Title transfers in Citrus Heights
Bought, sold, gifted or inherited a vehicle? We check your title, signatures and smog, then process the transfer at our counter so the right person is on record. By appointment. We speak Arabic.
Service fee: $65 + DMV feesOut-of-state transfer: $80 + DMV fees. No-title transfer: $90 + DMV fees.See all prices
Who this is for
Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the California DMV Business Partner Automation program. We process title transfers at our Citrus Heights counter, by appointment, so you don't have to wait at a DMV office.
Buyers
You bought a car from a private seller and need it in your name. California expects the change of ownership to be reported to the DMV within 10 days of the sale.
Sellers
You sold a car and want to be clear of it. The seller must file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days, and in most cases hand the buyer a valid smog certificate.
Family transfers
A parent, spouse, sibling or other relative is giving you a vehicle, or you are handling a car after an owner passes away. These often need a Statement of Facts or an affidavit, and some family transfers are exempt from smog.
Lost or damaged title
The pink slip is missing, damaged or never arrived. The owner of record can apply for a duplicate or complete the transfer using an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227). A no-title transfer is $90 service fee + DMV fees.
What to bring
Pick your situation. If anything is missing, call us before your visit and we'll tell you how to fix it.
- The California title (pink slip), signed by every seller listed on it and by you as the new owner
- The odometer reading at the time of sale, if the vehicle requires one
- A smog certificate from the seller, if the vehicle needs one (see the note below)
- A bill of sale if the purchase price isn't written on the title
- A lien release, if the title shows a lender and the loan is paid off
- Proof of insurance and your driver's license or ID
Does the vehicle need a smog certificate?
For most gasoline vehicles, the seller must give the buyer a smog certificate from the last 90 days. Vehicles four model years old or newer skip the inspection and the new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead. Some transfers between immediate family members are exempt. We'll confirm which applies to your vehicle when you book.
How the visit works
Book and tell us the situation
Book online or call. Tell us whether you're buying, selling, receiving a family vehicle or replacing a lost title, so we can check your paperwork list ahead of time.
We check every line
At the counter we review the title, signatures, odometer entry, smog and any lien before anything is submitted, so small errors are caught before they cause a rejection.
We process the transfer
We complete the transaction through the DMV Business Partner Automation system and explain exactly what happens next, including when to expect the new title in the mail. DMV fees apply, and our service fee is added to them.
Common mistakes that delay a title transfer
Most transfers that get sent back fail for one of these reasons. Check them before you sign anything.
Signing on the wrong line
Sellers sometimes sign where the new owner should, or skip the release line entirely. Don't guess: bring the unsigned title if you're unsure and we'll show you where each person signs.
Cross-outs and white-out
Corrections on a title can make the DMV ask for extra paperwork, such as a Statement of Facts, or a replacement title. If a mistake is already on the title, don't try to fix it yourself.
A missing co-owner
If two owners are listed, both may need to sign, depending on how the names are joined on the title. A spouse or partner who isn't at the sale is a common hold-up.
An old or missing smog certificate
A smog certificate is good for 90 days. If the seller's smog check is older than that, or never happened, the transfer can't be completed until the vehicle passes.
An open lien on the title
If the title still shows a bank or lender, you'll need a signed lien release or a lienholder signature on the title before ownership can change.
Waiting too long
Buyers have 10 days to report the transfer and sellers have 5 days to file the release of liability. Late transfers can bring DMV penalties, so book as soon as the sale is done.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to transfer a title in California?
The buyer should report the change of ownership to the DMV within 10 days of the sale. The seller should file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days. Book as soon as the sale is done so you stay inside those windows.
Who is responsible for the smog check when a car is sold?
In most private sales the seller provides the buyer with a smog certificate from the last 90 days. Vehicles four model years old or newer don't need the inspection; the new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead. Some immediate family transfers are exempt.
Can you transfer a title if the pink slip is lost?
Often, yes. The registered owner can apply for a replacement title, and in many cases the replacement and the transfer can be handled together using the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227). Call us with the plate number and VIN and we'll tell you what the owner needs to bring.
How do I transfer a car to a family member?
Bring the signed title, ID for both people, and proof of insurance for the new owner. Family and gift transfers usually need a Statement of Facts (REG 256), which we can help you complete. If the owner has passed away, other forms may apply.
Do I get the new title the same day?
No. We process the transfer at our counter, and the new title is mailed to the new owner. We'll explain what to expect when your transaction is done.
How much does a title transfer cost?
Our service fee for a title transfer is $65 + DMV fees. An out-of-state transfer is $80 + DMV fees, and a no-title transfer (when the title is lost or not available) is $90 + DMV fees. DMV fees vary by vehicle and are paid in addition to our service fee. Call (916) 595-8128 and we'll go over what applies to you. Registration Leaders is a private business, not the DMV. See all prices on our pricing page.
Related services
Registration renewals
Current or expired registration, including renewals that need a smog check.
Salvage titles
Salvage paperwork and referrals to trusted repair shops on the way back to the road.
Dealer services
Deal processing, records and sales paperwork for independent dealers.
Trusted Quality Auto Sales
Our sister dealership. Buy there and we can handle the title and registration in the same process.
Ready to get it done?
Appointment only, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm.