§ 6051 Vehicle Transfer Requirements

Vehicle Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•If you fill out the car transfer papers correctly, the DMV can't stop the transfer just because they feel like it.
•The DMV can only stop the transfer if the police or a court tells them to within the last 2 years.
•If the papers look real and everything seems fine, the DMV has to go ahead with the transfer.

Example

You sell your car to your friend and fill out all the DMV papers correctly.

The DMV has to let your friend get the car in their name unless the police or a court recently told them not to.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 6051 Vehicle Transfer Requirements

If the application for a transfer is made in the manner provided in this code the department shall not be required to withhold the transfer of any right, title, or interest in or to a vehicle if the application on its face appears to be genuine and regular and the department has received neither a request from any law enforcement agency that action on the application be deferred nor an order of a court of the United States or of the State of California restraining the transfer within two years prior thereto. (Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

transfer application department law enforcement agency court order

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 6051.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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