There are multiple reasons why you may decide to give a car as a present. You may have a child who just obtained a driver’s license, or your spouse may need a new vehicle to commute to work.
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
Either way, the common step you need to take is to transfer the title of ownership, filling in the mandatory documents to ensure the entire process goes smoothly.
Once you sign over the title of your vehicle to the other party, the new owner must present the completed forms to the local DMV.
Car title transfers are easy if you know how to handle them. For that purpose, here’s a step-by-step guide to learn how to gift a vehicle in California.
Extra Note
If you are gifting your vehicle to a family member, the CA DMV groups the following people as family members:
- Children
- Siblings
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
The process of gifting a vehicle
If you are signing over the title of your vehicle to a new owner, you will need to provide the recipient with:
- The vehicle title signed by the transferor and the new owner. Plus, the signatures of any lien attached to the vehicle, if applicable.
- For transferors missing their vehicle titles, an Application for Duplicate of Transfer of Title must be signed by both the transferor and the new owner.
- Whether your vehicle is less than 10 years old, transferors must present an odometer reading. Complete a Vehicle/Vessel Title Transfer and Reassignment Form if your title does not have any more space for the odometer mileage.
- Submit a Smog Certification, unless you are gifting the car to a family member or your car is 4 model years or fewer and not diesel-powered.
This process must be completed within 5 days from the date you gifted the vehicle.
At the same time, you’ll need to submit a release of liability form to your local DMV. Once your local DMV gets your release of liability, you will no longer be accountable nor held responsible for the gifted car.
SEE ALSO: California Title Transfers: Buying, Selling, Moving
The process of receiving a gifted vehicle
If you get a vehicle as a present, you’ll need to title and register your gifted vehicle within 10 days after the date of receiving the car.
Go to your local DMV with all the required documents from the previous owner of the vehicle and complete the following:
Submit a completed Statement of Facts to get fee exemptions for family transfers and smog certifications.
If you get a car as part of an inheritance, you need to submit an Affidavit for Transfer without Probate. You may be required to submit other documents depending on your case. Contact you local DMV for more information about this procedure.
Pay the title transfer fees: Transferred title ($15) and Smog transfer fee ($8). The following forms of payments are accepted: cash, debit/credit card, cashier’s check, and money order.
Once you complete every single requirement, you’ll be ready to drive your new vehicle.
Transfer your California title online now
A title transfer is an important procedure that serves to demonstrate individual or business ownership of a vehicle.
The requirements vary from state to state, and it’s your responsibility to fulfill all those requirements.
At the same time, the sooner you transfer the title of a car into your name, the better for everyone to keep things in order. It’s in your best interest to be aware of this procedure for your own protection.
Did you know that eTags offers California vehicle title transfers online? It’s fast, easy, and hassle free.
268 comments
My son is being gifted a car. He is 15. How do I register the title in California? Can I register it in my name since he is a minor? Will that affect the “gift” status? Or do I need to put the title in both of our names? Thank you
Can I do this on your website?
Thank you for contacting eTags and yes we would love to help. You can title and register the vehicle to your and your sons name. That way you are both on the title. If the title is from out side of California you would need to place an order for an Out Of State Title, if the Title is from California it would go under Title transfer, making sure that on the back of the title where it ask for price enter “GIFT”
We are in California. The car we’d like to gift to my parents is only in my husband’s name. Are parents-in-law considered “family” in the family transfer?
Sure! Either way the vehicle is a gift! Free of any sales tax implications.
I am gifting my son a car. I live in CA, and he is active duty military in Maryland. CA is his state of residence, can a transfer of title be done via e-tag and keep CA plates?
Hi Alison,
Yes, if your son’s residence is in CA, you can absolutely keep the CA plates. And eTags can help! Place an order for title transfer in CA using this link. I’ll be able to assist you moving through the order. Be sure to have images of the insurance and your son’s driver’s license to start. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Hello,
I live in Connecticut and I am gifting my vehicle to my son who lives in California. I have the title with no outstanding liens. What is the proper procedure in order to get the vehicle registered and insured in his name in California. Thank you!
Hello there, you can assign the title to your son, he’ll have to apply for an out-of-state title transfer in CA and register at the same time. He can do this online via eTags online, just select state as CA. He’ll have to get auto insurance in CA, as he’ll need it for registration. He’ll need VIN verification form too, Smog check, and ID
What if the transfer is from CA to SC? Same process?
This article will help you with the details for SC.
Hello,
(I know this is an old post…)
I have a question about a car title transfer between family members.
I want to transfer my car to my daughter’s name, but the registration for 2023 has been paid. So other than the transfer fee, does my daughter need to pay for the 2023 registration fee again?
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with auto insurance, if the car is transferred to my daughter, and my daughter is still under the same auto policy (with me), does it affect the premium?
Thank you!
Hi there! If your 2023 registration is already paid, this will carry over when your daughter registers the vehicle. As long as the insurance covers the vehicle and your daughter is listed on the policy, the premium shouldn’t be affected.
My husband car he owed money from financed company. His giving the car to me so it what way for me to process the paper that if something to him or he might change his mind. How can I protect myself for him not to get the car back
Your husband will have to sign over the title to you so you can apply for a title transfer to become the sole owner of the vehicle. This assuming the vehicle is paid for completely and you have no lien on it anymore. Then you can register your vehicle at same time of title transfer. You’ll also need auto insurance. You can process a title transfer and registration online.
My best friend from high school now lives in Montana. His car is titled in Montana. However, the title is under his LLC. according to the articles of incorporation, he is an authorized signer for the business. He now wants to gift me his car! I live in California. I know I have to fill a statement of facts with the CA DMV. But does that also work when the gifter is a Business? Will CA DMV refuse to allow an out of state LLC (montana) to gift a car to a California resident and still be exempt from sales tax? Anything to do differently during the title transfer since it’s a business and not an individual who is gifting the car to me? thank you so much.
Hello!
Unfortunately, a business cannot gift a car. They’ll need to be a purchase even if it’s a small one! Good luck!
Great question and answers. Read through a few but I’m still confused. My SUV is registered to me in Minnesota, they don’t require smog tests. I am gifting to my grown son in California. Is it true that we don’t need a smog test to register? I see I can do this online but he will need California plates. How do we do this. I can’t seem to be able to make an appointment at a DMV office in California. Doing this in 3 weeks, and suggestions?
Thank you,
Karen
Hello! Thank you for your question! Your vehicle needs a smog inspection every 2 years except:
-The gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.)
-A diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
-Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds.
-An electric vehicle.
-Gasoline-powered and less than eight model years old.
-reside in one of the following exempt counties [El Dorado, San Bernadino, Sonoma, Riverside, Placer, San Diego]
If none of these apply, you’ll need to smog the vehicle. You can do this online with eTags and we would ship him his CA plates. Here’s the link to our site. You can place an order now to start the process and the registration and plates should be in your sons hands in California in just a few weeks. I hope this information is helpful
Hello – my aunt has a car that is registered in Nevada that she wants to gift to me. Going through the CA DMV registration cost estimator, the only option that makes sense is the New Resident Registration and selecting gift – this ends up giving me an estimate of $0 tax. Is this correct? Or is there another way to register a car in CA that currently is registered in another state by a different owner? Thanks!
Hi! You’re exactly right! Receiving a vehicle as a gift exempts you from the sales tax implication. Make sure when your aunt signs the title over, she specifies this in the section for the purchase price. You’ll still pay out-of-state transfer fees but this will be minimal in comparison to a hefty sales tax bill! I hope this helps!
I bought a vehicle for my business in April 2017.
I want to gift this vehicle to my brother.
