Why Transfer a Title?

When buying, inheriting, or selling a vehicle in San Diego, it’s required by law to update the vehicle’s title to the new owner.

Though it can be a hassle, this helps protect you and your investment, as a title makes you the legal owner of your car, which means you can then ensure it, sell it or do whatever you want with it.

It also means that, if it’s stolen, the police know who the owner is and who to give it back when found.

If you’re a seller, transferring your vehicle’s title will protect you from liability if the buyer does something illegal with the car and will help you demonstrate you delivered your end of the bargain once the transaction is done.

How to Transfer a Title in San Diego?

Transferring a vehicle title in San Diego is different depending on whether you’re the buyer or the seller.

I'm a seller:

By law, sellers are required to transfer a vehicle’s title within five days of it being sold, which is usually done by going to the DMV but can also be done from the comfort of Payless Registration’s offices.

Whether you choose to do it on your own or do it with our help, you’ll need your vehicle’s license, registration number, the new owner’s name and address, a smog check, a completed odometer reading, and to fill the necessary forms.

I'm a buyer:

If you’ve bought your car through a dealership, the process is pretty straightforward, as the dealership is legally obligated to do all the paperwork.

Buying from a private seller is a more involved process; however, as you’ll need to ensure the car has gone through a smog check and a completed odometer reading.

You’ll also have to fill a title transfer request and acquire a title transfer signed by the seller, all of which you can do by setting up an appointment at the DMV or with the help of Payless Registration.

I'm Inheriting:

If the title transfer happens between family members (spouse, child, parents, grandparents, and siblings), then the smog certification will be waived as long as the car’s smog checks are up to date.

Tax rates also change when compared to buying or selling a vehicle, so you’ll have to keep that in mind.

To transfer to a family member, you’ll need an odometer reading, a signed vehicle title, a statement of facts, and to pay all related fees, which you can do without going to the DMV by contacting Payless Registration.

At Payless, vehicle ownership transfer services are quickly completed by professionals, ensuring vehicles are transferred directly to the buyer.

Why Transfer a Title?

How to Transfer a Title in San Diego?

I'm a seller:

I'm a buyer:

I'm Inheriting:

contact us and get an estimate!