What You Need to Do to Transfer a California Vehicle Title

To transfer a vehicle title in California, you file form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the signed title from the previous owner and proof of payment of any transfer fees. The DMV processes most transfers within two to three weeks if submitted by mail, or same-day if you go in person to a DMV office. You cannot register the vehicle in your name until the title transfer is complete.

The exact steps depend on whether you are buying from a private party, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. Each route requires different documents and has different timelines. Understanding which documents you need before you start saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires the signed title from the previous owner, your completed REG 135 form, and proof of payment before the DMV will process a transfer.
  • Private party sales require a bill of sale (form REG 135 serves this purpose), while dealership sales come with the paperwork already prepared.
  • You must transfer the title before you can legally register the vehicle, and registration must happen within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
  • The DMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value, typically ranging from $15 to $70.
  • If the previous owner will not sign the title, you may need to file a court case or contact the DMV's Inherited/Abandoned Vehicle Unit for help.

Documents You Need for a Private Party Sale

When you buy a vehicle from another individual in California, the seller must sign the back of the title (also called the certificate of ownership). The signature must be notarized unless the seller completes it in front of a DMV employee. You also need the seller's name, address, and the odometer reading at the time of sale.

You will submit the signed title along with your completed REG 135 form and a check or money order for the transfer fee. If the title has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lienholder must also sign and release the lien before you can take ownership. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter, which you will need to include with your DMV paperwork.

Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. While California does not require a separate bill of sale document, having one protects both you and the seller by documenting the sale price, date, and condition of the vehicle. You can use REG 135 as your bill of sale.

What Happens When You Buy from a Dealership

Dealerships handle most of the title transfer paperwork for you. They will prepare the title transfer documents, collect your signature on the necessary forms, and submit everything to the DMV on your behalf. You still pay the transfer fee, but the dealership typically includes it in your final bill or collects it separately.

The dealership will give you a temporary registration document (usually valid for 30 days) so you can drive the vehicle home and to the DMV if needed. This temporary registration is not the same as a title transfer — it allows you to operate the vehicle legally while the DMV processes the permanent registration. You should receive your new title and registration in the mail within three to four weeks.

If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title as the lienholder. This is normal and does not delay the transfer process. Once you pay off the loan, you can request a lien release from the lender and file it with the DMV to have your name appear as the sole owner.

Title Transfer Fees and Payment Methods

The California DMV charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. The fee ranges from $15 for vehicles valued under $500 to $70 for vehicles valued at $40,000 or more. You can find the exact fee by looking up your vehicle's value on the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office.

You can pay the fee by check, money order, or credit card if you submit your paperwork in person at a DMV office. If you mail your documents, you must include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Make the check payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles."

Some DMV offices allow you to pay online before your appointment if you schedule one in advance. Check the DMV website for your local office to see if this option is available. Paying online can speed up your in-person visit.

Timeline: How Long Title Transfer Takes

If you submit your paperwork by mail, expect the DMV to process your title transfer within 10 to 15 business days under normal conditions. During busy periods or if documents are missing, processing can take up to three weeks. The DMV will mail your new title and registration to the address you provide on your REG 135 form.

If you submit your paperwork in person at a DMV office, you may receive your temporary registration when ready and your permanent title within two to three weeks. Some DMV offices offer same-day title transfers for an additional fee, but this service is not available at all locations. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers this option.

You must register your vehicle within 10 days of purchase, even if your title transfer is still pending. If you do not register within this window, you may face late fees or penalties. Submitting your paperwork promptly protects you from these charges.

What to Do If the Seller Will Not Sign the Title

If the previous owner refuses to sign the title or cannot be located, you have limited options. You can contact the DMV's Inherited/Abandoned Vehicle Unit if the vehicle was left to you or abandoned on your property. For other situations, you may need to file a court case to establish ownership, which is expensive and time-consuming.

Before pursuing legal action, try contacting the seller in writing (email or certified mail) and ask them to sign the title within a specific timeframe. Keep copies of all communication. If the seller still refuses, contact a local attorney who handles vehicle title disputes — they can advise you on whether a court case is worth the cost.

In rare cases, the DMV may issue a new title in your name if you can prove the previous owner is deceased or cannot be found. You will need to provide documentation of death or evidence of your efforts to locate the person. Contact your local DMV office to discuss your specific situation.

Transferring a Title When the Vehicle Has a Lien

If the vehicle you are buying still has a loan against it, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. The lienholder must sign and release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. This is a legal requirement — you cannot own the vehicle free and clear while someone else has a financial claim against it.

Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter. The lender will provide this letter once the loan is paid off or once they agree to release the lien in connection with your purchase. The seller should give you this letter before you hand over payment. Include the lien release letter with your title transfer paperwork when you submit it to the DMV.

If you are financing your purchase through a new lender, your lender will handle the lien release from the previous lender as part of the loan process. Your new lender's name will then appear on your title as the lienholder until you pay off your loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle without current registration in your name. If you buy from a dealership, they provide temporary registration so you can drive it home. For private sales, you should not drive the vehicle until you have submitted your paperwork to the DMV. If you need to move the vehicle, ask the seller to keep their registration active until the transfer is done, or arrange for a tow.

What if the title has a mistake on it, like a misspelled name?

Contact the DMV before submitting your transfer paperwork. You may need to file a correction form (REG 227) to fix the error on the current owner's title first. The DMV can tell you whether the error will prevent the transfer or whether you can proceed and correct it after the transfer is complete.

Do I need to get the title notarized for a private party sale?

The seller's signature on the back of the title must be notarized unless they sign it in front of a DMV employee. Many banks, credit unions, and notary services offer notarization for a small fee (usually $5 to $15). Some DMV offices will notarize the signature for free if you visit in person.

What happens if I lose the title before I can transfer it?

The current owner must request a duplicate title from the DMV using form REG 227 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Title). They will need to pay a fee (usually around $4) and wait for the duplicate to arrive by mail. This can add two to three weeks to your timeline, so ask the seller to request the duplicate as soon as possible if the original is lost.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle is still being financed?

Yes, but the lender must release the lien first. The seller's lender will not release the lien until the loan is paid off or until they agree to release it in connection with your purchase. If you are financing your purchase, your lender will coordinate with the seller's lender to handle the lien release as part of the loan closing.