How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in California

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 Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service.

California requires the title transfer to happen within 10 days of purchase. If you buy a vehicle and do not transfer the title within that window, you may face late fees or penalties. The exact timeline and fees depend on whether you are buying from a private seller or a dealership, and whether the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it).

Key Takeaways

Form REG 135 is the official California DMV form for title transfer, and you must submit it with the signed title and a bill of sale.
You have 10 days from the purchase date to transfer the title, or you risk late fees and penalties from the DMV.
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must sign off on the title transfer, and you cannot register the vehicle until that is complete.
You can transfer a title by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized vehicle registration service, each with different processing times and costs.
The DMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on vehicle type and whether the title is new or a duplicate.

Documents you need to submit for a California title transfer

The signed original title (or a duplicate if the original is lost) is the foundation of any title transfer. The seller must sign the back of the title in the designated area, and the signature must match the name printed on the front. If the title is held by a lienholder (a bank or finance company), that lienholder must also sign and release the lien before the transfer can proceed.

A bill of sale is a written record of the transaction between buyer and seller. California does not have a mandatory bill of sale form, but the DMV recommends using one because it documents the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. You can write a bill of sale yourself or use a template; both the buyer and seller should sign and keep a copy.

You will also need proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address) and a valid ID. If you are transferring the title on behalf of someone else, you will need a power of attorney document signed by the vehicle owner.

How to submit your title transfer process

The fastest way to transfer a title is in person at a DMV office. Bring the signed title, completed form REG 135, bill of sale, proof of residency, and your ID. The DMV will verify the documents, collect the fee, and issue a temporary registration receipt on the spot. You can then drive the vehicle legally while you wait for the permanent title to arrive by mail, which usually takes two to three weeks.

If you cannot visit a DMV office, you can mail your documents to the DMV address listed on the form REG 135. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee. Processing by mail takes longer—typically four to six weeks—because the DMV must verify the documents and cross-check ownership records before issuing the new title.

Some counties in California allow you to use an authorized vehicle registration service (a private business licensed by the DMV) to handle the transfer. These services charge an additional fee on top of the DMV fee, but they can often complete the process faster and handle the paperwork for you. Search the DMV website for authorized services in your area.

Title transfer fees and what they cover

The California DMV charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's type and whether you are transferring an existing title or requesting a duplicate. As of the most recent fee schedule, a standard title transfer for a passenger vehicle costs a set amount, but fees can vary. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the exact current fee, because the DMV updates fees periodically.

The fee covers the cost of processing your process, verifying ownership, and issuing the new title. If you are transferring a title in person at a DMV office, you pay the fee at the time of submission. If you are mailing your process, include a check or money order with your documents. Do not send cash by mail.

If the vehicle has a lien, there are no additional DMV fees for the lien release, but the lienholder may charge a fee to process and sign the lien release document. Ask your lender about this cost before you begin the transfer process.

What happens if the vehicle has a loan or lien

A lien means a bank, credit union, or finance company has a legal claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off. You cannot transfer the title to a new owner while a lien is active. The lienholder must sign a lien release document, which removes their claim from the title.

If you are buying a vehicle with an outstanding loan, the seller must obtain the lien release from their lender before the sale closes. The lender will provide a document (sometimes called a lien release letter or payoff statement) that the seller signs and gives to you. You then submit this document along with the title and form REG 135 to the DMV.

If the seller cannot provide a lien release because the loan is not yet paid off, the sale cannot be completed. The seller must pay off the loan first, obtain the release, and then transfer the title to you. This is why it is important to verify that the title is free and clear before you agree to buy a vehicle.

Common mistakes that delay title transfers

The most common mistake is submitting an unsigned title or a title with a signature that does not match the printed name. The DMV will reject the process and send it back to you, which adds weeks to the process. Before you submit anything, check that both the buyer and seller have signed in the correct spaces and that the signatures are legible.

Another frequent error is missing the 10-day important date. If you do not transfer the title within 10 days of purchase, the DMV may assess a late fee or require you to pay a penalty. If you are close to the important date and cannot visit a DMV office, submit your process by mail when ready—the postmark date counts as your submission date, not the date the DMV receives it.

Incomplete or missing documents also cause delays. Double-check that you have included the original signed title, a completed form REG 135, a bill of sale, proof of residency, and your ID. If the vehicle has a lien, make sure the lien release document is signed by the lienholder. Missing even one document will send your process back to you.

Transferring a title when the seller is out of state

If you are buying a vehicle from someone who lives outside California, the process is the same, but you will need to handle the paperwork by mail or in person at a DMV office. The out-of-state seller must sign the title and bill of sale and mail them to you. You then submit these documents to the California DMV along with your other required paperwork.

If the vehicle was previously registered in another state, you may need to obtain a release of lien from that state's DMV or the out-of-state lienholder. Contact the DMV in the state where the vehicle was last registered to find out what documents you need. Some states require an out-of-state title to be notarized before California will accept it.

The California DMV will verify the out-of-state title and issue a California title once the transfer is complete. This process takes longer than a standard in-state transfer because the DMV must cross-check records with another state's motor vehicle agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle while waiting for the new title to arrive?

Yes. When you transfer the title in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary registration receipt that allows you to drive the vehicle legally while the permanent title is being processed. If you submit your process by mail, the DMV will send you a temporary receipt as well. Keep this receipt with you while driving.

What if I lost the original title?

You can request a duplicate title from the California DMV using form REG 135 and paying a duplicate title fee. Submit the duplicate title along with your other transfer documents. The DMV will issue a new title in the new owner's name once the transfer is complete.

Do I need a smog check before transferring the title?

A smog check is required to register a vehicle in California, but not to transfer the title. However, you will need to pass a smog check before you can register the vehicle in your name. Plan to get the smog check done before or shortly after you submit your title transfer process.

How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?

If you transfer the title in person, the permanent title usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you submit your process by mail, processing takes four to six weeks. The DMV will mail the new title to the address you provide on form REG 135.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

If the seller refuses to sign the title, the sale cannot be completed. The title is proof of ownership, and without the seller's signature, you have no legal claim to the vehicle. Do not give the seller money until they have signed the title and provided it to you.

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.