi guys. Figured I would ask you bronco people since I will be getting a Bronco too.

when selling a used car by owner inCalifornia, what documents are necessary? I have title in hand.
It is my understanding that I just need the title.

if the car is less than 4yrs old, does it need smog?

after title and smog I simply need to fill out release of liability online within 10 days.

do I need a bill of sale?

thanks for the help.

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