What you need to do to transfer a car title in California

To transfer ownership of a vehicle in California, you and the buyer must complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (form REG 138), sign the title document itself, and submit both to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the registration fee. The seller files their copy of the release form with the DMV within five days of the sale to protect themselves from liability for anything the new owner does with the car after the handoff. The buyer then registers the vehicle in their name, which creates a new title in their name at the DMV.

California does not require a notary for the title signature, but both the seller and buyer must sign in front of a DMV employee or an authorized agent (such as a AAA office or a private DMV service). You cannot mail in a title transfer with just signatures—at least one party must appear in person or use a power of attorney if they cannot attend.

Key Takeaways

  • The seller must file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) with the DMV within five days of the sale to stop being responsible for the vehicle.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the title in front of a DMV employee or authorized agent; signatures alone on paper are not valid.
  • The buyer pays the registration and transfer fees when they register the vehicle in their name, which typically takes two to three weeks.
  • If the seller does not file the release form, they remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and accidents involving the vehicle until the buyer registers it.
  • Private sales, dealer sales, and transfers between family members follow the same title-signing process but may have different fee structures.

The seller's responsibility: filing the release of liability form

As the seller, your main job is to file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) with the DMV. This form tells the state that you no longer own the vehicle and removes your name from the registration. You must file it within five days of the sale—waiting longer leaves you at risk for parking tickets, toll violations, and even criminal liability if the new owner uses the car in a crime.

You can file the release form in three ways: in person at a DMV office, by mail to your local DMV, or online through the California DMV website if you have the buyer's new registration number (which you will not have until after they register). Most sellers file by mail or in person when ready after the sale. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you filed it.

If you sell the car to a dealer, the dealer files the release form on your behalf, so you do not need to do it yourself. For private sales, you are responsible.

The buyer's process: registering the vehicle in your name

After you and the seller sign the title in front of a DMV employee or authorized agent, you take the signed title to the DMV to register the vehicle. Bring the signed title, proof of California insurance, a completed process for Title or Registration (form REG 343), and payment for the registration and transfer fees. The DMV will issue you a new registration card and, within two to three weeks, mail you a new title in your name.

You can register at any DMV office, at an authorized agent (AAA, some insurance offices, or private DMV services), or online if you meet certain conditions—for example, if you are transferring from a family member or if the vehicle is less than four years old and has no liens. Check the California DMV website to see if your situation qualifies for online registration.

The registration fee depends on the vehicle's value and weight. California uses a formula based on the car's market value, so the fee varies. You will also pay a transfer fee, which is a flat amount set by the state. Ask the DMV or the authorized agent for the exact total before you pay.

Where to sign the title and who must be present

The title document has a section labeled "Seller's Signature" and "Buyer's Signature." Both of you must sign in the same place at the same time, in front of a DMV employee or an authorized agent. You cannot sign separately and mail the title back and forth. The DMV employee or agent will verify your identification and watch you sign to confirm the signature is genuine.

If one party cannot attend in person, that person can sign a power of attorney form (form REG 142) authorizing someone else to sign on their behalf. The authorized person must still appear in front of the DMV employee with the power of attorney document and the title.

Authorized agents include AAA offices (if you are a member), some insurance companies, and private DMV service centers. These agents charge a fee on top of the state registration fee, but they often have shorter wait times than DMV offices. Call ahead to confirm they handle title transfers and to ask about their fees.

Fees and documents you will need

The seller typically does not pay a fee to file the release of liability form, but the buyer pays for registration and transfer. The registration fee is based on the vehicle's value; the transfer fee is a fixed amount. Both vary depending on the vehicle type and current state rates, so contact your local DMV office or check the California DMV website for the exact amount.

Bring these documents to the DMV or authorized agent:

  • The original title, signed by both seller and buyer
  • Proof of California insurance (the buyer's insurance card or declaration page)
  • A completed process for Title or Registration (form REG 343)
  • A valid photo ID for both the seller and buyer
  • Proof of residency if you are registering for the first time in California (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
  • Payment for the registration and transfer fees

If the vehicle has a lien (the buyer is financing it), the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, or the new owner cannot register it. This usually happens at the time of sale if the buyer is financing through a dealer or bank.

What happens if the seller does not file the release form

If you sell a car and do not file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, you remain the registered owner in the DMV's records until the buyer registers it in their name. During that gap—which can be weeks—you are liable for anything that happens with the vehicle. If the new owner gets a parking ticket, you receive the notice. If they cause an accident, you could be sued. If they commit a crime with the car, law enforcement may contact you first.

Filing the release form within five days protects you by creating an official record that you no longer own the vehicle. The DMV uses this record to update its files and to defend you if liability questions arise later. Even if the buyer never registers the car, your release form proves you took the required step to transfer ownership.

Transferring ownership between family members

If you are transferring a vehicle to a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, the process is the same—you still sign the title in front of a DMV employee and file the release form. However, California offers a reduced registration fee for transfers between family members. The buyer pays a transfer fee but not the full registration fee based on the vehicle's value.

To may have access to for the family transfer discount, you must be transferring to or from a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling. Bring proof of the relationship (a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers) along with the other required documents. The DMV will calculate the lower fee at the time of registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer the title if the car has a loan on it?

Yes, but the lender must agree and sign off on the title. If you are buying a car with a loan, the lender typically handles this at the time of purchase. If you are selling a car with an outstanding loan, contact your lender first to arrange the payoff and title release. The lender will not release the title until the loan is paid in full.

What if I lost the title document?

You can request a duplicate title from the DMV by completing form REG 227 and paying a fee. You can do this in person, by mail, or online through the California DMV website. The duplicate arrives within two to three weeks. You cannot transfer ownership without a title, so get the duplicate before you meet the buyer to sign.

How long does it take to get the new title after I register?

The DMV mails the new title to your address within two to three weeks of registration. Your registration card arrives sooner, usually within one to two weeks. You can drive the car legally with your registration card while you wait for the title to arrive.

Do I need to notify my insurance company before I transfer the title?

Yes. As the seller, notify your insurance company that you have sold the vehicle so they can cancel or adjust your policy. As the buyer, you must have insurance in place before you register the car—the DMV requires proof of insurance at registration. Contact your insurance company before you go to the DMV.

What if the buyer and I cannot agree on the sale price for registration purposes?

The DMV does not ask you to report the sale price. The registration fee is based on the vehicle's market value, which the DMV determines using its own valuation system. You and the buyer can agree on any price privately, but it does not affect the registration fee the buyer pays.