What you need to do to transfer a California car title

To transfer a car 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 identification. The process differs depending on whether you are buying a car, inheriting one, receiving it as a gift, or transferring it between family members. California requires the seller to sign the title in the designated area, and the buyer must submit the paperwork within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalties.

The DMV processes most title transfers within two to three weeks. You can submit your paperwork in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party like a car dealership or smog station. If you are buying from a private seller, you handle the paperwork yourself. If you are buying from a dealership, they typically handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires form REG 135, the signed title, a bill of sale, and your ID to transfer ownership.
  • The seller must sign the title in the correct section before you submit it; unsigned titles are rejected.
  • You have 10 days from the purchase date to submit your paperwork, or you may face late fees and registration holds.
  • Dealerships usually handle title transfers for you, but private sales require you to submit the paperwork yourself.
  • You can submit documents in person, by mail, or through an authorized agent like a smog station.

What documents you need to gather

Start by collecting the signed title from the seller. In California, this is the pink slip—the official certificate of title issued by the DMV. The seller must sign in the "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)" section on the back. If there are two owners listed, both must sign. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale, though this adds time.

Next, you need a bill of sale. California does not require a specific form, but the document should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, the seller's name and signature, and your name. You can write this yourself or use a template from the DMV website. This protects both parties by creating a record of the transaction.

You also need proof of your identity—a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you are transferring the title by mail, include a photocopy. Finally, bring or submit form REG 135, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Some people also submit a smog certification if the vehicle requires one, though this is handled separately from the title transfer.

How to complete form REG 135

Form REG 135 is the official process for title or registration. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number in the "New Owner" section. Enter the vehicle information: the VIN, the year, make, and model. In the "Title Information" section, select the box that describes your transaction—for example, "Purchase from a private party" or "Inheritance."

Check the box for "Title Only" if you are not registering the vehicle at the same time. If you are registering it, you will need to provide additional information about the vehicle's use and weight. Sign and date the form. If you are buying with another person, both of you must sign. Incomplete or unsigned forms are returned by the DMV, which delays your transfer.

You do not need to fill in the seller's information on REG 135—the DMV pulls that from the title itself. However, make sure the title you submit matches the vehicle description on the form. If the VIN on the title does not match the VIN on the form, the DMV will reject the paperwork.

Submitting your paperwork in person versus by mail

If you submit in person at a DMV office, bring the original signed title, your completed REG 135 form, your bill of sale, and your ID. The DMV staff will review everything on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date you submit. You will receive your new title by mail at the address you provided on the form.

If you submit by mail, send the original signed title, a photocopy of your ID, your completed REG 135, and your bill of sale to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number in case the DMV has questions. Mail takes longer overall—add five to seven business days for postal delivery each way—but you avoid a trip to the DMV office. Processing time is still two to three weeks once the DMV receives your packet.

Some people use an authorized agent, such as a smog station or a vehicle registration service, to submit paperwork on their behalf. These services charge a fee (usually $15 to $50) but handle the submission and may offer faster turnaround. If you use an agent, ask them what documents they need from you and whether they will submit the original title or a certified copy.

What happens if you miss the 10-day important date

California law requires you to submit your title transfer paperwork within 10 days of the purchase date. If you miss this important date, the DMV may assess a late fee when you eventually submit. The fee amount depends on how late you are, but it is typically $50 to $100. More importantly, your registration may be held or flagged, and you could face penalties if you drive the vehicle without current registration.

If you are past the important date, submit your paperwork as soon as possible. Include a written explanation of the delay if you have one. The DMV does not always enforce the penalty strictly, especially if you are only a few days late, but it is not may provide. The safest approach is to submit within the 10-day window to avoid any complications.

If the seller did not give you the title when ready after the sale, that is their responsibility to resolve. You can contact the DMV to report a delayed title transfer, and they can investigate whether the seller failed to sign the title or submit it themselves. This is rare but does happen in private sales.

Special situations: gifts, inheritance, and family transfers

If you are receiving a car as a gift, the process is the same—the giver signs the title as the seller, and you submit REG 135 as the buyer. However, you may need to show proof of the gift relationship. Some DMV offices ask for a letter from the giver stating that the transfer is a gift and not a sale. Check with your local DMV office before submitting to see if they require this.

If you are inheriting a vehicle, the process is different. You will need the death certificate, a court order or probate document showing you are the legal heir, and the original title. The DMV has a separate process for inherited vehicles, and you may not need to pay registration fees depending on the circumstances. Contact the DMV or a probate attorney for guidance on inherited vehicles, as the steps vary by situation.

If you are transferring a title between spouses or domestic partners, California allows a streamlined process. Both parties sign the title, and you submit REG 135 along with proof of the relationship (marriage certificate or domestic partnership certificate). This process is faster and may have lower fees than a standard transfer.

What to expect after you submit

Once the DMV receives your paperwork, they will process it and mail your new title to the address you provided on REG 135. This typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation email or letter—the first notice you get is usually the new title itself. If you need to know the status before then, you can call the DMV or check their online system using your driver's license number.

Your new title will show your name as the registered owner. If you registered the vehicle at the same time, you will also receive registration documents and a license plate (if applicable). Keep your new title in a safe place—you will need it if you sell the vehicle later or if you need to prove ownership.

If you do not receive your title within four weeks, contact the DMV. Occasionally paperwork gets lost in the mail or misplaced in processing. The DMV can issue a duplicate or resubmit your paperwork if needed. Having a record of when you submitted (a receipt from the DMV office or a tracking number from the post office) helps speed up this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

No. You must have current registration to drive legally, and you cannot register a vehicle without transferring the title first. If you buy a car, do not drive it home until you have submitted your paperwork and have temporary registration or a receipt showing you submitted within the 10-day window. Some DMV offices issue a temporary registration receipt that you can carry while waiting for your permanent registration.

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

This is a red flag. Do not complete the purchase until the seller resolves this with the DMV. The seller may need to update their name on the title first, which requires a separate DMV transaction. Buying a car with a mismatched title can create legal problems for you later.

Do I need a smog check to transfer the title?

A smog check is not required to transfer the title itself, but it is required to register the vehicle in California (with some exceptions for new cars and vehicles over 1975). You can submit the title transfer and smog certification at the same time, or handle them separately. Check the DMV website to see if your vehicle needs a smog check based on its age and type.

What if I buy a car from out of state?

If you buy a car from another state, you need to transfer the out-of-state title to California. Bring the out-of-state title, your bill of sale, form REG 135, and proof of a California smog check (if required) to the DMV. The process is the same as a California private sale, but the out-of-state title must be signed by the seller just like a California title.

Can someone else submit my paperwork for me?

Yes, if you give them a signed power of attorney form. You can also use an authorized DMV agent or have a dealership handle it. If you submit by mail, you do not need to be present. However, your signature on REG 135 is required, so you must sign the form yourself before sending it.