California Private Car Sale Checklist

Selling or buying a car privately in California means documenting the transaction between the two parties and completing official DMV steps for the title transfer and release of liability. This checklist walks you through what each side typically needs to do.

A signed bill of sale documents the agreement: who is selling, who is buying, the vehicle described, the price, the odometer reading and the terms. It does not replace official DMV forms, but it is the primary record both parties keep of the deal.

Seller checklist

• Gather your vehicle details: VIN, license plate, year, make, model, trim.
• Take a clear photo of the odometer at the moment of sale.
• Prepare the title and confirm your name appears as the registered owner.
• Fill out and sign a bill of sale documenting the buyer, the price, the odometer and as-is terms.
• Hand over the signed title and any required transfer documents to the buyer.
• Notify the California DMV within 5 days of the sale by filing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
• Keep a copy of the bill of sale and your NRL confirmation for your records.

Buyer checklist

• Verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the title and registration.
• Inspect the vehicle and confirm the odometer reading.
• Sign the bill of sale together with the seller and keep your copy.
• Receive the signed title and any required odometer or transfer forms.
• Complete the title transfer at the California DMV within 10 days of the sale and pay the applicable fees.
• Keep copies of the bill of sale, the signed title, payment receipts and any related documents.

Documents to keep

• Signed bill of sale (PDF or printed copy).
• Photos of the vehicle, VIN plate and odometer at sale time.
• Title or transfer documents copy.
• Payment confirmation (bank transfer receipt, cashier's check stub, etc.).
• Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability confirmation (seller).
• DMV title transfer receipts (buyer).