Thread: What to think about when selling a used car in California?

Hey guys!

How are you?

Because I'm all new here in the states I'm not really sure how the paperwork works when you sell a used car here in California.
I'm about to sell my everyday driver, to get something more exciting. I think I'll sell it through Craigslist.

I know I have to transfer the Title to the new owner. What more do I have to do?
I've been looking at : How to Change Vehicle Ownership
It doesn't help me too much actually. Haha.

How does it work with Registration and stuff like that?

Any help I can get to become more "educated" in the matter would be great!

Thank you in advance!

Basically you can write a bill of sale with your signature on it. And you both sign the the pink slip to change ownership and that's it. You don't even have to smog the car when you sell it he can do that himself etc.

Originally Posted by MalibuMafiaV

You don't even have to smog the car when you sell it he can do that himself etc.

Not quite correct, by law seller is supposed to provide valid smog cert, but the buyer can opt to purchase without it if they want.

Originally Posted by B R

Not quite correct, by law seller is supposed to provide valid smog cert, but the buyer can opt to purchase without it if they want.

True I should of mentioned that part in there my bad lol.

The car was smog tested in February this year and the plates are good until Feb 2013.

Do I have to Smog it again before I sell it?

Excuse my ignorance, just moved to the U.S.A from Sweden. =)

Thanks!

Smog cert is good for 90 days.