What You Need to Do to Transfer a California Vehicle Title
To transfer a vehicle title in California, you submit form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the DMV 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 timing varies depending on how you submit your documents and whether the DMV needs to contact you for missing information.
You do not have to visit a DMV office in person — most people complete the transfer entirely by mail or through the DMV's online system if they meet certain conditions. The cost is typically $15 to $20 for the title transfer itself, plus registration fees that depend on the vehicle's value and type.
Key Takeaways
- Form REG 135 is the official California DMV form for transferring a vehicle title, and you must include the current title, bill of sale, and proof of identity.
- The seller and buyer must both sign the title in the spaces marked "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)" and "Signature(s) of Buyer(s)" before you mail it to the DMV.
- You can mail your documents to your local DMV office or use the online transfer system if the vehicle is not a commercial vehicle and meets other basic requirements.
- The DMV will contact you by mail if documents are missing or unclear, which delays the process, so keep copies of everything you send.
- California requires the transfer to happen within 10 days of the sale, though the DMV does not penalize buyers who file late as long as they eventually transfer the title.
Documents You Must Provide to the DMV
The current title (also called the certificate of ownership) is the foundation of any transfer. It must be signed by the current registered owner in the box labeled "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)." If the title has two owners listed, both must sign unless the title says "or" between their names — in which case only one needs to sign. If the title says "and," both must sign.
The bill of sale is a record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer. California does not require a specific bill of sale form — you can use the DMV's optional form (REG 135-A) or write your own as long as it contains the required information. The bill of sale protects both parties by documenting that money changed hands and on what date.
You must also provide proof of identity for the buyer. A California driver's license, California ID card, or passport works. If the buyer is not present to sign, they can sign the title and bill of sale in advance, and the seller can mail the documents alone. The DMV also needs the completed form REG 135, which you can read from the California DMV website or pick up at any DMV office.
How to Sign the Title Correctly
The seller signs in the "Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s)" section on the back of the title. The buyer signs in the "Signature(s) of Buyer(s)" section directly below. Both signatures must be in blue or black ink — do not use pencil. If either party signs in the wrong box or uses pencil, the DMV will return the title and delay the transfer.
Print the buyer's name and address in the spaces provided on the title. If the buyer's name does not fit in the space, write it as clearly as possible and continue on the line below if needed. The DMV has seen thousands of titles and can read cramped handwriting, but illegible signatures or names may trigger a request for clarification.
Do not cross out, white out, or use correction tape on the title. If you make a mistake, request a duplicate title from the DMV before signing. A corrected title costs about $4 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Where to Send Your Documents and How Long It Takes
You can mail your documents to the DMV office that serves your county. Find the correct address on the California DMV website by entering your zip code. Include form REG 135, the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of the buyer's identity, and a check or money order for the transfer fee. Keep copies of everything you send.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your package. The DMV does not send a confirmation when your documents arrive, so if you want proof of mailing, use certified mail with return receipt. Once the transfer is complete, the DMV mails the new title to the buyer's address within one to two weeks.
If you use the DMV's online transfer system (available at dmv.ca.gov), the process is faster — you can upload documents and pay by credit card, and the DMV processes online transfers within five to ten business days. However, the online system is not available for commercial vehicles, vehicles with liens, or titles that show damage or alterations.
What Happens If Documents Are Missing or Incorrect
If the DMV finds a problem with your submission — a missing signature, illegible information, or an unsigned bill of sale — they will mail you a notice asking you to correct it and resubmit. This adds two to four weeks to the process. Common mistakes include the seller forgetting to sign, the buyer's name not matching their ID, or the bill of sale missing the VIN.
To avoid delays, double-check that both the seller and buyer have signed the title in the correct boxes before you mail it. Verify that the buyer's name on the title matches their driver's license or ID exactly. Make sure the bill of sale includes the VIN (found on the title, the vehicle's dashboard, or the registration card), the sale price, and the date of sale.
If the DMV contacts you and you do not respond within 60 days, they will return your documents and you will have to start over. If this happens, resubmit everything as soon as possible to avoid registration issues.
Vehicles With Liens and Other Special Situations
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until the loan is paid off), the lienholder's name appears on the title. The lienholder must sign the title in the "Lienholder's Signature" box, or the transfer cannot be completed. Usually the seller arranges this with the lender before the sale closes. If the lender does not sign, contact them directly and ask them to sign and return the title to you.
If the title is lost, damaged, or has been altered, you cannot use it to transfer ownership. Request a duplicate or corrected title from the DMV first. A duplicate title costs about $4 and takes one to two weeks. A corrected title (if the DMV made an error) is also $4 and takes similar time.
If the vehicle is registered to a business, trust, or deceased person's estate, the transfer process is more complex and may require additional documents such as a death certificate, trust document, or corporate resolution. Contact your local DMV office for guidance on these situations.
Scam Alerts and Safety Information
Do not send cash through the mail. Use a check or money order made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, meet in a public place and inspect the title in person before handing over money. Verify that the seller's name matches the registered owner's name on the title — if it does not, the seller does not legally own the vehicle and cannot transfer it to you.
Beware of sellers who claim the title is "in the mail" or "at the bank" and ask you to pay before you see it. Legitimate private sales include the title at the time of purchase. If a seller cannot produce the title, do not buy the vehicle.
Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to transfer your title for you. The DMV does not endorse any private company to handle title transfers. You can complete the transfer yourself by mail or online at no cost beyond the official DMV fees. If a service charges you hundreds of dollars to do what you can do for $15 to $20, you are paying for convenience, not for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title if the seller is out of state?
Yes. The seller can sign the title and bill of sale wherever they are and mail them to you. You then submit everything to the California DMV along with your own signature and identification. The seller does not need to be present in California or sign in front of a notary — a regular signature is enough.
What if I buy a vehicle and the seller never transfers the title?
If the seller does not transfer the title within 10 days of the sale, you are still legally responsible for the vehicle even though you own it. If the vehicle is involved in an accident or crime, the registered owner (the seller) may be contacted. Contact the seller and ask them to submit the transfer when ready. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the California DMV and provide proof of the bill of sale.
Do I need to get the title notarized?
No. California does not require a notary for a vehicle title transfer between private parties. The signatures of the seller and buyer are sufficient. Some lenders or out-of-state buyers may request a notarized bill of sale for their own records, but the DMV does not require it.
How much does a California vehicle title transfer cost?
The title transfer fee is typically $15 to $20. You may also owe registration fees based on the vehicle's value and type, which can range from $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the vehicle. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the exact fee for your vehicle.
Can I transfer a title online if I buy from a dealer?
No. The online transfer system is only for private sales between individuals. If you buy from a licensed dealer, the dealer handles the title transfer and registration as part of the sale. You should receive the new title in the mail within two to four weeks after purchase.