How do I transfer the title, which is currently under my business corporation, to my brother without him paying a sales tax?
Hi Thien, if you are gifting the vehicle to your brother, sales tax will not be required. However, if you are selling the vehicle or otherwise obtaining monetary value from the vehicle, your brother will have to pay sales tax for the sale price or value. Have your brother visit eTags.com to have the title transferred when ready.
My son gifted me a car in December 2021, which is titled and registered in North Carolina. I live in California and have not transfered the title to California or registered the car in California yet. It has been 6 months since he gifted me the car. The car has been in California since it was gifted to me in December. It is parked in a garage and not being driven. The car was smogged in California in January 2022. I would like to transfer the title and register the vehicle in California. I understand I should have transferred the title within 20 days of receiving the gifted vehicle. Do I loose the transfer fee exemption since I am transferring the title outside of the 20 day requirement? Will I have to pay full value transfer fees since I am late transferring the title? Penalties? Do I have to resmog the vehicle?
Congratulation on the the gift! We would like to help and hope to make this transfer a smooth one. The service you need is an Out Of State Title Transfer (you would need to have original title sigh over by your son). It would still go under a family gift but you may need to pay late registration penalties (One year or less $30), would not pay full value transfer fees but yes may need to pay penalties. SMOG test are only good for 90days so yes you would need to also complete and pass a SMOG test. We would also need a VIN verification form, DMV does NOT charge a fee for their service, however, they do NOT travel. The following can perform a VIN verification:
CHP officers or law enforcement.
DMV employees.
AAA employees.
Licensed private VIN verifiers – They have home services
My brother bought a car a month ago in NV that he no longer wants. He now wants a different car. I live in CA and want to avoid paying another use tax on the car especially since he just bought the car and just payed taxes on it. Can I pay off his car loan entirely and then can he gift it to me? Or is there no way to avoid tax and I will have to pay another 9% tax or whatever the use tax is in California.
Once the car is paid off, you can do an Out Of State family/gift title title transfer
This transfer is exempt from use tax because it is a: Family transfer sold between a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, or siblings. You can transfer and register online!
I read somewhere about siblings having to be minors. Is this not applicable? And is a gift different than a family transfer? If so which is better?
True. Here’s the statement of facts form, where you’ll see more details on gifting
I am gifting a 2021 vehicle with 7,331
Miles on it to my son. Vehicle was originally registered in another state. The Statement of Facts form 256-F says he can’t register the vehicle in California because it’s a non-certified vehicle for emissions and has less than 7,500 miles on it. Is that true?
That is true in some cases. The state of CA does not allow certain vehicles to be registered there.
Hello, my aunt wants to gift me her car so I can avoid paying sales tax. Is this possible in CA since an Aunt or Uncle is not listed as a family member? Would she be able to gift me the car?
You are correct Aunt or Uncle are not listed as a family member, so you can’t avoid paying sales tax. but you can still note on the title that it was a gift or that you paid the very minimum. Then the transfer will be review by the state and etags will let you know what the fees are. Just select California as your state, then Title Transfer the (you’ll see gift is part of this category) and follow the prompts.
My father has a 2016 company car from his corporation that is valued over $15,000. He is retiring and wants to keep his car. What is the best way to do that? Can it be gifted to him? Can he buy it for a lot less than market value? Would he have to pay full market value?
All your questions are more about the legal aspect of that exchange since the corporation owns the car, so they can answer that. But whether it’s gifted or bought, your father will need a title transfer and registration. For the paperwork, you can go online at etags.com
My uncle is gifting a car to me. However I see that uncles/aunts/nieces/nephews are not considered family under CA DMV. Am I still able to process the change ownership as a “gift” or will it have to be noted as a “Trade”?
It can be gifted. It will just be reclassified at the current market value provided. It is also not exempt from smog as family transfer would be.
This is a little complicated, at least for my husband and I. I am being gifted a car from my father. He bought the car in California and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. Last month, he moved back to California and into assisted living. He obtained all import documentation for the car, The car has not been registered in California yet and still has its British Columbia plates. We live in Kansas and will be flying to California to pick up the car and drive it back to Kansas. We understand that it will be registered in Kansas but do we need to do anything with the California DMV or just skip it and bring it back to Kansas. Do we need to register it in California to transfer it to us? And what about driving hot across country. Do we get a temporary registration from California to drive it to Kansas though it technically not registered there yet? It’s a dilemma for us. Thank you.
Vehicles that have been registered in another country Must be transferred at a DMV only. DMV will provide any permits needed while in CA. Contact BC Vehicle dept to get some kind of a permit to cross US borders. DMV will not give a permit to a vehicle not located in the USA.
Thank you for the excellent information on this site. I am being gifted a car from my father in California and will need to drive it back to my residence in Kansas. How do I proceed?
Hey there, eTags doesn’t operate in KS, but that’s where you’ll need you title transfer and registration. This article should help clarify temp tags in KS.
I currently live in Oregon and am planning on giving my car to my son who lives in California with his mother, however he only has his permit. I would like to do a family transfer of the car to his mom, my ex-wife who still has my last name. Is that possible?
Yes, you can gift your vehicle to a family member. The CA DMV offers a use tax exemption with a statement of facts form. If the vehicle is currently registered in OR you will still require a smog, a vin verification and possibly a weight certification. A minor must have a driver’s license or be 18 to register a vehicle in their name.
Hi, my father bought me a car a while back and both of our names are on the title (as father “OR” daughter) per the paperwork. I’m going to need a new title that states my married name now and will be taking his name off. Do I need to change my name first before I take his name off? Or can I do both in one visit to the DMV in CA? If I take a family member’s name off the title, will I be taxed on this?
When removing a family member from the title you will require a REG 256 statement of facts. This form will exempt you from use tax and smog for the family transfer. You can also make a name change using the same reg 256 form. This form is multipurpose and contains sections for all the requests you mentioned. eTags can help with the name change and title transfer. just select your state and title transfer as the service. eTags will provide the forms as well.
Hello, so my mom recently passed a couple months ago. Her car was in her name but she gifted it to me. We never got to put it in my name because I didn’t have my license at the time. Now I’m unsure how to put the car in my name, especially since it was meant for me to begin with. Is there a different process to go about putting the title on my name? Everyone I’ve asked just give me the run-around, so any advice helps!
Hi there, typically a title transfer would be what’s needed, but since it’s your mom, you can apply for a family transfer. Here you’ll see the documents needed under”from a deceased owner to an heir” Then you can visit etags online for a title transfer in CA, assuming thats where you can the vehicle are.
Just select CA and Transfer Title to get started.
We are in California. We own a 2016 Lexus that is currently registered to my husband, but my 30 year old son, who lives out of the house drives it. We want to gift the car and transfer title to him prior to the registration expiring in 6 weeks, so that it will reflect correct information. Can we accomplish this here on your e-tags website? As I type this, I am not sure if smog is required on the reg renewal. And also what fees will my son be assessed aside from a possible smog (if needed)
Hi Jean, we can assist your son in completing the title transfer. He can place an order on eTags.com. He would submit a request for a “Family Transfer” which will exempt him from paying sales tax and from needing to get a new smog unless the vehicle is required to get its biennial smog this year. Once we review his order and he has paid the title transfer and registration fees, we can send him a copy of the new registration card with his name on it.
I currently live in Oregon and I am gifting my mother who lives in California my car that is registered in Oregon. Would she need to pay any sales or use tax since it is a family transfer even though the car is currently registered out of state?
