What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in California

California requires you to transfer the title within 10 days of buying a vehicle. You do this by submitting Form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The DMV processes most transfers in two to three weeks, though timing depends on how complete your paperwork is and current processing volume at your local office.

You can submit your transfer process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized vehicle registration service. The fastest route is usually in person, because staff can spot missing documents when ready rather than having your process returned by mail weeks later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file Form REG 135 within 10 days of purchase, or you risk a penalty and your registration may be suspended.
  • The seller must sign the title in the designated area, and you must have a bill of sale showing the purchase price and date of sale.
  • California charges a title transfer fee (currently $15) plus registration fees based on the vehicle's value and type.
  • If the title has a lien on it, the lender must release it in writing before the transfer can be completed.
  • Out-of-state titles must be submitted with an odometer reading statement and proof that smog certification requirements have been met.

Documents the DMV Requires for a Title Transfer

Start with the original title signed by the seller in the designated signature area. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must obtain a duplicate from their state's DMV before you can transfer it. California will not accept a photocopy or a bill of sale alone as proof of ownership.

You also need a bill of sale showing the purchase price, the date of sale, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and signatures from both buyer and seller. California does not have a single required bill of sale form — you can use Form REG 135-A (Vehicle Registration process) or a private bill of sale as long as it contains those details. Some dealerships provide their own bill of sale; private sellers often do not, so you may need to create one yourself or use a template.

If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or finance company holds a security interest), the lienholder must sign a release of lien or provide written authorization for the transfer. The lender typically does this when the loan is paid off. If the lien is not released, the DMV will not issue a title in your name.

For out-of-state titles, you must also submit proof of a smog inspection (unless the vehicle is exempt) and an odometer statement confirming the mileage at the time of sale.

Fees and Payment for California Title Transfers

The title transfer fee in California is currently $15. You will also pay registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's value, age, and type. The DMV calculates registration fees using a formula tied to the vehicle's market value — the higher the value, the higher the fee. For a typical used car, registration fees range from $150 to $300, though luxury or high-value vehicles cost more.

If you are transferring a vehicle with an out-of-state title, you may also owe a smog certification fee if the vehicle requires a smog inspection. You can pay all fees by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your process in person or by mail. If you use an authorized registration service, they will collect fees on your behalf.

How to Submit Your Transfer process

The most direct route is to visit a DMV office in person with your completed Form REG 135, the original title, bill of sale, and payment. Bring your driver's license or ID for verification. Staff will review your documents on the spot, process your process, and give you a receipt. You will receive your new title and registration by mail within two to three weeks.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process to the DMV address listed on the form. Include all required documents, a check or money order for fees, and a copy of your ID. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks — because the DMV must verify documents and may contact you if anything is unclear or missing.

An authorized vehicle registration service (sometimes called a DMV service or registration service) can submit your process on your behalf. These are private businesses licensed by California to handle DMV transactions. They charge a service fee (usually $50 to $100 on top of DMV fees) but can be faster if you do not have time to visit an office yourself. You can find authorized services by searching online or asking at a local auto dealer.

What Happens If the Title Has a Lien

If you are buying a financed vehicle, the seller's lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. You cannot transfer the title to yourself until the lien is released. The seller must pay off the loan first, and the lender will then provide a lien release letter or sign the title to authorize the transfer.

If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale, ask them to handle this before closing. Some dealerships or title companies will hold the sale proceeds in escrow and pay off the lien on the seller's behalf, then release the title to you. If you are buying from a private seller, confirm in writing that the lien will be released before you hand over payment.

If the seller does not release the lien, you will not be able to register the vehicle in your name, and you will have no legal ownership. Never buy a vehicle with an outstanding lien unless the seller provides proof in writing that it will be released when ready after the sale.

Out-of-State Title Transfers and Smog Requirements

If you are transferring a title from another state, California requires you to submit the original out-of-state title along with an odometer statement signed by both buyer and seller confirming the mileage at the time of sale. You must also show proof that the vehicle meets California's smog standards.

Most vehicles require a smog inspection before the title can be transferred. The inspection must be performed by a California-licensed smog technician and costs between $30 and $50. Some vehicles are exempt — including those less than four years old, electric vehicles, and certain other categories. The smog technician will provide a certificate if the vehicle passes; you submit this with your transfer process.

If the vehicle fails the smog test, you have 30 days to repair it and retest. You cannot transfer the title until it passes. This is a common delay for older vehicles or those moving from states with less stringent emissions standards.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

Once the DMV receives your complete process, processing typically takes two to three weeks if you submitted in person, or four to six weeks if you mailed it. During this time, the DMV verifies the title, checks for liens, and confirms that all fees have been paid. You will receive your new title and registration certificate by mail.

If your process is missing information or documents, the DMV will send you a notice requesting what is needed. You then have 30 days to respond. If you do not respond, your process will be denied and you will need to resubmit. This is why submitting in person is often faster — you can fix problems when ready.

Once your new title arrives, keep it in a safe place. You will need it if you sell the vehicle later or if you need to prove ownership for insurance or loan purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the seller will not sign the title?

The seller must sign the title for the transfer to be valid. If they refuse, you do not have legal ownership and should not complete the purchase. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, contact a lawyer — this is a civil matter that may require court action to recover your money or force the transfer.

Can I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred?

You can drive it temporarily with a bill of sale and proof of insurance, but you cannot register it in your name until the title transfer is complete. If you are stopped by police, you must show the bill of sale as proof of ownership. Do not delay submitting your transfer process.

What if I bought the vehicle from a dealership and they said they would handle the title transfer?

Dealerships often submit title transfers on behalf of buyers, but you are still responsible if it is not done correctly or on time. Ask the dealership for a receipt showing they submitted your process and get the DMV case number. Follow up after two weeks to confirm it is being processed. If the dealership fails to transfer the title, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Do I need to transfer the title if I am just adding someone to my registration?

No. Adding a name to your registration is different from transferring the title. You can add a co-owner by submitting Form REG 135 and paying a small fee, but the title remains in the original owner's name unless you are changing ownership entirely.

What if the title is in both the seller's and another person's name?

Both people listed on the title must sign it for the transfer to be valid. If one person refuses or cannot be located, the transfer cannot proceed. If the other person is deceased, the seller must obtain a court order or probate documents authorizing the transfer before you can complete the purchase.