There are some things you need to know about how to buy a used car in California before you set out to purchase one. You want to make sure you have every bit of information the DMV needs when you leave the seller. It is awful to finally get to the DMV window to register your new car and find out you need one more thing from the seller and you don’t know how to find him.
How to Buy a Used Car in California
This should go without saying, but there are some slick con people out there, so it needs to be said. Never purchase a car without getting the signed off title of the car. Double check the VIN number on the car to see if it matches the title. Have the seller sign in the title transfer area as the seller. Put in the purchase price. Write in the mileage if the car is less than 10 years old.
If the title is lost, the seller can get a duplicate title from the DMV. This is not something you can do. When you purchase the car, the seller must sign off on the title.
The car’s owner must provide you with a smog certificate that certifies the car has passed certification. Do not purchase a car that does not have this.
A bill of sale isn’t required by the DMV, but it can make your life easier when registering the car. So, ask the seller to write one for you that includes the car year, make, model and the price along with the seller’s name, address and phone number.
Take all three of these items to the DMV and register your car. How to buy a used car in California is fairly straight forward. Don’t forget to get that smog certificate from the seller.
