What You Need to Do to Transfer a Vehicle Title in California

To transfer ownership of a vehicle in California, you submit form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the new owner's name. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, though you can also submit in person at a DMV office for faster handling.

The person transferring the vehicle (the seller) signs the title on the back. The person receiving the vehicle (the buyer) does not sign anything at the DMV — they only need to provide their information and proof of residency. Both parties must be present if submitting in person, but if submitting by mail, only the buyer needs to mail the documents.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires form REG 135, the signed title, a bill of sale, and a check or money order for the title transfer fee, which is currently $15.
  • The seller signs the back of the title; the buyer does not sign anything at the DMV and only needs to provide their name, address, and proof of California residency.
  • You can submit by mail to your county DMV office or in person at any DMV location, and processing takes two to three weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • If the title has a lien (the vehicle is financed), the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release letter before the transfer can be completed.
  • If the seller cannot locate the title, you can request a duplicate title using form REG 227 before proceeding with the transfer.

Gather the Documents the DMV Requires

Start by collecting the original title. The seller must have this document — it is the legal proof of ownership. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV using form REG 227 before the transfer happens. The title must be signed by the registered owner on the back, in the section labeled "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)."

Next, prepare a bill of sale. California does not require a specific form, but the document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller. You can write this on plain paper or use a template — the DMV does not need to see it, but it is useful proof of the transaction if questions arise later.

The buyer must provide proof of California residency. Acceptable documents include a California driver's license, California identification card, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing the buyer's name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Prepare a check or money order for $15, payable to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the title transfer fee. Do not send cash.

Handle a Liened Vehicle or Multiple Owners

If the vehicle has a loan or lien against it, the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must release the lien before the title can transfer. The lienholder signs the title in the lienholder section, or they provide a separate lien release letter on their letterhead. You cannot transfer ownership until this step is complete — the DMV will reject the process if a lien is still recorded.

Contact the lienholder directly and ask them to sign the title or send a lien release letter. Some lienholders mail this automatically when the loan is paid off; others require a written request. If the seller is paying off the loan as part of the sale, coordinate the timing so the lien release arrives before you submit the transfer paperwork.

If the title lists multiple owners (for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith"), all registered owners must sign the title. If the title lists owners as "John Smith or Jane Smith," only one owner needs to sign. Check the title carefully to see which applies.

Submit the Transfer by Mail or In Person

To submit by mail, send the signed title, completed form REG 135, proof of residency, and the $15 check to your county DMV office. Find the correct mailing address on the DMV website by entering your county. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the DMV can contact you if there are questions. Mail everything together in one envelope.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. The DMV will mail the new title to the buyer's address once the transfer is complete. If you need the title faster, visit a DMV office in person with all the same documents. In-person submissions are usually processed the same day, though you may wait several hours depending on how busy the office is.

Do not send the original title by regular mail if you are worried about loss — use certified mail with return receipt, or submit in person. Once the DMV receives your process, they will issue a new title, so the original is no longer needed after that point.

What Happens If the Seller Cannot Sign

If the registered owner has died, the person handling the estate must provide a death certificate and proof that they have authority to transfer the vehicle (such as letters testamentary or a court order). The DMV has specific procedures for this situation — contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website for the exact documents needed.

If the seller is out of state or unable to appear in person, they can sign the title and mail it to the buyer, who then submits the transfer process. The seller does not need to be present at the DMV. However, the seller's signature on the back of the title must be notarized if the title is being mailed separately from the seller to the buyer — check with the DMV about whether notarization is required in your specific situation, as this rule varies.

If the seller refuses to sign or cannot be located, the buyer cannot transfer the title through the standard process. The buyer would need to pursue a court order or other legal remedy, which is outside the scope of a DMV title transfer.

Understand Timing and What Comes Next

The DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name once the transfer is approved. This new title arrives by mail at the address provided on form REG 135, usually within two to three weeks of submission. The buyer should not assume ownership is complete until the new title is received.

After the title transfer is complete, the buyer must also register the vehicle if they have not already done so. Registration is separate from the title transfer. If the buyer is registering for the first time in California, they will need to submit form REG 343 (process for Original Vehicle Registration) along with proof of smog certification (if required), proof of residency, and the registration fee. The DMV website lists the current registration fee based on the vehicle's value and type.

The seller should keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale for their records, even after the transfer is complete. This protects them if questions arise about the sale later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not leave the title unsigned. The DMV will return the process if the registered owner's signature is missing. The signature must be in blue or black ink and must match the name printed on the title.

Do not forget to include proof of the buyer's residency. The DMV cannot process the transfer without it. A driver's license alone is not enough if it is expired or does not show a current address.

Do not send cash. The DMV only accepts checks or money orders. If you submit in person, some DMV offices accept debit or credit cards, but confirm this before you go.

Do not assume the transfer is complete when you mail the documents. Wait for the new title to arrive in the mail before considering the transfer finished. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Do not transfer the title without handling any existing lien first. If a lien is still recorded, the DMV will reject the process and return it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the buyer and seller submit the transfer together, or does only one person need to go to the DMV?

Only the buyer needs to submit the transfer to the DMV. The seller signs the title beforehand and can mail it to the buyer or give it to them in person. If submitting in person at a DMV office, the buyer can go alone — the seller does not need to be there.

What if the title shows the seller's name spelled differently than on their ID?

The signature on the title must match the name printed on the title, not the ID. If there is a discrepancy between the title and the seller's current ID, contact the DMV before submitting the transfer. You may need to correct the title first using form REG 227.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title after buying the vehicle?

California law requires the transfer to be completed within 10 days of the sale. If the transfer is not submitted within this window, the seller may face penalties. Submit the process as soon as possible after the sale to avoid issues.

Can the buyer transfer the title if they do not have a California driver's license yet?

Yes. The buyer needs proof of California residency, which can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — not just a driver's license. If the buyer is new to California, these documents are sufficient for the title transfer.

What if the DMV rejects the transfer process?

The DMV will return the process by mail with a letter explaining why it was rejected. Common reasons include a missing signature, incorrect fee, missing proof of residency, or an outstanding lien. Correct the issue and resubmit. You do not need to pay the fee again if the rejection was the DMV's error.