Transferring a vehicle in the State of California can be either straight forward or a confusing and complicated task depending upon the reason for the transfer or the number of interested parties the vehicle has passed through. The staff at ELCAJONDMV.COM has the experience, knowledge and resources to make your vehicle transfer as easy as possible. We are here to help answer any questions you may have regarding your transfer.

The reasons for transfer can be varied:

  • You purchased a vehicle
  • You received a vehicle as a gift
  • You received a vehicle as an inheritance
  • You need to remove a Lien Holder
  • You want to add a person to the title

Questions you may have are:

  • How can I complete the transfer
  • What do I need
  • How long do I have to transfer the vehicle into my name
  • What if I don’t have a title

For most people the transferring of Title is easy and simple, if you ensure you meet all the basic requirements outlined by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles allows 10 days to start the transfer process before transfer penalties apply . For your basic Title Transfer you will need a properly endorsed Title and a Smog Certificate.

To transfer a vehicle both the seller and the buyer have responsibilities:

  • Seller – Line 1a/1b
    • Sign Line 1a/1b releasing their interest in the vehicle
      • If there is a single registered owner only Line 1a is required to be signed
      • If there is two registered owners and their names are separated by “OR” then only one of the registered owners are required to sign on Line 1a
      • If there is two registered owners and their names are separated by “AND” indicated by “/” then both registered owners must sign on Line 1a and Line 1b as they appear on the title.

Odometer Disclosure – if the vehicle is 10 years old or newer then the current vehicle mileage must be disclosed and acknowledge by both the buyer and the seller on the front of the title.

  • Lien Holder – Line 2a
    • If a Lien Holder (Legal Owner) appears, then the title must be endorsed on Line 2 by the Lien Holder and counter signed, if the Lien Holder is a Business or a Financial Institution, to release their interest in the vehicle
  • Buyer – Line 3a-9b
    • Line 3a – The New Registered Owner (buyer) – Last name, First name, Middle name
    • Line 3b – Name of any Co-Owner
    • Line 4 and 5 – Physical address, to include city, state and zip code
    • Line 6 and 7 – Mailing address, if different than physical address
      • The Department of Motor Vehicles requires a physical address when the mailing address is a Post Office Box
    • Line 8 – If you are transferring a Trailer Coach (travel trailer) the address that it is stored at is required
    • Line 9a – Signature of the first New Registered Owner, Drivers License Number and Purchase date
    • Line 9b – Signature of any Co-Owner, Drivers License Number and Purchase Price
    • Line 10 – Leased vehicles only
    • Line 11 – Name of any Financial Institution or Person who has Legal Claim to the vehicle. Lien Holders are usually banks or credit unions through which a loan on the value of the vehicle has been made. Make sure that you have the correct name and mailing address prior to entering any information into this section.

Vehicle Transfers can be done in one of three ways:

  • The Tag Stop – Licensed by the California DMV
    • The advantages of using The Tag Stop is that we help you through the process. We walk you through each step, help you obtain any other documents that maybe required for your specific transaction and in most cases can complete the process in a minimal wait time.
  • Visiting your local field office
    • If you plan on visiting your local field office expect to wait of several hours. If you do not have all the required documents, you will need to return once you have obtained them and basically start the process all over again.
  • By mail – we do not recommend this
    • If you are exceptionally brave, trust the mail system and are positive you have all the correct documents, signatures and appropriate fees then you are welcome to send your title transfer into the Department of Motor Vehicles in Sacramento to be processed.

The Vehicle Code is very complex, knowing and understanding these laws and how they apply to your specific vehicle transfer only comes with time and experience. If you choose to visit your local field office, do not expect them to help you in understanding which laws may apply to your transfer and how they may save you money. No matter how simple or complex your vehicle transfer is, we are here to help you understand the Vehicle Code, and your rights within those laws.

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