An Out Of State Title Transfer is eligible for taxes to be waived if it is a Family Transfer. A reg 256 will be requested to complete, along with the Original Title, reg343 form, a VIN verification, and the SMOG once the vehicle is in California. You can do the title transfer online with etags here
Hi there,
Questions about a vehicle I recieved from a friend. I live in los angeles, CA. And a friend gave myself and my husband a car to help us out with work. We didn’t pay anything for it. So I guess you can say he “gifted” it to us. Also, he received the car from a guy who actually lost the key after purchasing it from an auto auction somewhere. Our friend went and got a key made (its computerized the key) for $150. I’ve check and made sure the vehicle isn’t stolen also-its fine. But anyway, questions are how do we go about getting a new license plate? New registration, and what else do we need to do to get this going and drivable in our names? Thanks so much if you can help us with this. Need a straight answer lol. Cheers!!
The new owner will require all previous supporting documents, title and bill of sales. If was sold at an auction it may be a lien sale and will need to be completed at DMV. The new plates can be requested at the time of the transfer. No use taxes will be due if it is a gift but all reg fees, late fees and per transfer fee will be due.
Hi, I want to gift my car to my brother, it’s completely paid off. When transferring paperwork under his name, does he need to be present to sign if I am physically going to the DMV?
Hey there, at eTags we do the title transfers online so no dmv needed. You can go to
https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question and select California to continue
I helped my adult daughter buy a vehicle in 2017. We both lived in CA. SHE made all the payments, paid registration, etc. I was listed as the owner. I’ve since moved to Idaho. Now that the car is paid off, I’ve received CA registration & title showing my Idaho address. As the car was always hers in actuality, I need to transfer title. Can I do this without incurring tax liability for either of us?
This is considered a Family transfer. This type of transfer is exempt from use tax and smog (as long as the biennial smog is not due at time of transfer)
My daughters car broke down 2 years ago and I decided to fix it. I’m in California and the car is paid off. What would be the gift tax or fees needed to transfer in my name?
You would need a Title transfer and to complete a Reg 256 (Statement of Facts) form, section A. A statement for use tax exemption 1st box, Section B. Check box 5. You may still need to do a smog check, because the vehicle was worked on and not operational for two years. You’ll also have to pay registration fees for the two years that vehicle was broken, if you didn’t update the registration yearly or didn’t have it listed as Nonoperational. You can do a title transfer online at https://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blog_article
I’m in California if my mom transferred her car over to me can I keep the plates and tags and when they expire just re register it or do I have to go to dmv and get new plates and tags
In California the plates stay with the vehicle. So if the car was already transferred into your name, all you need is to renew registration. You can do it online with eTags at https://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blog_article. Answer a few questions and get you registration certificate and sticker by mail. We’re assuming your vehicle is titled in CA.
Hello, my stepfather, who lives in Pennsylvania, is selling me a car registered in PA that I will then register in California where I live. Does this qualify for a family transfer? Does it matter whether he sells me the car or gifts it to me? Also, can you please explain the process/documents needed for transferring title and registering the car in California? Thank you!
Since the vehicle is being transferred from Father to Son, it qualifies as on Out of State Title Family Transfer. Depending on the type of transfer sales or gift, Taxes will or will not be calculated. a/ Vehicle needs to be in California ground to be able to start the process on our end. You can transfer online at https://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blog&utm_id=blogquestion
you’ll be able to upload all docs we need.
a/Vehicle needs to be in California ground to be able to start the process on our end
b/ Vehicle will need to be SMOG as CA DMV requires. For out of State, the Family transfer does not exempt it.
c/Vehicle will need a VIN verification in CA. Reg31 attached.
d/ Customer will have to fill out reg343 Application for title and registration (This is important as the information on this document is the info that will appear on the new CA Title.
e/ If vehicle is a GIFT, customer will have to fill out reg256 for tax waiver.
f/ And the most important the original TITLE signed by the previous owner and filled out with the information of the new owner.
I live in CA as do my parents and their other child, my adult sibling. I see that I can’t sell it to my adult sibling without paying a use tax, but that parent / child transfers are exempt. Can I sell the vehicle to my parent, and then they sell to their child / my adult sibling to avoid the use tax (I understand this may require registration fees to be paid 2x)I don’t see any limitations on the time between transfers, and it appears that child / parent transfers are exempt from use tax. Alternatively, could I add my parent to title, then remove myself, then have my parent sell to their child / my adult sibling (possibly eliminating double registration fees)? Adult sibling will be buying the vehicle, so gifting isn’t an option.
You can transfer vehicle to parents and then they transfer to other son, it can be done in one whole service and new owner would be paying for DMV transfer fees plus registration fees if they are already expired.
Hi,
How much would gift tax be on $27k car I am gifting to my friends kid for 16th birthday. do I need to gift it to parents? Can I pay for it but have it put directly into their name? is their a way to tax exempt it?
Thanks!
This article should help with your question https://carbrain.com/blog/gifting-a-car-taxes#:~:text=Do%20You%20Pay%20Taxes%20on%20a%20Gift%20Car%3F&text=If%20you%20got%20a%20car,new%20plates%20for%20the%20car.
How do I avoid back fees on a vehicle? I was gifted a van that has been sitting in a barn for 5 years and now I found out the owner never put it in on NON-OP after I’ve already signed the title.
If you are gifted a vehicle the back registration fees become the responsibility of the new owner. eTags offers payment plans and many other forms of payment such as Visa,MC,Amex and Paypal credit to assist with you being able to post your registration and transfer fees.
Hi, my brother passed away in January. I want to gift his car to a friend. I have the pink slip and death certificate. I and the friend live in California What do I need to do?
A title transfer for a transfer without probate required the original death certificate, the CA title signed by the next of kin. (print name of deceased BY and Next of Kin signs on line 9A and odometer disclosure if necessary. A reg 5 transfer w/o probate form and a statement of facts reg 256. A smog may be required if it has not been done in the last 90 days and is more than 4 years old. You can provide all of these documents to your friend and we can assist with the transfer on https://www.etags.com/app/ca#utm_source=blog_question
My Father in law gifted me a car does it count as a family transfer? Also if the registration is already paid on the car do I have to pay for it again once the title is transferred to me?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles defines family members to be children, spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings.
I am gifting my sister a car here in California. Nothing owed on it as i own it free and clear. I filled outthe Reg 256 statement of facts and the dmv is now asking for a smog on it? Why?
Hey there, the REG 256 form has a section for you to fill out to get a smog exemption since it’s a family transfer. Since you say you filled that out, perhaps it’s just a simple mistake or oversight. Contact your local DMV for more information on your specific case. Here’s the CA DMV’s info on family transfers: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/title-transfers-and-changes/
Hi my ex husband is gifting me a vehicle that has not been registered in 2 years nor listed as non operational or smogged.. The car was parked on the street and just impounded yesterday. I hv to get the car out of impound asap. Am I still considered a family member for title transfer? I already hv so much cost on impound registration etc. I need this to go as smoothly as possible and quickly to avoid daily impound stor fees. In order to get the vehicle out of impound they say I need proof of title under my name. Does a title transfer take days or can I obtain some type of documentation to present to the impound to help expedite things?
Your husband can still gift you the vehicle. He will need to provide you the signed title or a signed title application form. Once you have that, you can place an online order to start the transfer of title with eTags at https://www.etags.com/app/ca/transfer?utm=blog_comment. You’ll be able to quickly and securely upload copies of the title and your ID as well as pay transfer fees. Once you have paid the transfer fees, we can send you a digital copy of your new registration card to tore on your device or print showing you as the registered owner. Please keep in mind you will be required to mail in the title your husband has signed over to you to finalize the transfer and obtain the new title in your name and plate stickers.
My mom’s car is under my name but the car is not passing smog so the registration is over a year overdue. My mom wants me to gift the car to her instead of getting rid of it. Is it possible to transfer/gift a vehicle that does not have current registration in California?
