Junk a Car in California: Title, No-Title & Plate Rules

How do I sign over a car title in California?

In a private sale, the seller (and the lienholder, if any) signs the title, and the buyer submits it to DMV. If the title is missing, the seller completes form REG 227 instead; section 5 of the REG 227 must be notarized only when there is a legal owner or lienholder. The seller reports the odometer reading as of the sale date on the release-of-liability notice. Under federal rules, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need an odometer disclosure until they are 20 model years old.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in California?

A lost or damaged title is replaced or transferred with REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title). Vehicles registered as 'Nontransferable/No California Title Issued' can't use REG 227; get a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled. To junk a vehicle without the usual ownership documents: if it's worth under $5,000, submit any document that establishes ownership plus a Statement of Facts (REG 256), with no bond needed. If it's worth $5,000 or more, a motor vehicle bond is required. Licensed dismantlers must submit evidence of ownership.

How do I get a duplicate title in California?

Use REG 227. Submit it in person or by mail, or start a replacement-title request online. The replacement title fee is $28 (VC §9265). Renewal fees and parking tickets don't have to be paid just to get a replacement title.

Do I need to file a release of liability in California?

Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL, form REG 138) within 5 days of the sale (VC §5900). It can be filed online at dmv.ca.gov using the plate number, last 5 digits of the VIN, the buyer's name and address, and the odometer reading.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in California?

Plates generally stay with the vehicle. Personalized plates can be removed and kept for later if you pay the yearly retention fee, using form REG 17 (VC §5109).

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in California?

An individual must apply to DMV to record the vehicle as 'Junk' before dismantling it; dismantling first triggers an investigative service fee. The owner submits the evidence of ownership and the plates, and removes and destroys any Clean Air Vehicle decals. A licensed dismantler files a Report of Vehicle to be Dismantled (REG 42) with ownership evidence and the plates (or a plate destruction notice). The dismantler may dismantle 10 days after mailing the notice, or sooner once DMV receives the documents.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in California?

Under VC §22658, a property owner may have an unauthorized vehicle towed if required signs are posted at all entrances (or another listed condition applies). The property owner must notify local police within one hour of authorizing the tow, and the tow company needs the property owner's written authorization. Only the towing company, not the property owner, can conduct a lien sale (Civil Code §§3067–3074). For vehicles worth $4,000 or less, the lienholder must request owner information from DMV on INF 1126 within 15 days.