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), provide proof of ownership, and submit both to the Department of Motor Vehicles along with the signed title document and a check or money order. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office in one visit. The fee is $15 for a standard title transfer, though additional charges explore if you're also registering the vehicle or transferring plates.

The exact steps depend on whether you're buying the car from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting it — and whether the title is already in your name or needs to come from someone else. California requires the seller to sign the title in the designated box before you submit it, so you cannot complete the transfer alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain the signed title document from the seller, fill out form REG 135, and submit both to the DMV along with proof of ownership and the $15 fee.
  • The seller must sign the title in the correct box before you submit it; the DMV will reject unsigned or incorrectly signed titles.
  • If you buy from a dealer, they typically handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale, though you still receive the paperwork and pay the DMV fee.
  • Private party sales require you to handle the paperwork yourself, and you have 10 days from the purchase date to submit the title to the DMV.
  • You can submit by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third-party service, though mail processing takes longer than in-person visits.

What documents the seller must provide

The seller must give you the original title document, signed in the box labeled "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)." If the title is a paper certificate, both registered owners must sign if there are two names on it. If the title is electronic (which California has been transitioning to), the seller must authorize the transfer through their DMV account or sign a paper authorization form.

You also need the seller's printed name and address, which should already appear on the title. If the seller cannot locate the original title, they can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale, though this adds time and cost. Do not accept a title with blank signature lines or signatures in the wrong box — the DMV will return it and delay your transfer.

Completing form REG 135 and gathering supporting documents

Form REG 135 asks for the vehicle identification number (VIN), the seller's name and address, your name and address, the purchase price, and the date of purchase. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill it out in black or blue ink, sign it, and keep a copy for your records.

You will also need proof of ownership, which is typically the signed title itself. If you are buying from a dealer, they provide a temporary registration document (a pink slip) that counts as proof until the permanent title arrives. For private sales, bring the signed title plus your identification. If the vehicle was recently purchased out of state and you are registering it in California for the first time, you may need the out-of-state title and a smog certification, depending on the vehicle's age and the state it came from.

Submitting your transfer by mail versus in person

By mail, send the signed title, completed form REG 135, your check or money order for $15, and a copy of your ID to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return a receipt, though this is optional.

In person, bring the same documents to your local DMV office, take a number, and submit everything at the counter. You receive a receipt when ready and can often walk out with a temporary registration the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter lines. Some DMV offices allow you to book an appointment online, which can reduce wait time significantly.

A third option is to use an authorized DMV service office or a private vehicle registration service. These businesses charge a fee (typically $50 to $100 on top of the DMV fee) but handle the paperwork and submission for you. This is useful if you cannot visit a DMV office or prefer not to wait in line, though it costs more and takes the same amount of time as mailing.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

You have 10 days from the purchase date to submit the title transfer to the DMV. Missing this important date does not void the transfer, but it may result in a late fee or require you to explain the delay. If you buy from a dealer, they typically submit within a few days, so this important date is less of a concern.

After submission, the DMV processes your request and mails the new title to the address you provided on form REG 135. This takes two to three weeks. During this time, you can drive the vehicle on the temporary registration (pink slip) if you received one, or on the seller's registration if you are still waiting for yours. Once the permanent title arrives, it will be in your name only, and you are the legal owner.

If the DMV rejects your submission — usually because a signature is missing or in the wrong box, or because a document is illegible — they will mail you a notice explaining what is wrong. You then correct the issue and resubmit. This adds another two to three weeks to the process.

Special situations: Dealer sales, inherited vehicles, and out-of-state transfers

If you buy from a California dealer, they are required by law to handle the title transfer on your behalf. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and they submit everything to the DMV. You still pay the $15 DMV fee, usually rolled into your final bill. The dealer's responsibility ends once they submit; the DMV then mails the title to you. If you do not receive your title within four weeks, contact the dealer to confirm they submitted it.

If you inherit a vehicle, the process is different. You need a certified copy of the death certificate, a court order or affidavit (depending on whether the estate went through probate), and the original title. The DMV has a separate form for inherited vehicles. Contact your local DMV office or visit their website for the specific requirements, as they vary based on the estate's value and whether a will exists.

If you buy a vehicle from out of state and plan to register it in California, you need the out-of-state title, a smog certification (for vehicles older than four model years), and proof of a California address. Some out-of-state titles cannot be transferred directly; instead, you surrender the old title and the DMV issues a new California title. The process is the same as a private sale transfer, but allow extra time if you are mailing documents from another state.

Common mistakes that delay or reject your transfer

The most common error is a missing or incorrectly placed seller signature. The seller must sign in the specific box on the title labeled for the registered owner's signature, not elsewhere on the document. If the title has two registered owners, both must sign. A signature in the wrong box or a printed name instead of a signature will cause the DMV to reject the entire submission.

Another frequent mistake is submitting an illegible or damaged title. If the title is faded, torn, or water-damaged, request a duplicate from the DMV before attempting the transfer. Submitting a title with missing information — such as a blank VIN or missing odometer reading — also results in rejection. Double-check that all fields on the title are filled in before the seller signs.

Waiting too long to submit is another issue. While the 10-day important date is not strictly enforced, submitting late can trigger a late fee or require a written explanation. If you buy a vehicle and do not submit the title for several months, the DMV may question whether the sale was legitimate and ask for additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The seller can sign the title and mail it to you, or you can arrange to pick it up in person. Once you have the signed title in hand, you proceed with the transfer as normal. Make sure the signature is original ink, not a photocopy or electronic signature, unless the title is already electronic through California's system.

What if the title has a lien on it?

If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, which usually happens at the time of sale if you are financing through the same lender or paying off the loan. If the seller is paying off the loan separately, they must obtain a lien release from the lender and submit it with the title. The DMV will not process the transfer until the lien is removed.

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

The DMV typically mails the new title within two to three weeks of receiving your submission. If you submitted in person, you may receive a temporary registration when ready. If you submitted by mail, allow an extra week for postal delivery of your documents to the DMV. If you do not receive the title within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your submission.

Do I need to register the vehicle at the same time as transferring the title?

No, but most people do both together because you need current registration to drive legally. If you only transfer the title without registering, you cannot legally operate the vehicle. The registration fee is separate from the title transfer fee and depends on the vehicle's weight and type. You can handle both in one DMV visit or submission.

What if I lose the title after the seller signs it but before I submit it to the DMV?

Contact the seller when ready and ask them to request a duplicate title from the DMV. Once they receive it, they sign it again and send it to you. This adds time to the process, so act quickly. Do not attempt to submit a photocopy of the original title; the DMV requires the original document or an official duplicate.