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

To transfer a car title in California, you file form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day if you go in person to a DMV office. You must complete the transfer within 10 days of purchase — waiting longer can result in penalties and registration holds.

The exact documents and fees depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealer, or inheriting the vehicle. California also requires smog certification for most vehicles before title transfer, which means getting a smog check at a certified station first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file form REG 135 with the California DMV within 10 days of purchase, along with the signed title from the seller and a bill of sale.
  • Most vehicles require a smog certification before the DMV will issue a new title, which you obtain from a certified smog station.
  • The transfer fee is $15 for most private sales, plus registration fees that vary based on vehicle value and weight.
  • You can submit documents by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third-party service, and processing takes two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • If you do not transfer the title within 10 days, you may face late fees and the DMV may place a hold on registration.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Start with the original title signed by the previous owner. If the title has two owners listed, both must sign unless one owner's name is crossed out by the other. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the DMV before you can transfer it.

You also need a bill of sale — this can be form REG 135 itself (which serves double duty), or a private bill of sale that shows the sale price, vehicle details, date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. California does not require a specific bill of sale form, but having one in writing protects both parties and helps the DMV process your transfer faster.

Bring proof of your identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're buying from a dealer, they typically handle the paperwork and submit it for you, so ask what documents they need from you.

Smog certification requirements and exceptions

California requires a smog certification for most vehicles before the DMV will issue a new title. You must get this at a Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified smog station — not at a regular mechanic shop. The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and vehicle type.

Vehicles exempt from smog testing include those less than four model years old, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with fewer than 6,000 miles. If your vehicle is exempt, the seller should provide a smog exemption certificate or note on the title. If they do not, contact the smog station or DMV to confirm your vehicle's status before paying for an unnecessary test.

The smog certificate is valid for 90 days, so schedule your test close to when you plan to submit your title transfer. If the certificate expires before the DMV processes your transfer, you will need a new test.

How to submit your transfer to the DMV

You have three options: mail your documents to the DMV, visit a DMV office in person, or use an authorized third-party service like AAA or a private DMV service center.

By mail: Send form REG 135, the signed title, bill of sale, smog certificate, and a check or money order to the DMV address listed on the form. Include your phone number and email so the DMV can contact you if documents are missing. Processing takes about two weeks; you can track your process status online using your driver's license number.

In person: Visit your local DMV office with all original documents and payment. Bring your driver's license and proof of residency. Same-day processing is available at most offices, though wait times vary. Call ahead or check the DMV website to find your nearest office and current wait times.

Through a third-party service: Authorized services like AAA or private DMV services can submit your paperwork for you, usually for a fee of $15 to $50 on top of DMV fees. This option is useful if you cannot visit the DMV or prefer not to mail original documents.

Fees and what they cover

The title transfer fee is $15 for most private sales. On top of that, you pay registration fees based on your vehicle's value and weight. The DMV calculates registration using the vehicle's market value (not the sale price) and applies a percentage-based fee. For a vehicle worth $10,000, registration typically costs $200 to $250; for a $20,000 vehicle, expect $350 to $450.

If you are transferring a vehicle from out of state, you also pay a one-time use tax of 7.25% of the vehicle's value (or the sale price, whichever is higher). This replaces sales tax you would have paid if you bought the car in California.

You can pay by check, money order, or credit card (in person or online). The DMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle details and see the exact amount you owe before you submit.

What happens if you miss the 10-day important date

California law requires title transfer within 10 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, the DMV may charge a late fee and place a hold on your vehicle registration, meaning you cannot legally drive it until the transfer is complete.

If you are past the important date, submit your transfer documents as soon as possible. Include a written explanation of the delay. The DMV may waive the late fee if the delay was due to circumstances beyond your control (such as the seller not providing the title). Contact your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to ask about your specific situation.

Do not drive the vehicle without valid registration, even if you own it. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted the transfer (a receipt or tracking number), but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

Special situations: inherited vehicles, gifts, and dealer purchases

Inherited vehicles: If you inherit a car, you need the death certificate, a court order or affidavit of succession (depending on the estate size), and the original title. The process is the same as a regular transfer, but you do not need a bill of sale. Contact the DMV or a probate attorney for guidance on which documents your specific situation requires.

Vehicles received as a gift: Gifts are treated like sales for title purposes. You still need form REG 135, the signed title, and a bill of sale showing $0 as the sale price. You do not pay use tax on a gift, but you still pay the $15 transfer fee and registration fees. Smog certification is still required unless the vehicle is exempt.

Dealer purchases: When you buy from a licensed dealer, they typically handle the title transfer for you and submit it to the DMV within a few days. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and they file it. Ask the dealer for a receipt showing the date they submitted your transfer so you have proof of timely filing if questions arise later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a valid registration in your name to legally drive the vehicle on California roads. If you buy the car and the previous owner's registration is still active, you can drive it home from the sale, but you must submit your transfer documents when ready. Once you submit, you can request a temporary registration document from the DMV to carry while your transfer is processing.

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

Do not complete the purchase. The seller must have the title corrected at the DMV before they can transfer it to you. This typically requires proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). If the seller refuses or cannot do this, the sale cannot proceed legally.

Do I need to notify my insurance company before or after the title transfer?

Notify your insurance company before you take possession of the vehicle. Your policy should cover the car from the moment you own it, not from when the title is officially transferred. Driving uninsured is illegal in California, even if the title transfer is pending.

What if I bought the car out of state and am moving it to California?

You have 20 days from the date you establish California residency to transfer the title. Bring your out-of-state title, bill of sale, smog certificate (if required), and proof of California residency. You will pay California registration fees and use tax instead of the transfer fee. The process is otherwise the same as a California-to-California transfer.

Can someone else submit my title transfer for me?

Yes. A family member, friend, or authorized third-party service can submit your documents to the DMV by mail or in person on your behalf. They do not need power of attorney for a straightforward title transfer. If you use a third-party service, confirm they are authorized by the DMV and understand their fees before handing over your documents.