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 (Application for Title or Registration), provide proof of ownership, and submit it to the DMV along with the signed title and a transfer fee. 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 seller must sign the title in the designated area, and the buyer must provide proof of residency and a valid ID.

California requires the title transfer to happen within 10 days of the sale. If you miss this window, you may face penalties, and the seller remains liable for the vehicle until the title is officially transferred to your name.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit form REG 135, the signed title, and proof of residency to the DMV within 10 days of purchase.
  • The transfer fee is currently $15, though this amount can change; check the DMV website for the current rate.
  • If the seller still owes money on the car, the lienholder's name appears on the title and must release their interest before you own it free and clear.
  • You can transfer the title by mail, in person, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or auto club.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must request a duplicate from the DMV before the transfer can proceed.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller gives you the original title document, signed in the signature section. If the title has two owners listed, both must sign. The seller should also provide the odometer reading at the time of sale, which goes on the REG 135 form.

If the seller no longer has the title, they must request a duplicate from the DMV before you can transfer ownership. This adds time to the process. The seller can order a duplicate online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

If there is a lienholder (a bank or finance company that holds a loan against the car), their name and address appear on the title. The lienholder must sign off on the transfer, or the title will show they still have a claim to the vehicle. Most lienholders release their interest automatically once the loan is paid off, but you should confirm this before completing the purchase.

What you submit to the DMV

Gather the original signed title, form REG 135 filled out completely, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a valid ID. You also need the transfer fee, which is $15 as of the most recent update, though you should confirm the current amount on the DMV website since fees change.

If you are transferring the title in person, bring all documents to your local DMV office. If you are mailing them, send everything to the address listed on the DMV website for your county. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

If the vehicle has a lien on it, include a copy of the lien release letter from the lienholder. This document proves the loan has been paid off and the lienholder no longer has a claim to the car.

Transferring the title by mail versus in person

Mailing your documents to the DMV takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. You do not need an appointment, and you avoid a trip to the office. However, if any documents are missing or filled out incorrectly, the DMV will mail them back to you, which delays the process further.

Transferring in person at a DMV office is faster if you have all documents ready. You can often complete the transfer in one visit, and staff can spot errors before you leave. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter lines. You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices for title transfers, but some locations now use an online appointment system, so check your local office's website first.

A third option is to use an authorized third party, such as a dealership, auto club, or private service. These businesses can submit your paperwork to the DMV on your behalf, though they charge a fee for this service, usually between $25 and $50.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Once the DMV receives your complete application, processing typically takes two to three weeks. During this time, the DMV verifies ownership, checks for liens, and confirms the transfer fee was paid. You will receive a new title in the mail with your name as the owner.

If you need to register the vehicle before the title arrives, you can request a temporary registration document at the DMV office or online. This allows you to drive the car legally while waiting for the permanent title.

If the DMV finds an issue with your application—a missing signature, incorrect information, or an unpaid lien—they will mail the documents back to you with an explanation. You then correct the problem and resubmit, which restarts the clock. This is why double-checking all information before you submit saves time.

Special situations: Inherited cars, out-of-state titles, and damaged titles

If you inherited the vehicle, you need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and a court order or probate document showing you are the legal heir. The process is similar to a standard transfer, but the DMV requires proof that the estate has been settled or that you have legal authority to claim the vehicle.

If the title was issued in another state, you must first obtain a California title. Submit the out-of-state title, form REG 135, proof of residency, and the transfer fee to the DMV. California will issue a new title in your name. Some states issue electronic titles; contact the previous state's DMV to confirm how to obtain a physical copy if needed.

If the title is damaged, faded, or illegible, the seller must request a duplicate from their state's DMV before the transfer can proceed. Once they receive the duplicate, they sign it and send it to you to complete the transfer as normal.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is submitting the title without both owners' signatures if two names appear on it. California requires all registered owners to sign for the transfer to be valid. If you submit an unsigned or partially signed title, the DMV will return it.

Another frequent mistake is missing the 10-day deadline. While the DMV will still process your transfer after 10 days, you and the seller may face penalties, and the seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle until the title is officially in your name. Mark the purchase date on your calendar and submit your paperwork immediately.

Providing incorrect or missing proof of residency also delays the process. Make sure your utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement is dated within the last 90 days and shows your current address. A driver's license alone is not sufficient proof of residency.

If there is a lien on the title and you do not include the lien release letter, the DMV cannot complete the transfer. Confirm with the seller or lienholder that the loan has been paid off and request the release document before you submit your application.

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 meet in person. The signature must be original ink, not a photocopy or electronic signature. Once you have the signed title, you submit it to the California DMV with your other documents as normal.

What if the title shows a lien and the seller says it is paid off?

Ask the seller to contact the lienholder and request a written lien release letter. Do not complete the purchase until you have this document in hand. Without it, the lienholder's name remains on the title, and you do not own the vehicle free and clear.

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 complete application. If you need to drive the vehicle before the title arrives, you can request a temporary registration document at the DMV office or online.

Do I need to register the car at the same time I transfer the title?

No, but you must register it within a certain timeframe to drive it legally. You can transfer the title and register the vehicle in separate transactions, though many people do both at once to save time. Registration requires proof of insurance and payment of registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's value and age.

What if I bought the car from a private seller and they will not sign the title?

You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign, you do not legally own the vehicle. Do not hand over payment until the title is signed. If you have already paid and the seller will not cooperate, you may need to pursue legal action to recover your money or the vehicle.