What you need to do to transfer a California car title
To transfer a car title in California, you submit form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service on the same day.
The specific documents and fees depend on whether you're buying a car from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting one. If you're selling your car, you'll handle the title transfer differently than if you're buying. Understanding which documents you need and in what order prevents delays and protects you legally during the handoff.
Key Takeaways
- California requires form REG 135, a bill of sale, and proof of ownership to transfer a title; you cannot legally drive a car you own until the title is in your name.
- Private sales require a signed bill of sale from the seller, while dealership purchases usually include the paperwork as part of the sale.
- The DMV charges a title transfer fee (amount varies) plus registration fees; you pay sales tax on the purchase price at the time of transfer.
- Submitting by mail takes two to three weeks; visiting a DMV office in person can complete the transfer the same day if all documents are correct.
- If the seller does not sign the title or bill of sale, the transfer cannot be completed and you have no legal ownership claim to the vehicle.
Documents the DMV requires for a title transfer
Form REG 135 is the official California process for title or registration. You can read it from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. The form asks for your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the current owner's name, and the sale price. Both the buyer and seller must sign the form in front of a notary public or a DMV employee.
You also need the original title signed by the current owner. If the title is lost, the current owner must request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale can proceed. A bill of sale (form REG 135A or a private written agreement) documents the sale price and date. In California, the bill of sale does not have to be notarized, but both parties should sign and keep a copy for their records.
Bring proof of your identity (driver's license or passport) and proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name appears on the title, and the lender must sign off on the transfer. If you are financing the purchase, your lender will handle the lien paperwork after the title transfer is complete.
Buying from a private seller versus a dealership
Private sales require you to obtain the signed title and bill of sale directly from the seller before you visit the DMV. Meet the seller in a public place, inspect the vehicle, and confirm the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the car itself. The seller signs the back of the title and provides you with the original document. You then take the signed title, bill of sale, and form REG 135 to the DMV within 10 days of purchase.
Dealerships handle most of the paperwork for you. When you buy from a dealer, they prepare the title transfer documents, collect your signature, and often submit the paperwork to the DMV on your behalf. You still pay the transfer fee and sales tax, but the dealer coordinates the process. Ask the dealer whether they will submit the paperwork or whether you need to do it yourself; this varies by dealership.
Private sales carry more risk because you are responsible for verifying the seller's ownership and ensuring all documents are signed correctly. If the seller does not sign the title or disappears after the sale, you own the car but cannot legally register it. Dealerships are licensed and accountable, so disputes are easier to resolve, but you pay a higher price for the vehicle.
Fees and sales tax for a California title transfer
The DMV charges a title transfer fee, which varies depending on the vehicle type and whether you are transferring an out-of-state title or a California title. As of recent years, the fee for a standard passenger vehicle title transfer ranges from around $15 to $50, but you should confirm the current amount on the DMV website or by calling your local office, as fees change periodically.
You also pay registration fees based on the vehicle's value and weight. California charges an initial registration fee plus an annual vehicle license fee calculated on the vehicle's market value. The DMV uses a depreciation schedule to determine the value, so a newer car costs more to register than an older one. These fees are separate from the title transfer fee.
Sales tax is due on the purchase price at the time of transfer. California's statewide sales tax is 7.25 percent, but local taxes may add to that total, so the rate varies by county. If you buy a car for $10,000, you pay sales tax on that amount in addition to the title and registration fees. If you are transferring a title between family members or inheriting a vehicle, different rules may explore; check with the DMV about exemptions.
How to submit your title transfer to the DMV
You have two main options: submit by mail or visit a DMV office in person. To submit by mail, gather all required documents, make copies for your records, and send the originals to the DMV office that serves your county. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee and registration fees. The DMV processes mail submissions in the order received, and you should receive your new title in two to three weeks.
Visiting a DMV office in person is faster. Bring all original documents, your payment method (check, money order, or debit/credit card, depending on the office), and arrive early because wait times vary. A DMV employee will review your documents, collect your signature if needed, process the payment, and issue a temporary registration receipt on the spot. Your permanent title arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Before you submit, double-check that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle and on form REG 135. Verify that both the buyer and seller have signed all required documents. If any signature is missing or the documents do not match, the DMV will reject the process and return it to you, delaying the transfer by weeks. Keep copies of everything you submit.
What happens if the seller does not cooperate
If the seller refuses to sign the title or bill of sale, you cannot complete the transfer. You have no legal recourse through the DMV because the title transfer requires the current owner's signature. If you have already paid for the car, you may need to pursue a civil claim against the seller or contact law enforcement if you believe fraud occurred.
If the seller has signed the title but you discover a lien on the vehicle that was not disclosed, the lienholder must be paid off before the title can be transferred to you. The seller is responsible for paying off their own loan, but if they do not, the lien remains on the title and blocks your transfer. In this situation, you may be able to contact the lienholder directly and arrange payment, or you may need legal information.
To protect yourself in a private sale, always inspect the title before you hand over money. Confirm the seller's identity matches the name on the title. Ask the seller directly whether there are any liens or outstanding loans against the vehicle. If anything seems unclear, walk away from the deal.
Transferring an out-of-state title to California
If you move to California with a car titled in another state, you must transfer the title to California within 20 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state title, form REG 135, proof of California residency, and proof of identity to a DMV office. The DMV will issue a California title in your name.
Some states require a smog check before you can register a vehicle in California. Check the DMV website to see whether your vehicle's model year and the state it came from trigger this requirement. If a smog check is required, you must pass it before the DMV will issue your California registration.
If your out-of-state title is lost or damaged, contact the DMV office in the state where the vehicle is titled and request a duplicate. You cannot transfer the title without the original or a certified duplicate. This process can take several weeks, so start early if you are planning a move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?
No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle you do not own. The current owner must remain the registered owner until the DMV processes the transfer. If you are buying from a private seller, ask them to stay with you while you drive to the DMV, or arrange for the seller to follow you in another car. Once the DMV issues your temporary registration receipt, you can drive the vehicle.
What if I lose the bill of sale after the sale?
If you lose the bill of sale before submitting to the DMV, contact the seller and ask them to sign another copy. You can create a new bill of sale document with the same sale price and date. The DMV does not require a specific form; a handwritten bill of sale signed by both parties is acceptable. Keep the new copy with your other documents.
How long does the title transfer take if I go to the DMV in person?
If all your documents are correct and complete, the DMV can process your transfer the same day you visit. You receive a temporary registration receipt when ready, which allows you to drive the vehicle legally. Your permanent title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If any documents are missing or incorrect, the DMV will tell you what you need to fix before they can process the transfer.
Do I have to pay sales tax if I buy a car from a family member?
Sales tax rules for family transfers vary. In some cases, transfers between spouses or parents and children may be exempt. Contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website for the current rules on family transfers, as these can change. Bring documentation of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) if you believe an exemption applies.
What if the title has two owners listed?
If the title lists two owners, both must sign the title and form REG 135 for the transfer to be valid. If the owners are married and the title is held as community property, only one signature may be required; check the title document itself for instructions. If the owners are not married and both names are listed, both must be present to sign, or one owner must provide a notarized power of attorney allowing the other to sign on their behalf.