I need to sell a car in california.  I've never sold one before.  It's
still registered in Illinois, has Illinois liscence plates, and the
title has only recently been transfered to me.  What do I need to do
in order to sell it?  Do I have to have it registered in CA first? 
When I sell it, do we need to go to a Notary to sign the title over? 
Is there anything else I need to know or do?

Hello kwaaker,

Thanks for your question.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses this question
for the buyer here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/osreg.htm#BM2561

"How do I register a vehicle I purchased with out-of-state plates?

Within 20 days of your purchase, you must apply for California
registration and pay all registration and license fees.

You will need to:

Complete an Application for Registration form Reg 343/31 

Submit the out-of-state title endorsed with the seller's signature 

Provide an odometer mileage certification signed by both the seller
and the buyer

Provide evidence of the smog certification 

Bring your vehicle to a DMV office for verification of the vehicle's
identification number (For your convenience, we recommend that you
schedule an appointment by calling your local DMV)

Pay the registration, license, and used tax fees "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This page:

http://165.235.17.9/StdPage.asp?Body=/Geninfo/publications/Out_of_State_Car_(Stop_Before_You_Buy).htm

Provides more information on buying an out of state vehicle.

"STOP! before you buy an out-of-state car...

Make sure you can drive it in California!

Courtesy of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 
 
Vehicle Smog Requirements For California Residents:  If you are a
resident of California and buy or acquire a new car, truck, or
motorcycle in another state, it must be "California Certified" to meet
California emission laws, unless it meets one of the exceptions listed
below.  "

Do read this page.

And here:

http://165.235.17.9/StdPage.asp?Body=/smogcheck/doineed.htm

Is the discussion on Smog Check Regulations:

"Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check
performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially
registered in California. These areas are referred to as the state's
Basic and Enhanced Areas. However, Change of Ownership Areas only
require a Smog Check when the vehicle is being sold or initially
registered in California. You can determine the Smog Check area you
are in by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of
Automotive Repair toll-free at 1-800-952-5210 or by checking the ZIP
Code Locator this website."

So this will be a requirement of the sale as well, as noted above, and
is usually paid for by the seller.

You will not have to register the car in California first if you
intend to sell immediately. If you decide to use the car here first,
you may have to register and those requirements can also be found on
the CA DMV pages. Notarizing is not a requirment of sale.

I trust this answers your question. Do ask for clarification if
needed.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

thanks, saved me a bunch of time.  :-)