This article should help https://carbrain.com/blog/gifting-a-car-taxes
Hello, My Father lives in CA and I live in WA. My father is gifting me a 2005 Tundra. This truck has been garaged for a few years and tabs are not current. What should I do to be able to legally drive it and get it to WA? It will be staying in WA once I drive it up here. Could I drive it as is and do all paper work up in WA or do I have to do all paper work in CA? Thanks for any help you can offer
Hey there, eTags doesn’t handle title transfers in WA which is where you’ll need your vehicle. The CA title will be an out of state title, which you’ll have to register in WA sine you’ll be driving it there. Since it’s a gift, you’ll need to put a ‘0’ as the amount of the sale price. You may also have to pay a special tax of .3% (called the use tax) if you cannot prove that all taxes have been paid on the vehicle (unless the car is more than seven years old). This webpage should help with more details…https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/transferprivate.html
Hi
Can my husband “gift” his car to me? and the car is less than 12 months old, he is resident of Portland OR, and the car is registered in OR, while I am a resident of CA? Will this trigger any sale or use tax?
Family transfers are permitted in CA with use tax exemptions. The DMV requires a statement of facts form completed and signed to waive use tax from a spouse. Etags offers out of state transfers and can assist with your vehicle transfer. go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blogquestion
In California, if I am gifted a vehicle over 10 years old, from a boyfriend with whom I share the same address, does the vehicle need to be smogged for a title transfer if the registered address stays the same, only the name is changed? Thanks
Smog Checks are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles more than eight model-years old. Additionally, a Smog Check is required if you sell a vehicle that is more than four model-years old and when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California. Here’s more info: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/smog-inspections/
For the title transfer after 4 years, would you have to do a smog check at 6 years as well? Or is it still not required until 8 years?
You can find smog info here https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/smog-inspections/
We’re not sure if you’re referring to being 4 years late transferring the title (there will be high penalties there) or referring to the vehicle age and its smog requirements.
Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to help out.
My dad is a dealer in NY. I live in California. He is gifting me a car. I was wondering what the process is?
Transfers into California for vehicles owned by dealers need to be reviewed and handled directly by the California DMV. You can contact them at 1 (800) 777-0133. If the vehicle has a title with your father’s name as the owner, this is considered a private (person to person) transfer which you can complete with eTags online at https://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion. Your father would sign the title over to you and you would also sign it and mail it in to us once requested. Keep in mind that, since the vehicle is not currently titled in California, you would need to complete a Verification of VIN. We provide you this and other forms needed to complete the transfer but the Verification of VIN requires that you take the vehicle to an authorized vehicle verifier in California.
I am buying a car in California and gifting it to family in Texas. Do I have to register it in CA or can I just transfer the title, ship it to Texas and have them register if there?
Registration is for drivers to be able to drive their cars on public roads legally, so if you won’t be driving it they can register it in Texas, bc that’s where they’ll be using it. You’ll just have to transfer the title to them so they have ownership of car.
If I am being gifted a car from a friend, does it count as if it were a family member? What are the steps that need to be taken?
It’s not considered as a Family Transfer- A statement of facts is required for the gift use tax exemption.
Hi,
My friend has had to move out of the USA for about a year and is loaning me his car. The car is currently registered in CA, and I live in WA.
– What are the tax implications for us to transfer/gift the car into my name and register it in Washington, then when he moves back to CA next year I gift it back. He has paid sales tax initially, will it have to be paid again when we gift it back?
– Is there anyway that he can title and register the car in WA as a non-resident, so that I can use it until he is back, then move the title back to CA?
Or is there a better way to keep the car in his name and still be legally able to drive it in WA until he returns?
Many thanks
hey there, etags doesn’t operate in WA, but you can check with the local DMV there to know more about title transfers. https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/transferprivate.html
My uncle giving me his 1999 monetro but he said he cannot find the pinkslip how can i register and transfer the title to my name so it will no longer his responsibility. Thanks
A duplicate title application reg 227 will need to be signed by buyer and seller to complete a transfer . The seller will need to complete a release of liability form.
Hi – my mom purchased a car in NJ. It was financed and she has been making monthly payments. She has paid off about 50% of it. She was impacted by the pandemic and is planning on selling her car. I live in California and am planning on purchasing it from her. Would I be subject to use tax since I am purchasing it from a family member even if the car is being financed (and I will have to finance it as well)?
You will not pay use tax on a family transfer. You will complete a statement of facts use tax exemption form REG 256.
I’m planning to buy a car from my sister and brother in law. It’s currently registered in Texas. I’m in California. If i were to buy it and transported here, what would i need to register it and get a title? I’m assuming i need their title signed over to me and a smog certificate primarily. Is this correct.
Is it subject to Use tax? This is the part I’m confused about because i’m not sure if its applicable to any siblings or only minor aged siblings?
Please see CA DMV link for instructions on how to register your out of state vehicle. If both siblings are over 18 and a purchase occurred then use tax is due. You can receive a gift from a sibling on any age and use tax will not be due. A statement of facts use tax waiver will be used.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-determine-residency-when-fees-are-due-on-out-of-state-vehicles-htvr-33/
Hi, is the process the same if i’m getting the car as a gift from my friend, not family member?
Also there is a complication to my case, the car’s license plates were stolen recently. Do I complete the title transfer process first, and then apply for replacement license plates and stickers? If so do I put the stolen license plate number in my application for title transfer? Just wondering what’s the fastest way to get the vehicle on the road as I can’t drive it now without the plates… Thank you!
Yes, the process is the same whether the vehicle is gifted to you or transferred from a family member. If you are looking for a same day process to walk out with new plates, the best option is visiting the DMV if you can get an appointment soon. Otherwise, we offer an online title and registration transfer service.
Visit http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion
Just let our title specialist know that you need new plates and we will process that request at the same time as the transfer of the title. You’ll need to provide copies of your documents and also mail in the title being gifted to you but, if that is done quickly, you can have your new plates in two weeks or less.
My husband passed away in July, 2020. The truck was only in his name. I have the death certificate, will, registration and smog certificate. I need to transfer it into my name. I will be gifting this to a son. Should I do everything at the same time (after 42 days of death)?
You can do the title directly to your son. Your son will just need to complete the back of the title as the new owner. It sounds like you have all the correct documents otherwise. You can go to http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion and select ‘title transfer”
I have been reading this site and am still a little confused. My nephew is gifting my daughter. The vehicle is over ten years old. According to the list given here it doesn’t like “cousin” is considered a family relationship? However, there have been responses here that indicate that other family relationships have been accepted other than those listed? If that is the case, she needs to present an affidavit to the DMV along with a smog cert within the past 90 days. Will she have to pay tax on this gift?
If your nephew gifts the vehicle to your daughter, she will not be required to pay sales tax. An affidavit or a Statement of Facts form would be provided to confirm that the vehicle is a gift. It is also correct that a smog certificate dated within 90 days of when the transfer is being completed is required.
If you place an order on http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion, we’ll walk you through the process, provide the necessary forms to print and mail in along with the title. Your daughter would receive the new registration in the mail.
My mother is gifting me car currently registered in Florida. Do I have to pay the tax difference from when the car was originally purchased? The car is now 8 yrs old and significantly less value. I assume I will also need to smog when I transfer it to California.
You will not owe use tax on a family transfer. A statement of facts will be completed to waive use tax. A smog and vin verification will be required once the vehicle is in California.
