whats the process of buying a used car in california?

[unsped]

i looked on the dmv website but couldnt really find what i was looking for.

lets say there is a private party selling a car i want to buy. what is the process? when do i pay the tax/fees? and how long do i have from buying the car to when i need to go down to the dmv and finish the transferring process.

last car i bought, i think the guy signed the car title over. then few days later i went to the dmv and registered it and paid for the fees/tax then.

 

[Dunbar]

I found it pretty easily on their website. You have 10 days to take the endorsed title down to the DMV. If the car is more than four model years old the seller must smog it within 90 days of the sale.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr_info.htm#BM2522

 

[shortylickens]

As a matter of fact I just did this not too long ago.

You pay taxes when you register it.
If you cant prove the car war registered the previous year, you have to pay registration fees back to the year you can prove it was last registered (at CA rate). So dont take forever getting over to the DMV.
When they are done checking the VIN out and prove you're not a felon, they send you your plates and stickers. Plates go on the front AND rear of your car. Stickers go on the REAR plate only.