If you do not have a California Certificate of Title or expired registration card, or you only have a photocopy of the registration card, the following items are required to register your vehicle: A completed Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form along with an original registration card.
Thankfully, the DMV allows for vehicles to be sold with a bill of sale (aka, without a title) so the short answer is YES – you can sell a car without a title.
If you don't have the California Certificate of Title, you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder's release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.
This is because state laws can vary when it comes to car title ownership. For example, in the state of California, you're required to present your bill of sale to register the vehicle or to have your title transferred.
Once you start the online Title Transfer process, a DMV Virtual Assistant will let you know if you also need: Smog certification. Use tax and/or various other fees. Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
This is because state laws can vary when it comes to car title ownership. For example, in the state of California, you're required to present your bill of sale to register the vehicle or to have your title transferred.
Sure a bill of sale can be handwritten. As a matter of fact, it appears that a bill of sale is not technically required in California. It is just highly recommended.
If you don't have the California Certificate of Title, you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder's release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.
If you have a bill of sale for your car, you can get a title for it. It just requires a bit of research and a few extra steps. Having the title can streamline your car ownership experience, proving legal ownership and serving as a vital form of record for your local DMV.