How to gift a car in California
For people in California giving a car to someone, or getting one as a gift, with no money paid.
To gift a car in California, both of you sign the title and the giver writes GIFT as the price. The new owner fills out a Statement of Facts (REG 256), which waives the use tax. The giver tells DMV within five days, and the new owner submits the papers within 10 days.
Which form do I need to gift a car in California?
REG 256Statement of Factsdmv.ca.gov checked
What California asks for
- The giver and the person getting the car both sign the California title.
- Where to file: A DMV office, or by mail to DMV in Sacramento
- Within 10 days
How do I sign a car title over as a gift in California?
Step 1
Sign the title and write GIFT as the price.
Both of you sign the California title. The giver writes GIFT in the purchase price field. Record the mileage for a car less than ten years old.
Step 2
The new owner fills out a Statement of Facts.
REG 256 declares the car is a gift. That is what waives the use tax.
REG 256 · Statement of FactsStep 3
The giver tells DMV within 5 days.
File a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability online or by mail.
Step 4
The new owner submits the papers within 10 days.
The signed title, REG 256, the transfer fee, and a smog certificate unless the gift is between immediate family or a smog check is due. A car with an unpaid loan can't be given until the lien is released.
Common questions
Is there use tax on a gifted car in California?
No, for a true gift with nothing paid in return.
cdtfa.ca.gov checked
What form do I need to gift a car in California?
The Statement of Facts (REG 256), filled out by the new owner, plus the signed title.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Does a gifted car need a smog check?
Not if the gift is between immediate family, unless a smog check is due.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official California sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.