How to Sell a Car Without a Title in California (REG 227 Step by Step)
Yes, you can sell a car without the title in California, but you must replace or transfer it with the DMV first. The usual way is to fill out Form REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title). You can either get a duplicate title before the sale (it usually arrives by mail in about 15 to 30 days), or use REG 227 at the time of sale so the title goes to the buyer. After the sale, file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days, and give the buyer a valid smog certificate if the car needs one. If there is a loan on the car, the lender has the title and must be paid off first.
Losing a pink slip is common. It gets thrown out with old paperwork, lost in a move, or was never handed over by a family member. In California, though, a buyer cannot register the car without proof of ownership, so you need to sort out the title before or during the sale.
Here is exactly how to sell a car without a title in California, the forms you need, smog rules for sellers, and what to do if the car has a loan or is headed to the junkyard. Rules can change, so confirm details on the California DMV website before you go.
How to Sell a Car Without a Title in California
If you still owe money on the car, the lender is the legal owner and holds the title, often electronically. Call the lender for a payoff amount and how they release the title.
Download REG 227 from the DMV website. Fill in the vehicle details and sign as the registered owner. If a lienholder is listed, their release section must be notarized.
Either submit REG 227 to get a duplicate title and then sell normally, or complete the transfer section with the buyer so the DMV issues the new title to them.
Most gasoline cars more than four model years old need a valid smog certificate from the seller for a transfer. Get it before you hand over the car.
Use the DMV Bill of Sale (REG 135) or your own, with the date, price, VIN, odometer reading and both signatures. Keep a copy.
Submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) online or on paper within 5 days of the sale, so tickets and tolls are no longer yours.
Two Ways to Use REG 227
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate title first | You apply for a replacement title, wait for it by mail (usually 15 to 30 days), then sign it over to the buyer like a normal sale. | Private sales where you want the buyer to feel safe |
| Transfer with REG 227 | You and the buyer complete REG 227 at the sale. The buyer submits it with their transfer paperwork and the DMV issues the title to them. | Quick sales, family sales, buyers who are comfortable with DMV paperwork |
Many private buyers prefer to see a real title in your hand, so getting the duplicate first often makes the car easier to sell. A DMV fee applies to a replacement title; use the DMV fee calculator or ask at the office for the current amount.
California Seller Documents Checklist
- REG 227 (if the title is lost, stolen or damaged)
- Lien release from the lender, if there was a loan
- Smog certificate, if the vehicle needs one
- Bill of sale (REG 135 or your own)
- Odometer disclosure on the title or REG 262 when required
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, filed within 5 days
Smog Rules When Selling in California
In California the seller is usually responsible for providing a valid smog certificate at the time of sale. Common exceptions include gasoline vehicles from 1975 or older, electric vehicles, and vehicles four or fewer model years old (the buyer pays a smog transfer fee instead). Diesel and natural gas vehicles have their own rules. For more, see our guide on selling a car without smog in California.
Selling a Junk Car Without a Title
Licensed dismantlers and junk car buyers in California can often handle the title paperwork for you, but they still need proof that you own the car, usually REG 227 plus your ID and registration. Be wary of any buyer who says no paperwork is needed. Our guide on where to sell a junk car without a title explains your options.
Do not sell a car with only a bill of sale and no title paperwork. The buyer may not be able to register it, and you can stay liable for tickets, tolls and accidents. Also never skip the release of liability, even if you sell to a friend.
Selling to a Dealer or CarMax Without a Title
Dealers and big buyers such as CarMax deal with title problems every day. If there is a loan, they can usually pay the lender directly. If the title is just lost, they will normally ask you to complete REG 227 at the sale. See how selling to CarMax works and selling a car without a title in other states.
- Make a DMV appointment online to save time, or check if your form can be mailed.
- Use black or blue ink and avoid corrections on DMV forms.
- Take a photo of every signed document before handing it over.
- Complete the release of liability online the same day you sell.
- Remove your license plates only if they are personalized or special plates you want to keep.
You can sell a car without the title in California by using REG 227, either to get a duplicate first or to transfer ownership at the sale. Pay off any loan, provide a smog certificate if required, write a bill of sale and file the release of liability within 5 days. Always confirm current forms and fees on the DMV website.
Selling a Car Without a Title in California FAQs
Yes, but you need DMV form REG 227 to replace or transfer the lost title. A buyer cannot register the car without proper ownership paperwork.
Form REG 227, Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title. It is available on the California DMV website.
The DMV says replacement titles usually arrive by mail within about 15 to 30 days.
Only when the vehicle has a lienholder or legal owner listed. In that case the lienholder release section must be notarized.
Usually the seller must provide a valid smog certificate, unless the vehicle is exempt, such as many vehicles four or fewer model years old, older pre-1976 gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles.
No. A bill of sale is helpful proof of the deal, but the buyer also needs the title or REG 227 to register the car.
- Lost title? Use REG 227.
- Get a duplicate first, or transfer with REG 227 at the sale.
- Pay off any loan so the lender releases the title.
- Smog certificate from the seller unless exempt.
- Release of liability within 5 days.