What You Need to Do to Transfer a California Car Title

To transfer a car title in California, you fill out form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration), submit it to the Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of ownership and a completed bill of sale, and pay the transfer fee. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office in one visit. You do not need the seller present — California allows transfers without both parties meeting in person, which is why the bill of sale and notarization matter.

The exact steps and documents depend on whether you are buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle. Each path has different requirements and timelines. Understanding which documents you actually need — and which ones the DMV will reject — saves you a trip or a mailed rejection.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 135 is the single document that starts a title transfer; you cannot use any other form, and the DMV will reject incomplete versions.
  • A bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller is required for private sales and must include the vehicle identification number, sale price, and date of sale.
  • The seller's original title or a duplicate title from the DMV is the only proof of ownership the DMV accepts; a registration document alone is not enough.
  • Transfer fees in California range from roughly $15 to $70 depending on the vehicle's value, and you pay this when you submit your paperwork.
  • You can mail your process to the DMV or submit it in person; mailed applications typically process in two to three weeks, while in-person submissions are often completed the same day.

Documents You Need for a Private Sale Transfer

For a private party sale, gather the seller's original California title (the pink slip), a completed bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, proof of a smog check if the vehicle is subject to California emissions testing, and your identification. The bill of sale does not have to be notarized in California, but both signatures must be present on the same document. Write the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the odometer reading on the bill of sale — the DMV will reject it if any of these are missing.

If the seller has lost the original title, they can request a duplicate from the DMV using form REG 157 before the sale closes. This takes about two weeks. Do not attempt to transfer without a title document; the DMV will not process your process. If the title has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a lender), the lienholder must sign off on the transfer, and you will need that signed release document as well.

How to Complete Form REG 135

Form REG 135 is a two-page document. On the first page, fill in your name, address, and driver's license number in the "New Owner" section. In the vehicle information section, enter the VIN, the year, make, and model. Leave the "Odometer Reading" field blank if the odometer shows over 99,999 miles. On the second page, the seller fills in their name and address in the "Previous Owner" section and signs and dates the form.

Both you and the seller must sign the form — the seller's signature certifies they own the vehicle and are transferring it to you. Print the form from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Do not handwrite the form if you can print it; the DMV scans these documents and handwritten entries sometimes fail to scan clearly. If you make a mistake, print a new copy rather than crossing out and initialing — rejected applications cost you time and sometimes a resubmission fee.

Smog Check Requirements and Timing

California requires a smog check for most vehicles before title transfer, with limited exceptions for vehicles under four years old, electric vehicles, and vehicles registered outside California before purchase. The smog check must be completed within 90 days before you submit your title transfer paperwork. You cannot transfer the title first and then get the smog check — the DMV will reject your process without proof of a passing smog test.

Schedule your smog check as soon as you and the seller agree on the sale. Smog stations are independent businesses (not DMV offices), and you can find them through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website. The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and the vehicle type. Once you pass, the station gives you a certificate or electronic proof — bring this with your other documents when you submit to the DMV.

Transfer Fees and How to Pay

California charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. For vehicles valued under $4,000, the fee is roughly $15. For vehicles valued between $4,000 and $20,000, the fee is around $25. For vehicles over $20,000, the fee increases to approximately $70. These amounts change periodically, so check the current fee schedule on the DMV website before you submit.

You pay the fee when you submit your paperwork. If you mail your process, include a check or money order made out to the "Department of Motor Vehicles." If you submit in person at a DMV office, you can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail. Include your phone number with your payment so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem processing your process.

Submitting Your process by Mail or In Person

To submit by mail, gather all documents in order: form REG 135 (signed by both parties), the seller's original title, the bill of sale (signed by both parties), your smog check certificate, and your check for the transfer fee. Mail this packet to the DMV address for your county — the DMV website lists the correct address by region. Use certified mail with tracking if you want proof of delivery. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet.

To submit in person, bring the same documents to your local DMV office. Arrive early or use the DMV's online appointment system to reserve a time slot — walk-ins often face long waits. An in-person submission is usually processed the same day, and you leave with a temporary registration document. Your permanent title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. In-person submission is faster if you want to drive the vehicle when ready and have all documents ready.

Transfers from Dealerships and Other Special Cases

When you buy from a California dealership, the dealership handles the title transfer paperwork on your behalf. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and they submit it to the DMV. You still need to provide proof of smog compliance (the dealership usually arranges this), and you pay the transfer fee as part of your purchase. The dealership gives you a temporary registration document, and your permanent title arrives by mail.

If you inherit a vehicle, the process differs — you will need a death certificate, a court document proving you are the heir, and form REG 135. If you receive a vehicle as a gift, you still need a bill of sale (even though no money changed hands) stating the sale price as $0, signed by both the giver and you. These situations require additional documentation, so contact the DMV directly or visit an office to confirm what you need before gathering papers.

What Happens If Your process Is Rejected

The DMV rejects applications most often because the title is missing, the bill of sale is incomplete, the smog check certificate is missing or expired, or form REG 135 is unsigned or filled out incorrectly. If your process is rejected, the DMV mails you a notice explaining what is missing. You then correct the problem and resubmit — this second submission can take another two to three weeks.

To avoid rejection, double-check that both you and the seller have signed form REG 135 before mailing it. Verify that the bill of sale includes the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures. Confirm that your smog check is dated within 90 days of submission. If you are unsure about any document, call the DMV customer service line or visit an office in person — a five-minute conversation now prevents a rejected process later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer the title if the seller still owes money to a bank?

Yes, but the lender (lienholder) must sign a release document authorizing the transfer. The seller contacts their lender and requests a lien release. You then include this signed release with your other documents when you submit to the DMV. Without it, the DMV will not process your process because the lender still has a legal claim to the vehicle.

What if I lose the bill of sale after I sign it?

You cannot transfer the title without a bill of sale. If you lose it before submitting to the DMV, you and the seller must sign a new one with the same information (VIN, sale price, date, odometer reading). If you have already submitted to the DMV and the process was rejected because the bill of sale was missing, you will need to resubmit with a new signed bill of sale.

How long can I drive the vehicle before the permanent title arrives?

If you submit in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary registration document that is valid for 90 days. You can drive the vehicle on this temporary document while you wait for the permanent title. If you mail your process, ask the DMV for a temporary registration form (REG 343) to include with your packet so you receive temporary documentation by mail.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?

No. California does not require the bill of sale to be notarized. Both signatures must be present on the same document, but you do not need to have them witnessed or notarized by a notary public. A straightforward bill of sale signed by both parties is sufficient for the DMV.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their current identification?

The seller must contact the DMV and update their name on the title before the transfer can proceed. This requires a separate process and proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). The seller can do this while you are arranging the smog check, so the process does not delay your purchase significantly.