I was gifted an ambulance that will be turned into a work vehicle.There is some confusion about what is required because the vehicle is gifted from one business to another. we are in California
In order for a business to gift another business a vehicle they must first obtain a use tax exemption from the board of equalization. Please contact the link below for more info https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/exemptions-exclusions-faq.htm
My daughter bought my mother’s car for $1400. Does this qualify as a family transfer in CA for tax and smog purposes?
Yes, this qualifies as a family transfer even if a purchase was involved because it’s between parent and child. Either party will need to complete a statement of facts reg 256 exempting from use tax and smog.
Question: In CA. Want to add my partner to my vehicle’s title, so we may be able to join insurances. Title in hand, paid off, no lien holder. Not Registered DP, just long term partners. Is this a gift, or a sale? Tax implications? Smog needed? Available to complete online or have to go to DMV/DMV affiliate? Vehicle is 6 years old, but no smog done in last 90 days.
You can add a domestic partner using a Statement of facts to waive any use tax fees. It also exempts you from a smog certificate. The transfer can be submitted using eTags transfer services online. The transfer will require signatures from the new and old owner to change the title document.
I just moved to CA and my brother in law would like to gift me his car since he doesn’t drive it. Would that qualify for tax exempt? also. he has a small amount owed to the bank which he will pay off tomorrow. Do I need to wait until he gives me the actual title to do the transfer? can I do the transfer on here? also do I need a CA drivers license ? I am currently living with family memeber
A vehicle gifted is exempt from use tax using the REG 256 statement of facts form. You will need a CA title free of any liens to complete the title transfer. A CA DL is not required to own a vehicle. You may use eTags title transfer service once you receive the signed title from the seller.
Go to http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion
Hello,
Need some insight on this. My fiancé is being gifted his parents car. The car is coming from New York to California. What is the paperwork I need. The New York DMV policies are different than California and I’m trying to explain it to the in laws.
The DMV requires the out of state title and REG 343 form be completed. I have attached the DMV check list link for out of state title transfers for you to use. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-9-register-a-vehicle-from-out-of-state-nonresident-vehicle/
My son is gifting me his vehicle.
In reading all diff. sites I am not sure if I actually have to go in to a DMV office, or can do it all online at etags…etc.
At the same time I want to change the plates to a commercial plate on the same transaction.We are getting all the paperwork ready as per listed on your sight.
eTags does process title transfers between private parties however we do not do Commercial license plate conversions. You will be required to get a weight certificate to convert the plates and it must be done at DMV
Hello, I am a student in Texas and I drove my parents’ car out here to use while I went to school. They now want to gift it to me. Is there a way to do this online so that I do not need to go back to California? I have a CA license and permanent address and am planning on returning to CA after school so I do not want to go through the Texas DMV.
We are not aware of an exclusively online option to transfer a title from out of state into California since the vehicle needs to be inspected by an authorized California individual or company for the VIN and smog test. However, the DMV currently has a virtual transaction review option where you can submit your information and confirm your options. Best of luck. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/title-transfers/title-transfer-form/
I would like to give my car to my niece who is 21. I was her guardian until she was 18, we have the same last name, and we have claimed her as a dependent for tax purposes. Is this considered a family transfer? Or should I sell it to her for a nominal amount?
This is considered a Gift and is exempt from use tax with the statement of facts. It will still require a smog if it has not been done in the last 90 days
I am being gifted a car from a friend – not a blood related relative. Can a title transfer be done as a gift if the car is not from a blood related family member?
This is considered a Gift and is exempt from use tax with the statement of facts. It will still require a smog if it has not been done in the last 90 days
Is the smog necessary even if the car is newer? (2014)
https://www.smogtips.com/need_inspection.cfm
I live in California and my son and I are both on the title for his car and his registration, listed as my name OR his name. I want to get off of the title of his car and the registration. Is the best approach for me to gift it to him or do I need to do something else?
Because it is OR either party can sign the release for the title. A statement of facts is required and they have an option for an addition or deletion of a family member. It’s a family transfer.
I am going to gift my car titled and registered in MD to my son who will move to CA. The car will be shipped from MD to CA with MD license plates. My son will mail the MD plates to MD MVA after finishing title transfer and registration in CA. My son currently has a MD driver’s license and applied for CA driver’s license. What documents are needed for title transfer and car registration in CA in addition to a signed MD certificate of title for title transfer, CA insurance confirmation, and smog test certificate? What should be the gift value? Can I just write “gift” in the gift value box, or other value like KBB value, or 0?
You’ll find info here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-9-register-a-vehicle-from-out-of-state-nonresident-vehicle/
I am also trying to bring a car from a Maryland to California. I have the same exact question that you were having back in July. Can you please help me with brief instructions on what I need to prepare besides the signed title from Maryland? Thank you.
Here’s the CA DMV’s info: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/
Hi there! My mother and I are trading cars — me, leaving my CA-titled car with her in MA, and bringing back her MA-titled car to California. Is it possible to switch the license plates? Or, do I need to apply for a new license plate in California?
I assume that even though it’s an Out-of-State car, I won’t have to pay tax on it because it’s gifted by a family member. Is that right? Thanks!
The CA DMV will require you to get new license plates for an out of state vehicle(unless they are personalized CA plates). No use tax is due for a family transfer.
The link below on your website appears to be broken.
https://www.etags.com/app/ca/transfer/lp
thank you, we’ve updated. for title transfer you can go etags.com/app/ca
Hi etag; i have some question,my brother in law and me living in CA but diferent town(SF and LA) he want to give me his car as a gift,and my insurance was merging with my sister in SF, i wanna go to pick up the car but i was concern about my insurance. So how can i do for this case?
It’s best to consult with your insurance company.
My brother has a motorcycle that doesn’t run (been 9+ years since it doesn’t’ work) and junkyards won’t take it. He wants to post it for free just to get rid of it. Would it be better to gift it or to sell it for $1?
the preference would be up to you since we can’t give you legal advice on how to sell the vehicle. If you gift it, you have to sign under “penalty under perjury” for the statement of facts.
Hello,
My wife has a car (bought 12/2019) with a lien. My father (her father-in-law) wants to take out his own loan and she transfer the car to him. I’m seeing that “in-law” is not language referred to by DMV for use tax exemption. Are we able to still click the family transfer box? If not, can my wife either 1) “gift” the car to my father, even though there is a lien (which will get paid off by his own loan, and he’ll then have a lien as well), or 2) wife transfers me ownership with the lien, and then I transfer ownership to my father?
We’re hoping we don’t have to pay tax twice within 12mo of buying the car. Seems absurd.. Thank you!
A statement of facts is signed under penalty of perjury so you can attest to whichever situation you feel comfortable signing too whether it be a gift or family transfer.
Hi, can you give a car to a friend (non-direct blood relative) and if so, what are the steps to do so? Thanks!!
The title must be signed on line 1 A. A statement of facts is required for the use tax exemption and a smog will be required if not done in last 90 days
Hi I’m from Michigan and want to gift my vehicle to my fiance
what are the tax fee in Michigan?
etags doesnt handle transactions in Michigan, but this article should help: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-96435_1611_50409-23241–,00.html#:~:text=Although%20the%20Secretary%20of%20State,of%20transfer%2C%20whichever%20is%20greater.
I’m buying car from the dealer with cash in California and gifting it to my parents in California. How can I get a car title and register car to my parents?
When you purchase the vehicle from the dealership they typically will put it in your name and issue you the title. When you receive the title you can use our services as we assist in transferring the vehicle from you to your parents.
I live in Montana and would like to buy a vehicle here and gift it to my son, who lives in California. Will he have to pay sales tax in CA on the vehicle when he titles and registers it there
The difference in use tax due to CA if it is registered in CA within 365 of purchase. I.E if you pay 4% tax in Montana and your son lives in a county with 9% use tax he will owe 5% use tax of the purchase price when transferred to CA.
