A private car buyer has 10 days, and the seller has 5

Before money changes hands, match the paperwork to the vehicle. Check the title owner’s name, VIN, plate, odometer disclosure, signatures, and any lien release. The VIN is the vehicle identification number. The odometer disclosure records the mileage. If the seller is not named on the title, DMV says two people should sign the bill of sale: the seller and the titled owner.

The buyer must send the ownership transfer to DMV within 10 days of the purchase. The seller has 5 calendar days to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. Keep copies and the seller’s filing confirmation. The two filings do different jobs.

When a smog certificate is required, the seller generally must give the buyer a valid one. A vehicle less than four model years old does not need that inspection for a transfer. The buyer pays a smog transfer fee instead. Some family, gift, vehicle-type, and fuel exceptions also apply. Check DMV’s exception list before the handoff.

The buyer should also plan for transfer and registration fees. California use tax applies unless there is an exemption. Pause the sale if a title, lien release, signature, or required smog certificate is missing. Then use DMV’s exact checklist.