California allows direct plate transfers between owners. Follow these steps to complete the transfer through the DMV.

1. Payment is held securely in escrow by Trade-A-Plate until the transfer is complete.
2. The seller submits a vanity plate transfer application at their local DMV office, naming the buyer as the new plate holder.
3. The buyer must complete their portion of the transfer paperwork at the DMV, including providing valid ID and vehicle registration for the receiving vehicle.
4. Both parties pay any applicable DMV transfer fees (varies by state).
5. Once the DMV processes the transfer, the buyer mounts the plate on their registered vehicle.
6. Both buyer and seller confirm the completed transfer on Trade-A-Plate.
7. After both confirmations, escrowed funds are released to the seller (minus the platform fee).

DMV processing times vary. If any issues arise during the transfer, either party may open a dispute and Trade-A-Plate will mediate.