Find answers, information and resources to help you with all your California vehicle registration needs.
Can I Sell My Vehicle Without a Title or Pink Slip?
Question
I don't know why I waited until the last minute, but I've got a buyer right now who wants my car but I can't find the title. He says the DMV won't transfer the car without it. I've bought a car before without a title because the owner had lost it. I had no problem registering the car to me. Is this guy correct? Have the laws changed perhaps? Thank you for your time.
Answer
You can sell your vehicle without a title if the seller doesn't mind; although it's usually better to have one just to keep the DMV title transfer process simple.
The buyer might really believe that a title (pink slip) is required to change ownership, which is not true but makes sense, or they may want to make sure you're the vehicle's legal owner. In either case, if they do choose to buy your vehicle without the title, you'll need to give them a signed REG 227 - Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title. They'll be able to perform a title transfer with a REG 227.
The REG 227 will be turned over to the DMV in lieu of the car's title. If you are paying off a loan while selling this vehicle, the REG 227 will need to be stamped/signed by the lienholder and notarized. The alternative to this is that you file a REG 227 yourself and wait to receive a duplicate certificate of title before you sell your vehicle.
Related Material
How Do I Complete a REG 227
Get Duplicate CA DMV Title Online
Online CA DMV Vehicle Title Transfer
