What you need to transfer a title in California
To transfer a vehicle title in California, you submit Form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and identification to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The process takes place at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized vehicle registration service. You will need the current title document, the seller's signature on the back of the title or on a separate bill of sale, and payment of the transfer fee, which varies based on the vehicle's value.
The exact documents and fees depend on whether you are buying from a private party, a dealer, or inheriting the vehicle. If the title has a lien (meaning a lender still owns part of the vehicle), the lienholder must release it before you can become the owner of record. California does not allow you to drive the vehicle with an unsigned title, so completing this step before you use the car is essential.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form REG 135 with the signed title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, and identification to transfer a California vehicle title.
- The transfer fee is based on the vehicle's value and ranges from roughly $15 to $280, depending on the purchase price.
- If the title has a lien, the lender must sign a release document before you can complete the transfer.
- You can transfer a title in person at a DMV office, by mail using the correct forms, or through a registered vehicle registration service.
- The DMV will issue a new title in your name within two to three weeks if you submit all documents correctly.
Documents the DMV requires for a title transfer
The California DMV requires the original title document signed by the seller on the back, or a separate bill of sale if the title is not available. You also need a completed Form REG 135, your government-issued identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of California residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer typically handles the paperwork and submits it on your behalf.
If the vehicle is financed, bring the lienholder's release document showing the loan has been paid off or that the lender consents to the transfer. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the DMV before transferring it, though this adds time to the process. Bring the odometer reading as well—the DMV records this on the new title.
How to calculate the transfer fee
California's transfer fee is based on the vehicle's purchase price, not its current market value. The fee ranges from $15 for vehicles purchased under $500 to $280 for vehicles purchased at $40,000 or more. You can find the exact fee by looking up your purchase price on the DMV's fee schedule or by calling your local DMV office.
In addition to the transfer fee, you will owe registration fees if you are registering the vehicle for the first time in California or renewing an existing registration. These fees depend on the vehicle's weight and type. If you are transferring a title without registering the vehicle (for example, if you are holding it for resale), you only pay the transfer fee.
Transferring a title in person at a DMV office
To transfer a title in person, visit your local DMV office with all required documents and payment. Bring the original title signed by the seller, Form REG 135 completed and signed by you, your identification, and proof of residency. You will receive a number and wait to be called; processing usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
The DMV will verify that the title is valid, check for liens, and confirm that all signatures match. If everything is correct, you will pay the transfer fee and receive a receipt. The new title will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, the DMV will tell you what is needed before you leave, so you can return with the correct paperwork.
Transferring a title by mail
You can mail your title transfer documents to the DMV if you prefer not to visit an office. Send the original title signed by the seller, a completed and signed Form REG 135, a copy of your identification, and a check or money order for the transfer fee to your regional DMV office. Include a cover letter listing what you are sending so the DMV can track your submission.
Mail transfers typically take four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your documents. To confirm receipt, send your documents using certified mail with a return receipt. If the DMV finds an error or missing document, they will contact you by mail, which can delay the process further. For this reason, many people prefer to transfer in person so they can correct mistakes when ready.
Transferring a title through a registration service
California allows you to use a registered vehicle registration service (also called a DMV service or title service) to handle the transfer on your behalf. These are private businesses licensed by the state to submit DMV paperwork. You provide the service with your documents and payment, and they submit everything to the DMV and mail the new title to you when it arrives.
Registration services charge a fee on top of the DMV transfer fee—typically $50 to $150 depending on the service and location. This option is useful if you do not have time to visit a DMV office or prefer to avoid the wait. However, the total cost is higher than doing it yourself, and the timeline is similar to mailing documents directly to the DMV.
What happens if the title has a lien
If you are buying a financed vehicle, the title will show a lien in the lienholder's name. You cannot become the owner of record until the lien is released. The seller's lender must sign a release document stating the loan has been paid off or that they consent to the transfer. This document is usually provided by the lender when the loan is paid in full.
If the seller is still making payments on the vehicle, the lender may allow the transfer to go through with the lien remaining on the title. In this case, you become the registered owner but the lender retains a security interest in the vehicle. The lender will contact you about the loan terms. If you are financing the purchase yourself, your new lender will require a clear title or will accept the lien transfer as part of the loan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new title after I submit the transfer?
The DMV mails new titles within two to three weeks of receiving your completed process. If you submit documents by mail, add four to six weeks for processing time. If you use a registration service, the timeline is similar to mailing directly to the DMV.
Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?
No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle without a valid title in your name. You can drive it home from the seller if you have a bill of sale and the seller's signed title, but you must complete the transfer before using it on public roads. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof that the transfer is in progress.
What if the seller's signature on the title does not match their identification?
The DMV will reject the transfer if signatures do not match. The seller must sign the title again in front of a notary public, or you can ask the DMV what other proof of identity they will accept. This is a common issue with older titles or name changes.
Do I need to smog-check the vehicle before transferring the title?
A smog check is not required to transfer the title, but it is required to register the vehicle in California if it is more than four model years old. You can transfer the title first and then get the smog check before completing registration, or do both at the same time.
What if I bought the vehicle out of state and need to transfer it to California?
You will need to submit your out-of-state title along with Form REG 135 and proof of California residency. The DMV will issue a California title. If your out-of-state title is a temporary or electronic title, contact your local DMV office first to confirm what documents they need, as requirements vary by state.