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 takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service. You must transfer the title within 10 days of purchase — waiting longer can result in penalties and registration holds.

The exact documents and fees depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. California also requires smog certification for most used vehicles before title transfer, which must happen before you submit your process.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires title transfer within 10 days of purchase, and delays can trigger late fees and prevent registration renewal.
  • You must obtain a smog certificate from a STAR station before submitting your title transfer, except for vehicles under four years old or certain other exemptions.
  • Form REG 135 is the main document, submitted with a bill of sale, proof of ownership from the seller, and the current title.
  • In-person DMV visits typically complete transfers in one appointment, while mail processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Transfer fees vary based on vehicle value and type, ranging from roughly $15 to $70 for the title itself, plus registration fees.

Smog certification requirements before you transfer

California requires a smog inspection certificate for most used vehicles before the DMV will issue a new title. You must take the vehicle to a STAR station (Smog Test Referral And Repair) — these are certified repair shops throughout the state. The inspection costs between $30 and $50 and takes about 30 minutes. You'll receive a certificate that's valid for 90 days.

Vehicles exempt from smog testing include those less than four years old, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles that have not been registered in California for the past 18 months. If your vehicle fails, you have 15 days to repair it and retest at no charge at the same station. The certificate must be current when you submit your title transfer process.

Documents the DMV requires for title transfer

Gather these documents before you visit the DMV or prepare them for mailing:

  • Form REG 135 — the official process, completed and signed by you
  • The current title — signed by the previous owner in the transfer section
  • Bill of sale — can be form REG 135 itself or a private bill of sale showing sale price, date, and both signatures
  • Proof of California residency — utility bill, lease, or government document showing your current address
  • Smog certificate — from a STAR station (unless exempt)
  • Odometer reading — recorded on the title or bill of sale if the vehicle is under 10 years old
  • Payment — check or money order; in-person visits accept cash and card

If the previous owner cannot sign the title in person, they can sign it before a notary public. If you're buying from a dealership, they typically handle the title paperwork and submit it on your behalf, though you still pay the transfer fees.

How to submit your process by mail or in person

By mail: Send your completed REG 135, signed title, bill of sale, smog certificate, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Processing takes two to three weeks. Mail your documents to the regional DMV office that serves your county — you can find the correct address on the California DMV website.

In person: Visit any DMV office with all documents and payment. Bring your driver's license or ID. You'll receive a temporary registration document on the spot, and the permanent title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. In-person service is faster if you need to drive the vehicle when ready, since you can register it the same day.

Do not drive the vehicle on public roads until you have either a temporary registration receipt (from in-person service) or confirmation that your mail process was received. Driving an unregistered vehicle can result in citations and impound.

Fees and what they cover

Title transfer fees in California are based on the vehicle's value and type. The title fee itself ranges from about $15 to $70. You also pay registration fees, which vary depending on the vehicle's age, weight, and fuel type. A typical used car transfer costs between $200 and $400 total, though luxury or high-value vehicles cost more.

Fees are non-refundable once submitted. If you're transferring a vehicle you inherited, you may may have access to for a fee waiver — bring a certified copy of the death certificate and the will or probate documents. If you're a military member transferring a vehicle, some fees may be reduced; ask at the DMV.

What happens if you miss the 10-day important date

California law requires title transfer within 10 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, the DMV assesses a late fee (typically $10 to $20) and may place a hold on your vehicle registration. You can still transfer the title after the important date, but you must pay the penalty and explain the delay on your process.

If the vehicle is registered to the previous owner and you're caught driving it, you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. The previous owner may also face penalties for not transferring the title. If you purchased the vehicle but haven't transferred it yet, contact the DMV when ready — the sooner you submit, the sooner the hold is lifted.

Special situations: inheritance, gifts, and dealer trades

Inherited vehicles: Submit the title with a certified copy of the death certificate and either the will or probate court documents showing you as the beneficiary. You may not need to pay the full transfer fee if you provide proof of inheritance.

Vehicles received as a gift: The donor must sign the title over to you. You still need a bill of sale showing the transaction (even if no money changed hands) and must pay the standard transfer fee. Some counties assess use tax on gifts; ask the DMV whether your county does.

Trade-ins at a dealership: The dealership handles the title transfer for the vehicle you're trading in. You only need to sign the title. For the new vehicle, the dealership typically submits the paperwork on your behalf, though you pay all fees. Ask the dealership for a timeline — they usually submit within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?

No. You must transfer the title first, then register. However, if you visit the DMV in person, you can do both on the same day and drive home with a temporary registration receipt. If you mail your process, you cannot legally drive until the DMV processes it and sends your registration.

What if the previous owner won't sign the title?

Contact the DMV directly — they can issue a duplicate title in your name if you provide proof of purchase (bill of sale) and proof that the previous owner received notice. This process takes longer and may require a hearing. Bring documentation of your attempts to contact the seller.

Do I need to transfer the title if I'm only registering the vehicle temporarily?

Yes. California requires title transfer regardless of registration type. Temporary registration does not waive the title transfer requirement or the 10-day important date.

How long is a smog certificate valid?

A smog certificate is valid for 90 days from the test date. If your title transfer process is not processed within that window, you'll need a new smog test. Plan to submit your process within 60 days of testing to avoid this.

Can I transfer a title online?

California does not offer full online title transfer. You can renew registration online through the DMV website, but initial title transfers must be submitted by mail or in person. Some dealerships offer electronic filing, which they submit on your behalf.