Hi, I am going to gift my old car which is more than 10 years old to my father-in-law. Do I need to do a smog check?
DMV considers a family transfer to be blood related(mom, dad, brother sister). You can still gift the car to your father in law as a gift transfer(exempt from use tax). We offer this service through etags at http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=fromblogquestion
Similarly, I want to gift an old car to an in law. It didn’t pass smog, so the registratration is marked incomplete, but paid already. Can i still continue with the ‘gifting’ process even if registration is incomplete? And will the notice of transfer and release of liability push through inspite of the incomplete registration status?
The fees posted will remain on record with the DMV for up to 5 years. You can gift the vehicle as long as the new owner accepts it “AS IS”. The DMV will accept and file your release of liability.
Hi, I live in Socal. My father passed away recently. My mother wants to gift me his car, which is paid off. Both my parents are on the title of the vehicle. Since my mother is still alive, would it be a simple gift transfer of title, or would this involve probate? They also have a living family trust, but the trust is not on the vehicle title.
If the title is in OR, than only a single owner needs to sign the release. If it’s in an AND transfer without probate applies along with a death certificate.
Hi there,
My dad is gifting me his car that has CT plates, I am a CA resident with a CA license. I have the title signed to me, what else do I need to bring to the DMV? 1) DMV Statement of Facts form, 2) Odometer Reading (do I just record this?), and 3) Smog test? (Or do I not need the smog test because it’s between family). Thanks!
It will be an out of state transfer which eTags CA doesn’t do. Typically when it’s out of state, the DMV will require a smog. Unfortunately you won’t really know until the DMV runs it through their system on what they will require. You should take the car with you to the DMV, bc they’ll need to do a Vin verification on it.
Hello, I live in California and have a question regarding car title for a teen (17-years old). Would I be able to pay for a used car but have all title/registration paperwork in my niece’s name?
It’s fine to place the title/registration on the 17 year old. What you can’t do is have them on the contract..bc of financing
I have a similar question to the above. Will I be able to pay for a used car with cash but have all the paperwork in my nephew’s name to bypass all the gift & transfer requirement? Thank you.
You would have to talk to the dealership in regards to the request to see if they can have the title inputted into your nephew’s name.
I have given my grand daughter a ford van I own, but have signed the title. She has the veh. a 2020 tag from Ga.the title signed by me, what does she need to do to sell the veh. or reg. it in Mo.?
eTags doesn’t operate in these states, perhaps check online on the DMV website
My mother owns a car I have been driving for 15+ years. She now lives in NM & wants me to sell the car off. I have it here in CA and dont drive it much. Should she transfer the title to me then I would sell it myself. Which would be easiest.? What forms do I need for her and how can this be achieved if CA dmv offices are closed. In addition my registration is due in 2 weeks. Would I have to pay another registration fee when she transfers it ?
If your mother is the owner of the vehicle you may sale it on her behalf. Your Mother will just need to sign the title releasing interest in the vehicle. You would then turn the signed title over to the buyer and submit a release of liability form.
Hi, I live in California. My wife wants to transfer the title of her car to me (family transfer) and gift it to me. After all the fees are paid and everything is completed, when I file my state taxes or federal taxes, will I have to pay any type of taxes to the Federal Govt or the state of California (sales tax, gift tax, etc) when I file my taxes?
It be best to speak to a tax professional
Hello, My husband and I are gifting one of our cars (Registered in Indiana) to our son who recently moved to California. I mostly understand the process, but who fills out the Form 256 “Statement of Facts”–parents gifting or son receiving? That fact doesn’t seem clear to me on the form. Also, must we (parents) or he (son) fill out Form 138 “Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability?” If it, too, is needed, is it submitted to the Indiana BMV or the California DMV–or both? Thank you for helping.
The statement of facts can be completed by either party buyer or seller. Since the car has never been registered in CA the release of liability or notice of transfer would be submitted to the state where you owned the vehicle.
hi, my mother in law is gifting a car to my mother. her car is a salvage title in tx. we plan to take the car to my mom in CA. will taxes need to be paid or what is needed to register the car in california ? also will my mother in law need to be there or is it okay for her just to sign the car over?
No, no taxes unless your mother in law is selling the car to your mom. Mother-in law needs to sign to release interest and mother needs to sign as the New Owner. Since car is coming to CA – there may be a smog requirement, depending the year of the vehicle.
I thought if I gift my salvaged title car to an organ., person, no one else can legally drive it. Could only sell it for parts, etc. Am I wrong?
A car with salvaged title can be driven if it’s re-certified.
I am gifting my car to a friend’s son.
My registration is due in a month.
My last smog was done over 6 months ago.
To gift it, do I need to go get a smog cert again?
So in your case smog is required since it’s only valid for 90 days
I would like to buy a vehicle for my sister (and family). How does gift tax play into this? Under 15k no problem, over 15k and I’m filing additional paperwork on my tax returns?
If you’re purchasing a car for your sister (private party -yes taxes are due at the time of Title Transfer) you may claim it on your taxes.
We have a friend in Florida that is moving here in California. She needed a car when she gets here and we purchased a new car for her which she paid for. The dealer made us use my wife’s name as the purchaser because her friend was not here to sign the documents. The registration and title are in my wife’s name and now we want to transfer both to her friend who is now in California. All taxes were paid in October and it is now December. How do we do the transfer?
You can gift it to your friend to avoid paying taxes again, sign over the title to her. Then your friend can register on etags.com/app/ca
Hi, I am currently a minor living in California and I got my license about 6 months ago. My dad would like to transfer his car to me as a gift, would he be able to do so if I am still under 18? If he can, how would the insurance work? Would it still be insured under my parent and then I get added to theirs? My mom would be the one paying for the insurance but my parents are divorced so I am not sure if that would add any extra complications? Also would the insurance cost be more expensive if the car is gifted under my name? Thanks!
Yes he can gift it to you even if you’re under 18. Your mom would have to be on the title as a co-owner if the insurance will be in her name. Yes it is likely that if insurance is under your name it will be more costly.
Hi I live in SoCal, I have an old car that’s been sitting in my backyard for a few years no. I didn’t know at the time I should’ve put a “non op” on it to avoid acuring fees. I want to gift it to my little sister as her first car. Will she be required to Pay back registration when the title is switched
This will be a family transfer, so no tax is due. If vehicle is not operated within the last few years, most likely if you walk into the DMV they can go only go back 3 years and obligate you to pay fees. It’s best to call them and find out their regulations.
Which is cheaper, transferring a vehicle between family members or gifting the vehicle to a family member? If I sell my vehicle for $1 USD would I get charged taxes on that $1 or will DMV just consider it a gift (meaning is there a minimum required sale price)?
Family transfers are described as between parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner or siblings(if both are minors). You’re permitted to gift a vehicle to anybody you want, you just need an additional form called the required statement of facts which you can find here https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/35dae237-eb4b-4bed-a82a-b4c652c2ef8a/reg256.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= .
Hello,
I road tripped from New York to California in my father’s car (registered in NY) and have decided to stay in California. He has gifted me the car to have while I live here. What are the steps I need to take to transfer the vehicle to my name and get the car registered in California? Does he need to submit the transfer to the NY DMV or do I bring the transfer papers to the CA DMV? Thanks for your help!
Take your car title, insurance form and other related documents to the DMV and transfer the title on your name and register. You can also choose to only get the CA plates and register and keep NY title to save money on transfer fees.
A friend of my parents helped me by using their credit to finance a car. I was the one making all the payment and my parent’s friend now wants to transfer the car title over to me. How can it be done while avoiding I pay taxes? I mean, I’ve already paid for the call in full and I paid the taxes.
