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

To transfer a car title in California, you fill out Form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration), submit it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of ownership and a bill of sale, and pay the transfer fee. The DMV processes the paperwork and issues a new title in the buyer's name. The whole process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can submit it in person at a DMV office for faster handling.

The person selling the car (you, if you're the seller) must sign the back of the existing title or a separate document. The buyer needs to sign the same paperwork. Both of you will need valid identification. If there is a lien on the car—meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it—the lender must release it before the title can transfer, and that release document goes with your process.

California does not allow you to transfer a title online. You must submit the paperwork by mail to the DMV, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third party like a car dealership or a licensed title service. Mailing is slower but works if you cannot visit an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Form REG 135, the current title signed by the seller, a bill of sale, and proof of identity for both buyer and seller.
  • If the car has a lien, the lender must sign a release document that goes with your process; the title cannot transfer while a lien is active.
  • The transfer fee in California varies based on the vehicle's value and age, so check the DMV fee schedule before you submit.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks by mail or same-day in person at a DMV office, depending on how busy the location is.
  • You can submit by mail, in person, or through a licensed title service, but not online.

What documents the seller and buyer each need to provide

The seller must provide the original title (or a certified copy if the original is lost), a signed bill of sale, and a valid ID. The title must be signed on the back by the registered owner. If the car was owned by more than one person, all owners must sign unless the title shows "or" between the names—in which case only one needs to sign. If it shows "and," all must sign.

The buyer must provide a valid California driver's license or ID, or a valid out-of-state ID if they do not yet have a California license. The buyer also signs the bill of sale and Form REG 135. If the buyer is a business or organization rather than a person, you will need the business's legal documents and an authorized representative's signature.

A bill of sale is a document that records the sale price, the date, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller. California does not have a required form for this—you can write one yourself or use a template—but the DMV will not process the title transfer without one. The bill of sale protects both parties by creating a record of the transaction.

How to handle a car with a lien or loan

If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender (usually a bank or credit union) holds a lien on the title. The lien must be released before the title can transfer to the buyer. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan and getting the lien release from the lender.

Once the loan is paid, the lender sends the seller a lien release document—sometimes called a "release of lien" or "satisfaction of lien." This document proves the debt is settled. The seller includes this release with the title transfer process. Without it, the DMV will not issue a new title to the buyer, and the buyer will not legally own the car.

If the seller is paying off the loan at the time of sale, the lender may send the release directly to the DMV or to the buyer's lender (if the buyer is financing the purchase). Ask the lender where the release will be sent and make sure it arrives before you submit the title process. If there is a delay, you may need to wait before completing the transfer.

Step-by-step process for submitting your process

Step 1: Get the title signed. The seller signs the back of the title in the spaces marked for the seller's signature. Both the buyer and seller sign Form REG 135 in the appropriate sections. If there is a lien release, the seller obtains it from the lender.

Step 2: Prepare the bill of sale. Write or print a bill of sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller. Both parties should keep a copy.

Step 3: Gather identification. The seller and buyer each prepare a valid ID. If either person is submitting by mail, they may need to provide a copy of their ID with the process.

Step 4: Calculate and prepare the fee. Check the California DMV website for the current transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. Prepare a check or money order, or bring payment if submitting in person. Some DMV offices accept credit cards.

Step 5: Submit the process. Mail the completed Form REG 135, the signed title, the bill of sale, the lien release (if applicable), copies of ID, and the fee to the DMV address listed on the form. Alternatively, visit a DMV office in person with all original documents and payment. Processing time is typically two to three weeks by mail or same-day if submitted in person, though busy offices may have longer wait times.

What happens if the title is lost or damaged

If the seller no longer has the original title, they can request a duplicate title from the DMV using Form REG 156 (process for Duplicate Title). This costs a small fee and takes about two weeks. The duplicate is a certified copy that the DMV will accept for a title transfer.

If the title is damaged but still readable, you can submit it with the transfer process. The DMV will accept it and issue a new title to the buyer. If the title is so damaged that information cannot be read, request a duplicate first.

If the seller cannot locate the title and does not want to wait for a duplicate, some licensed title services can help speed up the process, though they charge a fee for this service. The buyer should be aware that processing may take longer if a duplicate title is needed.

Transfer fees and what they cover

California's title transfer fee depends on the vehicle's value and is set by the DMV. The fee is not a flat amount—it varies. You can find the exact fee on the California DMV website by looking up your vehicle's value or asking at a DMV office. The fee covers the cost of processing the process and issuing a new title.

In addition to the transfer fee, you may owe vehicle registration fees if the buyer is registering the car in California for the first time or renewing registration. These are separate from the title transfer fee. If the car is being transferred between family members or as a gift, some fee reductions may be available—check the DMV website or ask at your local office.

Payment must be made at the time of submission. If submitting by mail, include a check or money order. If submitting in person, most DMV offices accept cash, check, card, or money order.

Using a third party to handle the transfer

You do not have to submit the title transfer yourself. Licensed title services and car dealerships can submit the paperwork on your behalf. This is useful if you cannot visit a DMV office or prefer to have someone else handle the process. The service charges a fee (usually between $50 and $150, though this varies) in addition to the DMV's transfer fee.

If you use a title service, you still need to sign all documents and provide the same paperwork—the title, bill of sale, ID, and lien release if applicable. The service acts as a messenger to the DMV. Make sure the service is licensed by the California DMV before you hand over your documents and money.

Some car dealerships include title transfer as part of the sale and handle it for free. If you are buying or selling through a dealership, ask whether they will submit the paperwork. If you are selling privately, a title service can save time if you are willing to pay the extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller's name on the title does not match their current ID?

No, the name on the title must match the name on the seller's ID. If the seller's name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, they must first obtain a corrected title from the DMV showing the current name. This requires Form REG 156 and proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Once the corrected title is issued, the transfer can proceed.

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the process?

By mail, processing typically takes two to three weeks. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you may receive the new title the same day, though busy offices may take longer. You can check the status of your process on the California DMV website using your process number.

What if the buyer and seller live in different states?

The transfer process is the same. The buyer must have a valid ID (California or out-of-state) and sign the paperwork. If the buyer is moving to California, they will need to register the car in California within 20 days of moving. If the buyer lives out of state, they follow their own state's registration rules, but the California title transfer still happens the same way.

Do I need to notify my insurance company before transferring the title?

Yes. If you are the seller, notify your insurance company that you are selling the car so they can cancel or transfer the policy. If you are the buyer, contact your insurance company before or when ready after taking ownership so you are covered while driving. The title transfer and insurance are separate processes—the DMV does not notify your insurer.

What if I sell the car but the buyer does not register it right away?

Once you submit the title transfer process, you are no longer the registered owner. However, the buyer has a responsibility to register the car within a certain timeframe (usually 20 days in California). If the buyer does not register it and the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation, you could be contacted. Make sure the buyer understands they must complete registration promptly, and keep a copy of the bill of sale and your submitted process as proof you transferred ownership.