What you need to do to transfer a California vehicle title

To transfer a vehicle title in California, you submit form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the DMV along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service. The person receiving the vehicle must be listed as the new owner on the title before they can legally register it in their name.

California requires the title transfer to happen separately from registration, though many people handle both at the same time. The title proves ownership; the registration allows you to drive the vehicle on public roads. You cannot skip the title transfer even if the new owner plans to register the vehicle when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 135 is the official California DMV form for transferring ownership, and both the current owner and new owner must sign it.
  • You must provide the original title document, a bill of sale, and proof of the new owner's identity and California residency.
  • The DMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value; check the current fee on the DMV website before submitting.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks by mail or same-day in person at a DMV office, though wait times at offices vary by location.
  • If the title has a lien (the vehicle is financed), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a separate authorization document.

Documents the DMV requires for a title transfer

Start with the original California title document. If you do not have it, you can request a duplicate from the DMV using form REG 227 before you transfer ownership. The new owner will need a bill of sale signed by both parties; California does not have a required form for this, but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.

The new owner must also provide proof of identity (a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If the vehicle is financed and has a lien on the title, the lienholder's name appears on the document. The lienholder must either sign the title in the designated box or provide a separate authorization letter releasing the lien so the title can transfer.

If you are transferring the title to a business, a trust, or another entity rather than an individual, bring the business license, trust document, or organizational paperwork along with the standard documents. The DMV website lists the specific documents for each entity type.

How to submit the title transfer to the DMV

You have two main routes: mail or in-person at a DMV office. For mail, complete form REG 135 with the vehicle information and have both the current owner and new owner sign it. Include the original title, the bill of sale, proof of identity and residency for the new owner, and a check or money order for the transfer fee. Mail the packet to the address listed on the DMV website for your county.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. You can track the status online using the vehicle's VIN and license plate number once the DMV has processed your submission. The new title will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.

For in-person service, visit a DMV office with all the same documents and the completed form. Bring the original title, not a copy. Same-day processing is possible at most offices, though you may wait several hours depending on how busy the location is. Call ahead or check the DMV website to see current wait times at your nearest office.

Title transfer fees and what affects the cost

The California DMV charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. As of 2024, the fee ranges from about $15 to $70 depending on the vehicle's assessed value. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the DMV's fee schedule, which is updated annually. The fee is non-refundable once submitted.

Some transfers cost more if additional services are needed. If you are transferring a title with a lien that requires the lienholder to sign, there are no extra fees, but the process takes longer because the lienholder must be contacted. If you need a duplicate title before transferring, that is a separate $4 fee. If you are transferring a vehicle that was previously registered out of state, you may owe a vehicle registration fee in addition to the title transfer fee.

What happens if the title has a lien or is held by a lender

If you financed the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. You cannot transfer the title to a new owner until the lien is removed. The lienholder must either sign the title in the lienholder section or provide a separate document authorizing the transfer. Some lenders will only release the lien once the loan is paid off; others will authorize a transfer to a new owner who is taking over the loan.

If the new owner is assuming the loan, contact the lender to confirm they will allow the transfer and what documents they need. The lender may require the new owner to be approved for the loan before releasing their signature. If the loan is being paid off at the time of sale, the lender will typically provide a lien release letter that you include with the DMV paperwork. Do not submit the title transfer until you have the lender's authorization in writing.

Common mistakes that delay or reject title transfers

The most frequent error is submitting the form without both the current owner and new owner signatures. California requires both signatures on form REG 135; a signature from only one party will be rejected. The second common mistake is providing a photocopy of the original title instead of the original document itself. The DMV will not accept a copy, even if it is notarized.

Incomplete or illegible bill of sale information also causes delays. Make sure the VIN matches the title exactly, the sale price is stated, and both parties sign and date the document. If the new owner's proof of residency is older than 60 days, the DMV will reject it. Finally, if you mail the transfer and do not include the correct fee, the packet will be returned unpaid. Double-check the current fee on the DMV website before mailing.

Timeline for receiving your new title after transfer

By mail, expect the new title to arrive four to six weeks after you submit the packet. The DMV takes two to three weeks to process, then mails the title to the address you provided. During that time, the vehicle is in a transfer status and cannot be registered or driven on public roads by the new owner. If the new owner needs to drive the vehicle before the title arrives, they can request a temporary registration document from the DMV.

In-person processing is faster. If you submit everything at a DMV office and it is complete, you can receive a temporary registration document the same day and the permanent title within two to three weeks. Some offices offer a service where you can pick up the title in person once it is ready, rather than waiting for it to be mailed. Call your local DMV office to ask if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the current owner is deceased?

No, the deceased owner cannot sign the form. You will need to go through probate court or use a simplified succession process if the estate is small. Once the court issues an order transferring the vehicle, you can submit that court order to the DMV instead of the owner's signature. Contact the probate court in the county where the person died for the correct procedure.

What if I lost the original title and cannot find it?

Request a duplicate title from the DMV using form REG 227 before you transfer ownership. The duplicate costs about $4 and takes two to three weeks by mail. Once you have the duplicate, use it to complete the transfer with form REG 135. You cannot transfer a vehicle without a title document.

Do I need to transfer the title before the new owner registers the vehicle?

Yes. The DMV will not issue a registration in the new owner's name without proof that the title has been transferred to them. You must complete the title transfer first, then use the new title to register the vehicle. Some people submit both the title transfer and registration at the same time for convenience.

Can I transfer a title online through the California DMV?

No, California does not offer online title transfers. You must submit the paperwork by mail or in person at a DMV office. Some third-party services offer to handle the paperwork for you, but they charge a fee on top of the DMV's transfer fee.

What if the new owner lives outside California?

You can still transfer the title to them in California. They will need to provide proof of their out-of-state residency instead of California residency. However, they will need to register the vehicle in their home state within a certain timeframe (usually 10 to 30 days, depending on the state). Check with their state's DMV for registration requirements after the California title transfer is complete.