If you determine this vehicle to be a gift, you would need to fill out an additional form called the statement of facts and no you won’t have to pay taxes. you can find the form here https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/35dae237-eb4b-4bed-a82a-b4c652c2ef8a/reg256.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=
Hi ETAGS,
My ex-brother-in-law is gifting a car to my son (nephew) will I be able to register the car in my name for insurance purposes? I understand I will need to smog it but is there any other paperwork I will need in order to transfer title?
If your son is on the title and registration, he will need to be on the insurance as well. You won’t be able to insure it under your name alone. You’ll need a signed title, ID and proof of insurance to complete title transfer/registration.
HI! I’m am gifting my car which is titled and registered in CA to my friend’s daughter who lives in OR. They will be flying down to Cali and then driving the car back to OR. Do we both need to go to the California DMV to transfer the title and then it’s all done on my end? Anything else I need to do to relieve myself of futher responsibility with the car? Will they keep the same tags on my car for their drive back to OR? Thx so much
If the new owner is registering the vehicle in OR there is no need to go to a CA DMV. The only reason you would need to go to a CA DMV is if the vehicle has no plates and they need a one way moving permit. Otherwise the seller simply turns in a release of liability to CA DMV and the new owners transfer the vehicle in the state desired and follow that states DMV regulations to do so.
My father gifted me a 2011 Jeep wrangler that is currently registered in Texas but I just received the title to the vehicle. What are the next steps that I need to follow in order to get the vehicle registered in California under my name.
Make sure the title has been assigned to you, then go to the local DMV title the vehicle in your name.
I am about to receive a gift as a diesel vehicle that was converted from gas to diesel and registered in AZ. I live in CA and would like to know what are the legal ways of registering it in CA.
Diesel vehicles are required to be smogged unless they qualify for a waiver.
Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs are already exempt from smog. Visit this link for more info: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/checklists/outofstate
Hi there, my brother wants to gift me his van in Montana. Can I drive it back to California where I live and then register it, or do I have to register it in Montana first. Also do I have to smog it in California once I get it there. Its a salvage title.
Thank you.
You would have to get a temporary tag at the DMV in Montana, then drive it back to Cali and go through he registration process there.
My sister & I both live in CA. I read on CA DMV form REG 256 that I would not qualify for tax exemption since REG 256 states it covers sibilings (if both are minors). So hoping I can give her the car as a gift for the tax exemption but I then read under the gift line item (does not include vehicles traded between individuals). What are my options for a tax exempt experience?
You can gift a vehicle to anyone and your sister will be able to claim it as a gift for the tax exemption… using the Reg 256 statement of facts.
My aunt is moving back to korea and leaving me her car. Is it better for her to transfer the title or gift it to me or something else? Which method would avoid me to pay taxes or get hit with taxes later? My concern is shes not immediate family and different last name? This is for california states. Tks!
Anyone can gift a vehicle to another person using a statement of facts. This will ensure you avoid use tax by signing under penalty of perjury.
Another sibling question. There is a tax exemption between siblings when it is a gift. If I buy a truck from my brother then I have to pay taxes on it or is it also exempt?
Siblings are exempt from use tax and smog (unless it is requiring it for the transfer). You will need the Statement of Facts Reg 256 and can get it through the DMV website
so I am waiting on my son to receive the title back in his name and sign the title and send to me
Hi Barb, not sure we fully grasp your question but here is a stab at an answer: Whomever is listed as the owner of the vehicle, has to have the title or obtain a duplicate to sign it over to a new owner. In certain instances, a transfer may be completed without a title if the proper documents are provided. Extremely generalized response but we hope that helps in some way. All the best.
my son gifted me a car from Kansas city Mo, I live in California don’t have to title yet what do I do, can I get temp tags until I receive the title
No, we would need a title in order to make a title transfer. Contact the DMV to see if there are any exceptions in your case.
My dad is gifting me his 2002 ford escort in calif. Aside from change of ownership transfer, do I pay for registration costs too?
Yes, please go to https://www.etags.com/app/ca
Hello,
My brother wants to gift me his vehicle that is registered in CA. I live in Philadelphia. What do we do? and since it’s going to be out of state, would I need to fill out a separate form from Philadelphia, other than getting the vehicle registered, etc.?
Also, once he transfers the title over to me, would this be a dual ownership, or a complete title + ownership transfer? we heard that he may need to submit a separate form so he’s not liable for any of my tickets, penalty, etc.
If you title the vehicle in PA in your name, your brother will not be liable for any tickets/penalties. You will be responsible as owner of vehicle.
I live in NY and own a car. My daughter has been driving it for years. She currently lives in CA and has it registered and insured under her name in CA. We do not want liability for the car and want to gift it to her. Do i transfer the title in NY or in CA? it is already registered and insured in CA.
Hello Susan. All you need to do is sign over the title to her (make sure you fill out the right sections) and let your daughter title the vehicle in California. If she is a resident in the Golden State, she’ll be able to get a CA title through her local DMV agency.
Then, she could also use our online tool to title the vehicle into her name without arranging in-person appointments to the DMV. Our service offers convenience, reliability and expertise owing to our excellent customer support.
For more information about title transfers in CA or our services, feel free to contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-888-633-5332. We are glad to assist you.
I purchased a car for son (who lives out of state) 2017 in CA (2 years ago). Seller signed Title over to me in my name. I then drove car to state where son lives. I’ve just come to realize I NEVER filed Title transfer with CA DMV and car has not been registered for two years. Title has my name on it ,(as buyer). Do I have to first transfer Title in CA(and pay penalties) Or can I sign over Title so son can get Title in his name and register in state he lives in (understanding there will be penalty fees there too).
Hello Christin. From the information you have provided it appears that your son already has the title. You might need to proof valid ownership by presenting documentation that tracks previous change of ownership. But you will definitely need to contact your local DMV agency for further instructions.
How long can I drive a car registered in CT? I’m planning to gosto Joshua tree Park for a weekend before transferring my gifted car. Is that ok? Thank you!!
Hi there! In CT, you are required to title the vehicle in your name once the previous owner signs over the title to you. The previous owner does not want to responsible for anything that may impact the vehicle after the exchange of ownership.
Hi! My brother gave me his car , registered in CT, as gift. I’m moving to California in one week. So what would be better, transferring the car to my name while I’m in CT for another week or bring the car as it’s registered and then transfer to my name ? Note: I have CT . Do I have to transfer my DL before transferring the car??
Hello StelaSilva. Regardless of your location, you are not allowed to drive a vehicle without tags. You may consider getting a temporary tag if you are planning to relocate. But other than that, your vehicle must be registered at all times.
Hi. I was gifted a car from a sibling in AZ that I’ll be driving in CA. What amount should I write in as the gift amount? I want to avoid as much taxes as possible.
Hello Ashley. From the information you have provided you may write a $0 amount to report it as a gift.
My sister will be gifting me her car and she lives in New York State. My husband and I live in California and we plan to drive the car back to California where it will stay. What do we need to do.
Hello Anna. From the information you have provided you may need to request a temporary tag from the DMV in NY and drive it to CA for permanent registration.
Not sure what getting a temporary tag means? The car is registered and Iinsured under my husbands name in NY since my sister is no longer driving the car
Hi Anna. If your husband has the vehicle named and registered in NY, you may have filed residency in NY otherwise you wouldn’t be able to register/title a vehicle in a state where you don’t reside. If you still want to register your car in CA, you will need to drive it to CA and follow a normal title and registration process at your local CA DMV agency.
