Official California forms
Choose the forms that apply to your sale. The instructions on each form explain restrictions and signature requirements.
- File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL)
Seller: submit within 5 calendar days and save the confirmation. This does not complete the buyer’s title transfer.
- Bill of Sale — REG 135 (PDF)
Records the vehicle, buyer, seller, price and sale date. It does not replace required title documents.
- Replacement or Transfer of Title — REG 227 (PDF)
For applicable missing-title situations. Read the lienholder, electronic-title and notarization restrictions before using it.
- Lien Satisfied / Title Holder Release — REG 166 (PDF)
Only where DMV accepts it. Not for paperless titles or vehicles two model years old or newer; notarization generally applies.
- Statement of Facts — REG 256 (PDF)
For applicable facts or exemptions—not a way to waive requirements simply because buyer and seller agree.
- DMV transfer instructions and REG 262 request information
REG 262 is a secure original form, not a downloadable PDF. DMV says to call 1-800-777-0133 to request it by mail.
1. Identify the documents for this sale
DMV’s title-transfer page lists the California title, required buyer/seller/lienholder signatures, and transfer fees. It also links conditional forms such as REG 227 for a missing title, REG 166 for a lien release, REG 262 for transfer/reassignment, and REG 135 for a bill of sale. Not every form applies to every transaction.[1]
- Use the official DMV checklist linked below. Confirm the names and vehicle information before signing.
- Ask DMV which odometer disclosure is required for this vehicle and which original document must carry it.
- If a lender is involved, obtain its release instructions before setting the handover date.
- For a missing title, ownership mismatch, out-of-state title, or branded vehicle, resolve the specific DMV requirements before paying.
2. Check the smog requirement
- When a check is required, the seller provides a valid smog certification. Check the vehicle-specific exceptions with DMV.[3]
- The certificate is valid for 90 days. Time the inspection so it remains valid at the sale; arrange another test if it expires and no exception applies.[4]
- For modified vehicles, confirm the current configuration before promising it is ready to transfer. A buyer’s agreement does not waive emissions requirements.
3. Complete both sides of the paperwork
Seller: file the NRL and save the confirmation. DMV asks for the new owner’s name and address, plate information, the last five VIN digits, and the sale-time odometer reading.[2]
Buyer: complete the title transfer and pay the required fees and taxes. Use DMV’s current instructions and fee calculator; this guide intentionally does not quote a universal total.[1]
- Keep a private copy of the signed sale record and the documents you submit.
- Record a follow-up task for any outstanding document or DMV response.
- Do not publish either party’s address, signature, identity document, or unredacted title in a public listing.
Frequently asked questions
Does the seller’s NRL finish the buyer’s transfer?
No. DMV explicitly says the new owner must separately complete the transfer requirements and pay the appropriate fees.[2]
Can I use this checklist in another state?
No. Use your state’s motor-vehicle agency for forms, deadlines, tax, emissions, plates, and registration requirements.
References
- [1]Title Transfers and Changes: official forms and checklists — California DMV
- [2]Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability — California DMV
- [3]Smog Inspections — California DMV
- [4]Smog Check certificate validity — California Bureau of Automotive Repair