How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in California

What you need to do to transfer a car title in California

To transfer a vehicle title in California, you fill out Form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration), provide proof of ownership and a bill of sale, and submit everything to the DMV along with the required fee. The process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day if you go in person to a DMV office. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the title is in your name.

The California DMV handles all title transfers. You can submit your documents by mail to the address on the DMV website, in person at any DMV office, or through certain authorized third-party services. If you buy a car from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork for you and charge a processing fee. If you buy from a private seller, you handle it yourself.

Key Takeaways

Form REG 135 is the document you fill out; the seller must sign the back of the title or provide a separate bill of sale.
You need the original title (or a duplicate if the seller lost it), proof of California residency, and a government-issued ID.
The DMV fee for a title transfer is a flat amount that does not depend on the vehicle's value; registration fees are separate.
If you buy from a private seller, you have ten days to register the vehicle in your name or you may face penalties.
If the seller cannot locate the original title, you can request a duplicate from the DMV, but this adds time to the process.

Documents the seller must provide or sign

The seller must sign the back of the original title in the designated signature box. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV using Form REG 227 (process for Duplicate or Paperless Title), but this takes extra time. Some sellers provide a bill of sale instead of or in addition to the signed title; California does not require a bill of sale by law, but having one protects both of you and is useful if the title is damaged.

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lienholder's name appears on the title. The lienholder must sign off on the transfer, and the seller must pay off the loan before or at the time of sale. If the seller is trading in the vehicle to a dealer, the dealer handles lien payoff. If you are buying from a private seller with a lien, do not hand over money until you see proof the lien will be released.

Your documents and what the DMV needs from you

You must provide a completed Form REG 135, the signed original title, and proof of California residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You also need a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process. If you are registering the vehicle in a business name, you need the business license or articles of incorporation. If the title shows the seller's name but you have a bill of sale in your name, bring both documents — the DMV will cross-reference them.

Fees and what they cover

The title transfer fee is a set amount that the DMV charges regardless of the vehicle's value or age. This is separate from registration fees, which depend on the vehicle's weight and the registration period you choose (one, two, or three years). You also pay a vehicle license fee based on the vehicle's value, though this is waived for vehicles over a certain age.

If you are transferring a title and registering at the same time, you pay both fees together. If you are only transferring the title without registering (which is rare), you pay only the title fee. The DMV website lists the current fee amounts; they change periodically. If you submit by mail, include a check or money order. If you go in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Timeline: when you get the new title

If you submit your documents in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary registration document the same day and the official title arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you submit by mail, the entire process takes about three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. The DMV does not process applications on weekends or state holidays.

You can drive the vehicle when ready after you receive the temporary registration, even though the official title has not arrived yet. If you need the title sooner — for example, to sell the vehicle again — you can request an expedited duplicate title at an additional cost, though this is rarely necessary for a new transfer.

What happens if the seller's name is not on the title

If the person selling you the car is not listed on the title, do not complete the purchase. This is a sign the seller does not own the vehicle or the title is fraudulent. The DMV will reject your transfer process, and you will have no legal claim to the car. Ask the seller to show you the original title with their name on it before you hand over any money.

If the seller says they lost the title, they can request a duplicate from the DMV, but you should not buy the vehicle until they have it in hand and can show it to you. If the seller is deceased and the title is in their name, the vehicle must go through probate or be transferred by a court order before you can register it. Contact the DMV for guidance on this situation.

Transferring a title if you inherit the vehicle

If you inherit a vehicle, you need a court document proving you are the legal heir — typically a will, trust document, or probate order. You submit this along with Form REG 135 and the original title. The process is the same as a regular transfer, but the DMV may ask for additional paperwork depending on how the vehicle was titled in the estate.

If the vehicle was in a trust, the trustee can transfer it to you by providing the trust document and a letter from the trustee. If the vehicle goes through probate, the probate court issues an order that you bring to the DMV. Contact the DMV or a probate attorney if you are unsure which documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?

Yes. The seller can sign the title and mail it to you, or you can meet in person. The title itself does not have to be in California — if you buy a car from another state, you still use Form REG 135 and submit it to the California DMV. You must register it in California within ten days of purchase.

What if I buy a car and the seller never signed the title?

The DMV will reject your process. Contact the seller when ready and ask them to sign the back of the title. If the seller refuses or is unreachable, you have no legal ownership of the vehicle. Do not give them money until the title is signed.

Do I need a smog check before I transfer the title?

No. A smog check is required for registration, not for title transfer. You can transfer the title first, then get a smog check and register the vehicle. Some people do both at the same time to save a trip to the DMV.

What if the title has two names on it and only one person is selling?

Both names must sign the title for the transfer to be valid. If one owner refuses to sign, the DMV cannot process the transfer. If the owners are divorced or separated, you may need a court order. Contact the DMV for guidance on your specific situation.

Can I transfer a title online?

The DMV does not offer online title transfers. You must submit Form REG 135 by mail or in person. Some third-party services offer to handle the paperwork for you, but they charge a fee and still submit to the DMV on your behalf.

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.