I left wrong info when asking a question before.My sister Lives in NY..We live in Calif.She will be either gifting her car or transferring title to me.The car is registered and insured under her name. Can we do the title transfer in NY and then register it in Calif when we get home? Thank you in advance for all the info!
Hello Goin, If you are both located in NY, she could sign over the title to you and title the vehicle in NY. To drive the vehicle to CA, you will need at least temporary tags, which you need to request through the DMV. Driving without tags is against the law.
I’m gifting my car that is registered in California to my son who will be starting a new job in Virginia. What do I need to do? The car has been transported to Virginia by his company.
Hello Joan. You’ll need to sign over the title to your son along with a Bill of Sale to give proof of the transaction. Your son will also need his vehicle to pass safe inspection at their local VA DMV. Click on our guide to learn more about title transfers in VA.
Are aunts and uncles gifting a vehicle to a niece or nephew accepted by DMV for transfer of title?
Hello. The DMV usually tags the following persons as family member for gifting transactions: A child, partner, grandchild, grandparent, parent, sibling or spouse.
I am busying a car from out of state. I am located in CA. I am gifting this car to my wife, however the bill of sale and all information is under my name.
Can i transfer the ownership to my wife using a completed Statement of Facts to get fee exemptions for family transfers along with the title and smog certificate?
I do not plan on registering it under my name, even though i paid for it and received bill of sale from out of state. I plan to transfer direct to my wife.
Hello Ron. From the information you have provided you may be required to title the vehicle before signing it over to your wife. You could arrange an in-person visit to your local DMV agency to discuss your case and receive further advice. Good luck!
Can I gift a car to a friend. My best friend’s daughter need a car I have an old one that I want to give to her. I am in California it is a 2000 Honda worth under $3000.00
Hello Christine. In CA, you could sign over the title of your vehicle to your friend’s daughter as a gift. The DMV treats “gifting” as another sale when processing a title transfer. The Bill of Sale need to indicate that you are gifting the vehicle at a 0-value transaction. Contact your local DMV agency for more information about gifting in CA.
Hello, My mom is GIFTING me her car registered in Cali and I’m driving it to Florida. What all do I need to do in order to register the car in Florida under my name.
Hello CaliToHouston. From the information you have provided it appears that you may be able to drive it down to FL as long as you have a valid driver’s license.
In Florida, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with your local DHSMV once you:
– Start working in the state.
– Register your children for a Florida school.
– Establish FL residency through rental, lease, or purchase of an apartment or house.
Prior to registering your vehicle, you’ll also need to:
– Obtain a Florida driver’s license.
– Get a valid FL auto insurance.
– Have a VIN inspection and odometer reading completed.
Them, you should go to your county tax collector’s agency and:
– Present your Florida driver’s license.
– Submit proof of Florida insurance.
– Show the out-of-state title (Seller section completed and signed by your mother).
– Have your VIN and Odometer Reading verified and submit the completed verification.
– Submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.
– Pay all registration and tax fees.
Of course, arranging in-person visits can be a real challenge, especially when you are juggling with different priorities during your day. You are strongly advised to process your registration online. eTags offers you an online portal that could help you register/title your vehicle from the comfort of your home or office.
No longer will you need to be worried about making unnecessary trips to the DMV. You can count on eTags to help you process your title transfer and registration within minutes.
For more information about FL car registrations and titles or our online services, please contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-888-633-5332. We are glad to assist you.
What if I am beyond the 10 days period?
Hello Jessie. Residents who failed to title/register their vehicles after 10 days could face penalties fees.
I am in California and my son is in Kansas City, MO. I want to gift my Cailfornia title car to my son. Can I drive my car to Missouri and process everything in Kansas City local DMV?
Hello Bo He. You can arrange an in-person visit to the DMV with your son in MO if you wish. Though you may consider booking an appointment to save time.
Do I have to do it twice. First gift the car to my son in California; then drive the car to Missouri and change to Missouri title?
You could take care of this procedure in Missouri alone. We strongly advise you to contact the MO DMV for more information about title transfers as each state has their own rules. Good luck!
I want to gift my car to my sister in law who is disabled and needs a vehicle to get to dr appointments. The registration has just been paid and the smog is good for another year. Can this be done using Etags? Please advise.
Hello Christi. If you wish to sign over your CA vehicle to your sister, you could always use our online portal to process your request within minutes. eTags offers a platform that is reliable, fast, and convenient. If you have any other question in regards to title transfers in CA or our online service, please contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-888-633-5332. We are glad to assist you.
Hi, I live in Michigan and I plan to drive my car to CA. My uncle (my dad’s brother) is living in San Diego. I want to gift my car to him. My dad will go with me too. My dad and I are not US citizens but my uncle is. So what should I do? The process of transferring the title seems complicated so I’m confused. Thanks!!!
Hello Qingyi, If you are planning to gift your vehicle to your uncle, you will need to take note of the procedure that involves such procedure with the DMV. You will be required to sign over the title to your uncle and report the transaction to your local DMV. Then your uncle will be required to title the vehicle with the CA DMV.
To transfer ownership of a vehicle as a gift, you will need to provide your uncle with:
– The vehicle title, properly signed by you (the transferor).
– An odometer reading on the car title if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
– A smog certification unless the vehicle is being transferred between family members or the car is 4 model years or fewer and not diesel-powered.
Thank you so much!
We are glad to assist you.
I am In Texas and my mother is in San Diego Ca. I lent her my car as hers is not running. I would like to gift it to her. It has a clear Texas title. What do I need to do/
Hello Daiel. From the information you have provided you will need to submit the following information to the DMV:
– The vehicle title, properly signed by you.
– An odometer reading on the car title if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
– A smog certification unless:
The car is being transferred between family members or the car is 4 model years or fewer and not diesel-powered.
While those are the typical documents you need to submit, there may be other items you may need to keep handy so contact your local DMV agency for further information about title transfer in your her county. Good luck!
Was gifted a car and title was signed and vehicle was transferred over. I was then told on the “release of liability” that they put a monetary value of several thousand dollars. Will the DMV contact me regarding this?
Hello Ellen, if the title transfer and registration was successfully completed, then you shouldn’t have any problem. You should contact your local CA DMV agency for any discrepancy in the transaction. Good luck!
Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, the transfer and registration was successfully completed. I was only told afterwards that they put a monetary value for the vehicle on the “release of liability” which was submitted after I successfully transferred and registered the vehicle. Again, thank you! =)
Hello Ellen. You could always verify with the DMV if there is any issue in regard to the status of the vehicle. Good luck!
Would I have to pay redgistration fees for a car that was given to me but it hasn’t been registered for five yrs an I’m on SSI disabled please tell me
Hello Judy. The CA DMV strictly requires motorists to register their vehicle otherwise you will be subject to expensive fines for not complying with the law. You should contact your DMV agency for more information about vehicle registrations in CA.
What if the gifted vehicle comes from another state, specifically, New York or Massachusetts?
Hello Ellen. You will need to title the vehicle with your local CA DMV agency by providing proof of the transaction including a Bill of Sale. Note that your vehicle is subject to the regulations established by the CA DMV.
I’m going to gifting my son a car who lives in CA and I live in WA and the county I live in DEQ exempt (non DEQ) , what form or forms do I or he need to get the vehicle taged and registered when he gets home ??
etags doesn’t operate in WA, so we’re not too familiar with WA state transfer requirements. The state of CA requires a WA title signed by the seller.
Hi , for the gifting of a car from New York to my son Living in calif , would I as existing owner need to first register the car in California and then transfer it once the car is there .
You can sign over your title at any time and the new owner will complete the non resident title transfer process. Please see dmv link for instructions. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-determine-residency-when-fees-are-due-on-out-of-state-vehicles-htvr-33/