The price for modifying a vehicle title in California comes at a cost.
Transferring a car title in California comes with several costs that buyers should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the fees involved:
The base title transfer fee is a flat $15. However, if a smog certificate is required and has not been recently provided, an additional smog transfer fee of approximately $50 will apply.
Beyond these fees, the use tax is another cost to consider. This tax is assessed on the vehicle’s purchase price or fair market value and varies by county.
Registration fees are another expense, consisting of a base registration fee around $60, a Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) that ranges from $0 to $188 depending on the vehicle's value, and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee of $27.
Late fees may also be applicable if the registration or transfer is done past the deadline. These can range from $30 to $100 or more, depending on how late the process is.
The final price varies depending on factors such as vehicle type, purchase value, acquisition date, city and county of residence, location of the company, gross vehicle weight, number of axles, existence of special license plates, unpaid violations, and more.
Buyers have ten days after the vehicle purchase to transfer ownership. Sellers have five days after the sale to report the transfer of ownership to the DMV. The title transfer process can be initiated at a DMV office, by appointment, or in certain cases, by mail.
It's advisable for buyers to check with their local DMV and use online calculators for an exact estimate tailored to their specific vehicle and location. The DMV recommends using a fee calculator on its website to estimate the exact amount. The presentation of the original vehicle title, signed by the seller, is required for the title transfer.
In some cases, a valid smog inspection result can be transferred from the seller to the buyer, avoiding a new review for the buyer. If the vehicle requires new registration, the smog inspection certificate is needed to receive the plates in the new owner's name. A sales receipt that certifies the agreement between both parties is also necessary for the title transfer.
The change of title for a used car is a mandatory procedure. The standard price for transferring a car title in California is $15. Unpaid parking tickets or toll evasion penalties can also influence the calculation of the final price. This procedure is carried out at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Sources:
- California DMV
- California State Board of Equalization
- California Air Resources Board
- California Highway Patrol
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- In addition to the base title transfer fee of $15, news about costs associated with transferring a car title in California might include a discussion on the use tax, which is evaluated based on the vehicle's purchase price or fair market value and may vary by county.
- Beyond the registration fees, finance reports might highlight the importance of considering additional costs such as late fees, which can range from $30 to $100 or more, and the smog transfer fee of approximately $50 if a smog certificate is required and has not been recently provided.
