Transfer of ownership between the seller and the buyer must be started with DMV within 10 days of the sale of the vehicle or boat. You just fill out the title with their info and then make a copy or photo of it complete for your records.After your sale is complete, fill out the title transfer with the buyer and remove your license plate, then fill out the online NRL right away. The first step of how to sell a car in California is for the seller to complete a Release of Liability and Notice of Transfer form. June 2022 Forms Release.