How to Change Your Car Title in California

What you need to do to change a California car title

A California car title change means updating the ownership record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) so your name appears as the legal owner. You do this by submitting a completed title process form, proof of ownership, and identification to the DMV. The process differs depending on whether you inherited the car, bought it from a private seller, received it as a gift, or are adding or removing a co-owner's name.

The DMV does not process title changes online or by mail for most situations — you must visit a DMV office in person or use an authorized service. Processing takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your documents, though the timeline can extend if paperwork is incomplete or if the previous owner's signature is missing or unclear.

Key Takeaways

California requires you to visit a DMV office in person to change a title, unless you use a licensed DMV service or authorized dealer.
You will need the original title signed by the previous owner, a completed process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343), and a government-issued ID.
The DMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value; you can find the exact amount on the DMV website before you go.
If the previous owner refuses to sign the title or has died, you have separate legal paths that require additional documents or court involvement.
Changing a title does not automatically update your vehicle registration — you may need to renew or transfer registration separately.

Title changes for a private purchase or gift

When you buy a car from a private seller or receive one as a gift, the seller or donor must sign the title in the designated section before you take it to the DMV. The signature proves they are releasing ownership to you. If the title is already signed but the name is not filled in, the DMV will not accept it — the previous owner must complete the title correctly before you submit it.

Bring the signed title, your completed Form REG 343 (process for Title or Registration), your government-issued ID, and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to your local DMV office. You will also need to pay the title transfer fee, which the DMV calculates based on the vehicle's value. Check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you are buying the car, you may also need to show proof that sales tax was paid or that you are exempt. If you received the car as a gift from a family member, bring documentation of the relationship and a statement from the donor explaining that no money changed hands.

Title changes after inheritance

If you inherited a car, the title change process depends on whether the previous owner left a will and whether the estate went through probate. If probate was required, you will need a court document (such as an Order to Determine Succession to Real and Personal Property or a Succession Affidavit) showing you are the legal heir. If no probate was needed — which is common for smaller estates — you may still need an affidavit signed by the executor or administrator.

Bring the court document or affidavit, the original title, your completed Form REG 343, your ID, and proof of residency to the DMV. The DMV does not charge a title transfer fee for inherited vehicles, but you will pay registration fees if you are registering the car for the first time under your name.

If the previous owner's title shows a lien (a loan against the car), the lienholder must release it before you can change the title. Contact the lender directly to request a lien release, which they will send to you or directly to the DMV.

Adding or removing a co-owner

If you want to add someone's name to your title or remove a co-owner, both owners must appear together at the DMV office with valid ID. The current title holder must sign the title in the transfer section, and the person being added must sign as well. You cannot add a co-owner by mail or through an online service.

Bring the original title signed by both parties, Form REG 343 completed by both owners, both IDs, and proof of residency for each person. The DMV will charge a title transfer fee. If you are removing a co-owner, that person must also be present and sign the title, unless a court order or divorce decree authorizes the removal without their signature.

What happens if the previous owner will not sign

If the person whose name is on the title refuses to sign it over to you, you cannot complete a standard title transfer. California law allows you to file a court petition to force a title transfer in limited situations — for example, if you have a bill of sale proving you paid for the car but the seller refuses to sign the title, or if the title holder has abandoned the vehicle.

This process requires filing paperwork with the superior court in your county and may involve a hearing. You will need to show evidence that you own the car or have a legal right to it. An attorney can advise you on whether your situation qualifies and what documents the court will require. This is a separate legal action from the DMV process and takes longer than a standard title change.

Using a DMV service or authorized dealer

If you cannot visit a DMV office in person, you can use a licensed DMV service or an authorized dealer to submit your title change documents on your behalf. These services charge a fee in addition to the DMV's title transfer fee. You will still need to sign the title and provide all required documents — the service straightforward handles the submission and waiting time at the DMV office.

Find authorized DMV services through the official DMV website, which lists businesses in your county that are licensed to handle title transfers. Not all services handle all types of title changes, so confirm that the service you choose handles your specific situation — for example, some may not handle inherited vehicles or court-ordered transfers.

Timeline and what to expect after submission

After you submit your documents to the DMV, processing typically takes about two weeks. The DMV will mail your new title to the address you provided on Form REG 343. If your documents are incomplete or if the DMV cannot read a signature, they will contact you by mail asking for corrections — this can add another week or more to the timeline.

Your vehicle registration is separate from your title. Changing the title does not automatically update your registration. If you are registering the car for the first time in California or transferring an out-of-state registration, you will need to complete registration separately, either at the same DMV visit or afterward. Registration renewal notices are mailed based on your registration expiration date, not your title change date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the new title arrives?

Yes, as long as your registration is current. The DMV will give you a receipt when you submit your title change documents, and that receipt proves you have applied. You can drive the car with your old registration and the receipt until your new title and registration arrive by mail.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

You can request a duplicate title from the DMV using Form REG 343 and paying a duplicate title fee. The previous owner can request this, or if you already own the car, you can request it as the current owner. A duplicate title has the same legal weight as the original.

Do I need to change the title if I only change the registration address?

No. Updating your address on the registration does not require a title change. You can update your address at the DMV office, online through the DMV website, or by mail using Form REG 14. Your title will still show the previous owner's information until you actually transfer ownership.

What if the car has a lien and I am buying it?

The seller's lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. The lender will send a lien release document to the DMV or to you. You cannot take ownership until the lien is cleared. Ask the seller to contact their lender and confirm the lien release has been sent to the DMV before you go to submit your title change.

Can I change the title if the car is registered in another state?

Yes. Bring the out-of-state title, your California ID and proof of residency, Form REG 343, and payment for the title transfer fee. The DMV will accept an out-of-state title as proof of ownership and issue you a California title. You will also need to register the car in California at the same time or shortly after.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.