I would like to list my vehicle for sale, what do I need to know before that can happen?

Before an ad listing can be created for your vehicle, it will need a valid smog certificate within the last 90 days prior to sale if the vehicle is 4 model years old (EVs and pre-1976 vehicles are exempt from this requirement). In California, the title transfer cannot be completed without a valid smog certificate, so it is crucial to have this done first.

Additionally, ensure that the vehicle title is in your possession, as this will be the primary document used to transfer ownership of the vehicle at time of sale.

What other things can I do to help ready my vehicle for sale?

Presentation is a key component to listing a vehicle for sale, so consider having the exterior & interior professionally cleaned and detailed to ensure the vehicle looks its best. This is especially helpful for older vehicles where the paint may have faded over the years, but can often be restored through careful detailing.

What should I do with my old service records and other paperwork?

Potential buyers love to see a paper trail of receipts, so it’s a great idea to include them with the sale of the vehicle. Not only does it show the vehicle was cared for during your ownership, but can also help verify if any major service items have been performed should specific maintenance questions arise.

I have found a buyer to purchase my vehicle, how can I safely collect payment?

When selling a vehicle, it’s not uncommon to have to handle large sums of money. To ensure that you are paid safely and securely, it’s advised to meet at your bank during business hours.

1. For vehicles $10,000 and below, there’s a high likelihood the buyer will pay in cash. Meeting at your bank ensure that the money can be counted and deposited easily to ensure there are no discrepancies.

2. In the case of sale prices above $10,000, a cashier’s check or electronic money transfer is more likely to occur. Just like a cash transaction, the transaction should be performed at the bank during business hours to ensure the funds have been received before signing and finalizing any vehicle paperwork.

Once I have sold my vehicle and signed the title, what else do I need to do?

After signing over the title to the vehicle’s new owner, there are a few things you’ll want to do before the vehicle sale is complete:

1. Release of Liability Form: This can be done online or sent through the mail. This form notifies the DMV that you are no longer the registered owner of the vehicle.

2. Notify Car Insurance Provider: After selling a vehicle, you will want to remove the vehicle from your insurance policy to avoid paying for additional coverage of a vehicle that you no longer own.

3. Remove Vehicle from any Toll Road Devices: If your vehicle is associated with toll road device, you’ll want to remove the vehicle from your account to prevent any unauthorized toll charges.