What a California DMV title is and why you need one

A California DMV title is the state document that proves you own a vehicle. It shows your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. The DMV issues titles for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles registered in California.

You need a title to sell a vehicle, transfer ownership to a family member, use as proof of ownership for insurance, or register a vehicle you just bought. If you buy a used car from a private seller, the seller must give you their title so you can transfer it into your name. If you buy from a dealer, the dealer handles the title transfer as part of the sale.

California titles are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. You cannot register a vehicle without one, and you cannot legally sell a vehicle without transferring the title to the buyer.

Key Takeaways

  • A California title is a legal document proving vehicle ownership, issued by the DMV and required to register, sell, or transfer any motor vehicle.
  • If you buy a used car from a private seller, you must obtain the seller's title and submit it to the DMV along with a bill of sale to transfer ownership into your name.
  • If you buy from a dealer, the dealer typically handles the title transfer and sends the paperwork to the DMV on your behalf.
  • You can request a duplicate title, a corrected title, or a title transfer through the DMV by mail, online, or in person at a local office.
  • Processing times vary depending on the method you choose, but mail submissions typically take two to three weeks.

Getting a title when you buy a used car from a private seller

When you buy a used vehicle from a private person, the seller must sign over their title to you. The title itself is a multi-part form that includes a section for the seller's signature and a section for the buyer's information. You and the seller both need to sign the title in the correct places.

After you and the seller sign the title, you must submit it to the DMV along with a bill of sale (Form REG 135), proof of a smog check (if required), and payment for the title transfer fee. The current fee is $15 for a regular title transfer. You can submit these documents by mail to your local DMV office, through the DMV website if you have an online account, or in person at a DMV field office.

The DMV will process your paperwork and issue a new title in your name. The title will arrive by mail at the address you provided. During processing, you can register the vehicle using a temporary registration document (Form REG 343) if you need to drive it before the title arrives.

Getting a title when you buy from a dealer

When you buy a vehicle from a licensed California dealer, the dealer is responsible for submitting the title transfer paperwork to the DMV. You do not submit the title yourself. Instead, you sign the buyer's section of the title at the dealership, and the dealer sends all required documents to the DMV.

The dealer will give you a temporary registration document so you can drive the vehicle while the DMV processes the title. The new title will be mailed to you within two to four weeks. If you do not receive your title within that timeframe, contact the dealership to confirm they submitted the paperwork.

Some dealers charge a documentation or title transfer fee on top of the vehicle price. This is a separate charge from the DMV's title transfer fee and is negotiable at the time of purchase.

Requesting a duplicate or corrected title

If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the DMV. If your title has an error on it — such as a misspelled name or incorrect VIN — you can request a corrected title. Both requests use the same process and cost $15.

To request a duplicate or corrected title, fill out Form REG 227 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Title) and submit it to the DMV by mail or in person. You can also submit the request online through the DMV website if you have an online account. Include your vehicle identification number, current registration number, and payment.

The DMV will mail the duplicate or corrected title to the address on file. Processing typically takes two to three weeks by mail. If you need the title sooner, visit a DMV field office in person to request expedited service, though this may incur an additional fee.

Title transfers for inherited vehicles

If you inherit a vehicle from a family member, you must transfer the title into your name through the DMV. The process depends on whether the deceased person's estate is going through probate court or not.

If there is no probate, you can use an Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value (Form STD 006) or a similar declaration to transfer the title without court involvement. If probate is involved, you will need a court order or a certified copy of the probate judgment. In either case, submit the required documents along with the original title, a bill of sale, and the $15 transfer fee to the DMV.

Contact the DMV or a probate attorney if you are unsure whether the estate requires probate. The DMV website has specific instructions for inherited vehicle title transfers.

Submitting title documents to the DMV

You have three ways to submit title documents to the California DMV: by mail, online, or in person.

By mail: Send the signed title, bill of sale, any required smog documentation, and payment to your local DMV office. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you are submitting. Processing takes two to three weeks. Mail your documents to the address listed on the DMV website for your county.

Online: If you have a California DMV online account, you can submit certain title transfer requests through the DMV website. Not all transactions are available online, so check the DMV website to see if your specific request can be submitted this way. Online submissions are processed faster than mail.

In person: Visit a DMV field office with your signed title, bill of sale, identification, and payment. Bring all original documents. Processing is usually completed the same day or within a few days. Wait times at field offices vary by location and time of day.

Fees and documents you need

The California DMV title transfer fee is $15 for most transactions. This covers a new title issued in your name. Additional fees may explore if you request expedited processing or if you need a duplicate title.

For a standard title transfer from a private seller, you will need:

  • The original title signed by the seller in the correct section
  • A completed bill of sale (Form REG 135) signed by both buyer and seller
  • A smog check certificate (if the vehicle is subject to smog testing)
  • Proof of your identity and California residency
  • Payment of $15 by check, money order, or credit card (depending on submission method)

If you are transferring a title from a dealer, the dealer handles most of these documents. You will sign the title at the dealership, and the dealer submits the rest.

What happens after you submit your title

After the DMV receives your title transfer documents, they will verify the information, check for liens or holds on the vehicle, and process the transfer. If everything is correct, the DMV will issue a new title in your name and mail it to you.

If there is a problem with your submission — such as a missing signature, incorrect fee, or missing documents — the DMV will contact you by mail or phone. Correct the issue and resubmit the documents. This delays processing.

Once the new title is issued, you can register the vehicle in California if you have not already done so. Registration and title are separate transactions, though they often happen around the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a vehicle before the title arrives?

Yes. When you submit a title transfer to the DMV, you can request a temporary registration document (Form REG 343) that allows you to drive the vehicle for up to 90 days while the DMV processes your title. The dealer will provide this if you buy from a dealership. If you buy from a private seller, ask the DMV for a temporary registration when you submit your paperwork.

What if the seller's signature is missing from the title?

The title transfer will be rejected. The seller must sign the title in the designated section before you submit it to the DMV. If the seller has already left, contact them and ask them to sign the title. Some DMV offices can notarize signatures if needed, though this is not always required.

How long does it take to get a title from the DMV?

Processing time depends on how you submit your documents. Mail submissions typically take two to three weeks. Online submissions are usually faster. In-person submissions at a DMV field office are often completed the same day or within a few days. During high-volume periods, processing may take longer.

Do I need a bill of sale if I buy from a dealer?

No. Dealers handle the bill of sale as part of their paperwork. You only need a bill of sale (Form REG 135) when you buy from a private seller. The bill of sale documents the sale price and the date of transfer.

What if there is a lien on the vehicle?

If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender or bank has a claim on it), the title will show the lienholder's name. The lienholder must sign off on the title transfer before you can take ownership. The seller is responsible for paying off the lien and obtaining a release from the lienholder. Do not complete the purchase until the lien is released and the title is clear.