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 process differs depending on whether you're buying a car, inheriting one, receiving it as a gift, or transferring ownership between spouses. California requires the title to be transferred within 10 days of the sale or change of ownership, though the DMV processes applications over several weeks.

The person selling the car (or the current owner) must sign the back of the title in the designated spaces. The buyer then submits the signed title along with the other required documents. You can submit your process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or auto club.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires form REG 135, the signed title, a bill of sale, and proof of California residency to transfer ownership.
  • The seller must sign the title in the correct spaces on the back; signing in the wrong place delays the transfer.
  • You have 10 days from the sale date to submit your transfer process, though processing takes several weeks after that.
  • If the title is lost, damaged, or held by a lienholder, you follow a different process that involves requesting a duplicate or lien release first.
  • Transfers between spouses, gifts, and inherited vehicles each require different supporting documents beyond the basic title and bill of sale.

Documents you need for a standard title transfer

Start with the original title signed by the seller. The seller must sign in the "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)" section on the back of the title — not on the front, and not in any other blank space. If there are two registered owners, both must sign unless the title shows "or" between the names (in which case only one needs to sign). If it shows "and," both signatures are required.

You also need a bill of sale. California does not require a specific form, but the document must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. You can write this yourself or use the DMV's optional form REG 135A. The bill of sale protects both parties and serves as proof of the transaction date.

Bring proof of California residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your current address. If you're buying from a dealer, they handle much of this paperwork, but if you're buying from a private seller, you are responsible for gathering and submitting these documents.

Where to submit your transfer process

You can submit your process at any DMV office in California. Bring the signed title, completed form REG 135, your bill of sale, proof of residency, and payment. The fee for a title transfer is $15 as of the most recent update, though fees can change. You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

You can also mail your process to the DMV address listed on the form REG 135 instructions. Include all required documents, a check or money order for the fee, and keep a copy for your records. Mail processing typically takes longer than in-person submission — usually 4 to 6 weeks instead of 2 to 3 weeks.

Some dealerships and auto clubs are authorized to submit title transfers on your behalf. This is useful if you cannot visit a DMV office, though you will pay a service fee in addition to the DMV fee.

What happens if the seller won't sign the title

If the seller refuses to sign the title, you cannot legally transfer ownership. The signed title is the core document that proves the seller is releasing their ownership claim. Without it, the DMV will reject your process.

If you have already paid for the vehicle and the seller is refusing to sign, you have a civil dispute that may require small claims court or a lawyer. Document everything — your payment, the agreed sale price, any written communication — and consider reporting the situation to local law enforcement if you believe fraud occurred. The DMV cannot force a seller to sign or override a missing signature.

Title transfers for gifts, inheritance, and spousal transfers

If you receive a car as a gift, you still need the signed title and form REG 135, but the bill of sale shows a sale price of $0. You must still provide proof of the gift — a written statement from the giver explaining the transfer, or a completed form REG 135A with "gift" noted as the transaction type. California charges a $15 transfer fee regardless of whether money changed hands.

Inherited vehicles require a different process. You need the signed title (if available), form REG 135, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir — usually a will, trust document, or court order. If the estate is small enough to may have access to for California's simplified succession process, you may need additional court paperwork. Contact the DMV or a probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Transfers between spouses use the same basic documents but may may have access to for a reduced or waived fee in some cases. Bring the signed title, form REG 135, and proof that you are married — a marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate. Check with your local DMV office about current fee policies for spousal transfers.

What to do if the title is lost, damaged, or held by a lender

If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the DMV before you can transfer ownership. The seller submits form REG 227 (process for Duplicate or Triplicate Title) along with proof of ownership and payment. This process takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once the duplicate arrives, the seller signs it and sends it to you for submission.

If the car has a loan or lien against it, the lender holds the title. The seller must contact their lender and request a lien release or a title with the lien removed. Some lenders release the lien automatically once the loan is paid off; others require a written request. The seller receives the released title and then signs it for you. This step is critical — you cannot register a car with an active lien in your name.

If the seller cannot locate the title and the lender is no longer in business or cannot be reached, you may need to work with the DMV directly. Bring documentation of your purchase and any attempts to locate the title or lender. The DMV can issue a new title in some cases, though this process is slower and may require additional proof.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

The DMV processes title transfers over several weeks. If you submit in person, you typically receive a temporary registration document on the spot that allows you to drive the car while the permanent title is being processed. The permanent title arrives by mail 2 to 4 weeks later.

If you submit by mail, the entire process takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will not receive a temporary registration, so do not drive the car until the new title arrives. Some people choose to submit in person specifically to get the temporary registration when ready.

If your process is incomplete or the DMV has questions, they will send you a notice. Respond promptly with the missing information or clarification. Delays at this stage can add weeks to the process. Check the status of your process online using the DMV's website if you submitted in person; for mail submissions, contact the DMV directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the new title arrives?

If you submit in person, yes — the DMV gives you a temporary registration document that is valid while your permanent title is being processed. If you submit by mail, no — do not drive the car until the new title arrives in your name. Driving without a valid registration can result in a citation.

What if the seller and I have different last names or addresses on the title?

The title shows the registered owner's name and address at the time it was issued. This does not prevent a transfer. The seller signs the title as their name appears on it, and you submit it as is. The DMV will issue a new title in your name and current address.

Do I need to pass a smog test before transferring the title?

A smog test is not required to transfer the title itself, but California requires a smog certification before you can register the vehicle in your name — unless it is brand new, a classic vehicle, or exempt for other reasons. Check with the DMV about your specific vehicle. You can transfer the title and register separately, but you cannot legally drive the car without a valid registration.

What if there are two names on the title and they are separated or divorced?

Both registered owners must sign the title unless a court order or divorce decree states otherwise. If one owner refuses to sign, you have a legal dispute that requires court involvement. Bring any relevant court documents to the DMV along with your process.

Can I transfer a title if the car has an outstanding loan I am not paying off?

No. The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. If the seller is selling the car while still owing money, they must pay off the loan or arrange for the sale proceeds to pay it off at closing. The lender will not release the title until the debt is satisfied.