Selling a car in California requires four main documents: the Certificate of Title, a current Smog Certificate (in most cases), a valid California ID, and the current registration card. If the car is financed, you won't have the physical title, your lender does, but the sale can still proceed. Here's the full breakdown, including what to do in each exception case.
What documents are required to sell a car in California?
Certificate of Title
This is the legal proof of ownership issued by the California DMV. The title must match the name of the seller, if the car is in your spouse's name or a family member's name, they need to sign off on the transfer. The title has a section on the back where you fill in the buyer's name, the sale date, the sale price (or "gift" if applicable), and sign. Don't sign this section until you're at the point of sale, a signed title with no buyer name is called an "open title" and creates legal complications.
If the car has an active loan, your lender holds the title. The sale is handled by having the buying center pay off the lender directly, at which point the lender releases the title. You don't need the physical title in your possession for this to work.
Smog Certificate
Most California vehicle sales require a valid smog certificate dated within 90 days of the sale. There are specific exemptions: vehicles less than four model years old are exempt, diesel vehicles from 1998 and older are exempt, electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt, and vehicles sold to a licensed car dealer are also exempt from the smog requirement (dealers handle their own smog compliance before resale).
Selling to a buying center like IMX typically qualifies as a dealer purchase, which means you don't need to provide a smog cert for the transaction with us. For private-party sales, the seller is responsible for the smog cert unless you negotiate otherwise, but by law, the seller pays.
Current Vehicle Registration
The registration card proves the vehicle is current with the DMV's records and shows the VIN, make, model, and registered owner. If your registration is expired, the car is still sellable, the renewal fees and any penalties will typically be deducted from the offer or handled in the sale process.
Valid California ID or Driver's License
Standard identity verification. Out-of-state IDs are accepted at most buying centers for straightforward sales, though some transactions require a California ID if DMV processing is involved.
What is the REG 138, and do you need to file it?
The REG 138 is the California DMV's "Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability" form. Filing it after a sale removes you from legal liability for the vehicle, parking tickets, accidents, and other events that happen after you've sold it. You can file it online at dmv.ca.gov within five days of the sale. It's free and takes about two minutes.
When selling to a licensed dealer or buying center, this is typically handled as part of the paperwork. Confirm that it's been filed, don't assume. In a private-party sale, you should file it yourself regardless of whether the buyer says they'll handle the registration immediately.
What if your title is lost, damaged, or in the wrong name?
Lost title
Apply for a duplicate title through the California DMV. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov by filling out REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title). The processing time for a standard duplicate title is typically two to four weeks. If you need to sell faster, some counties offer same-day title processing at a DMV field office, though availability is limited. Bring the form and payment ($23 fee as of 2026) and your ID.
Title in two names with "AND" vs "OR"
California titles list co-owners with either "AND" or "OR" between names. If the title says "John Smith OR Jane Smith," either person can sign and sell without the other's involvement. If it says "John Smith AND Jane Smith," both signatures are required. Check your title before assuming one person can handle the sale alone.
Out-of-state title
If you moved to California with an out-of-state title and never transferred it to a California title, you can still sell, most buying centers accept out-of-state titles. Bring the title, your California ID, and the registration. We handle the transfer process on our end.
Salvage or rebuilt title
Salvage and rebuilt titles are valid for sale. The title type is disclosed, the offer reflects the narrower resale market, and the transaction proceeds normally. Don't try to conceal a salvage title, it's illegal and it always surfaces in the history report.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cancel my insurance before selling?
Cancel after the sale closes, not before. You want the vehicle insured through the point of transfer. Once the sale paperwork is signed and the car leaves, cancel your policy immediately to stop billing.
What if the car isn't in my name?
The person whose name is on the title needs to be part of the transaction. If that person is deceased, the title transfers through probate or a simplified affidavit process depending on the estate value. If the car is in a parent or family member's name who's living, they either need to sign in person or you need to obtain a notarized power of attorney allowing you to act on their behalf.
Do I need to give the buyer the owner's manual?
Legally, no. Practically, having it adds minor value. The more important items to include are both sets of keys and any manufacturer documentation for warranties or service records.
Can I sell a car that's registered in another state?
Yes. Bring the out-of-state title and your ID. If the registration is expired in the other state, that's typically fine, the buying center or new owner handles the California registration process.
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