What You Need to Do to Transfer a California Car Title

California requires you to transfer the title into your name within 10 days of buying a vehicle. You do this by submitting 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 most title transfers in two to three weeks, though you can pay extra for faster service. You can submit your paperwork in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or vehicle registration service.

The exact documents you need depend on whether you bought the car from a dealer, a private seller, or inherited it. A dealer typically handles the paperwork for you, but if you bought privately, you are responsible for gathering and submitting everything yourself. California also requires a smog check certificate for most vehicles before the title can transfer, unless the car is brand new, electric, or more than 55 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form REG 135 to the California DMV within 10 days of purchase, or you may face penalties and registration delays.
  • A private sale requires a bill of sale, the signed title from the seller, proof of a smog check, and payment of transfer fees, which vary based on the vehicle's value.
  • Dealer sales are usually processed by the dealership itself, but you should confirm they have submitted your paperwork before leaving the lot.
  • The DMV offers standard processing (two to three weeks) and expedited options including same-day service at some locations for an additional fee.
  • You cannot register or legally drive the vehicle until the title transfer is complete and you receive your new registration.

Documents Required for a Private Sale Title Transfer

If you bought the car from another person, you need the original title signed by the seller in the designated transfer section. The seller must sign in front of a notary public or a DMV representative — a signature without a witness is not valid. You also need a completed bill of sale (Form REG 135 works for this, or you can use a private bill of sale template). The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.

You must also provide a smog check certificate issued within the last 30 days. This certificate comes from a Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified smog station and confirms the vehicle meets California emissions standards. Some vehicles are exempt — new cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and cars manufactured before 1976 do not need a smog check. If the vehicle fails smog, you cannot transfer the title until repairs are made and it passes a retest.

Finally, you need proof of payment of the transfer fee, which is based on the vehicle's value as determined by the DMV. The fee ranges from about $15 to $250 depending on the sale price. You also pay a registration fee if you want to register the vehicle at the same time. Bring your driver's license or state ID, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the completed Form REG 135.

How Dealer Title Transfers Work Differently

When you buy from a licensed California dealer, the dealership is responsible for submitting the title transfer paperwork to the DMV on your behalf. The dealer collects your signature on the necessary forms, handles the smog check (which they usually arrange), and pays the transfer and registration fees, which they often roll into your final bill. You should receive temporary registration documents at the time of purchase that allow you to drive the vehicle legally while the permanent title and registration are being processed.

Even though the dealer handles the submission, you should ask them to confirm they have sent your paperwork to the DMV and get a receipt or confirmation number. If there are errors or missing documents, the DMV will contact the dealer, not you, and delays can result. Some dealerships use third-party registration services to speed up processing, which may cost extra but can reduce the wait time to one week or less.

Smog Check Requirements and Exemptions

California's smog check is a test of your vehicle's emissions system and is required before most title transfers can be completed. You must obtain the certificate from a Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified station, not from a general mechanic or dealership service department (though some dealerships have certified stations on-site). The test costs between $30 and $70 and takes about 30 minutes. The certificate is valid for 30 days, so time your test accordingly — if it expires before the DMV processes your transfer, you will need a new one.

Vehicles exempt from smog checks include all model year 2000 and newer vehicles on their first registration (new cars), all-electric vehicles, motorcycles, vehicles manufactured before 1976, and vehicles registered as classic cars. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is exempt, the DMV website has a smog check lookup tool where you can enter your VIN. If your vehicle fails the smog check, you have the option to repair it and retest, or in some cases to request a referee inspection if you believe the test was wrong.

Transfer Fees and Registration Costs

The title transfer fee in California is based on the vehicle's value as reported on your bill of sale or purchase agreement. The DMV uses a fee schedule that starts at about $15 for vehicles valued under $500 and increases to around $250 for vehicles valued over $40,000. This is separate from the registration fee, which is based on the vehicle's weight and model year and typically ranges from $200 to $400 for a standard passenger vehicle.

If you are transferring a title without registering the vehicle at the same time — for example, if you are buying a car to hold for resale — you pay only the transfer fee. However, if you plan to drive the vehicle, you must register it, which means paying both fees. Some counties also charge a local vehicle registration fee on top of the state fee. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your paperwork in person or by mail.

Where and How to Submit Your Title Transfer

You can submit your title transfer process in three ways: in person at a California DMV office, by mail to the DMV, or through an authorized third party. The fastest option is in person at a DMV office, where staff can review your documents on the spot and catch any errors before you leave. Some DMV offices offer same-day title transfer service for an additional fee of around $15 to $20, though availability varies by location. You can check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see what services they offer.

If you mail your process, send it to the DMV address listed on Form REG 135, along with all required documents and a check or money order for the fees. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. The DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. You can also use a registered vehicle registration service or dealership to submit your paperwork on your behalf, though they will charge a service fee (usually $50 to $150) in addition to the DMV fees.

After submission, the DMV will send you a notice of transfer and a new registration card and tags. If you submitted in person and paid for expedited service, you may receive your new registration the same day. If you mailed your process, expect to wait two to three weeks. You can check the status of your process online using your driver's license number and the process date, though the online system may lag behind the actual processing time by a few days.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

California law requires you to transfer the title within 10 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, you may face a late fee of $10 and your vehicle registration may be delayed or suspended. The DMV can also issue a citation for driving an unregistered vehicle, which carries a fine of $250 or more. If the vehicle is involved in an accident before the title is transferred, liability and insurance issues can become complicated, and you may not be covered by your insurance policy.

If you have missed the important date, submit your title transfer process as soon as possible. Include a written explanation of the delay if you have one, though the DMV does not always require this. The late fee is not waived, but submitting promptly prevents further penalties. If you are having trouble gathering documents or paying the fees, contact your local DMV office to discuss your options — some offices can work with you on payment plans or document issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

If you bought from a dealer, yes — they provide temporary registration that is valid while the permanent title is being processed. If you bought privately, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the title transfer is submitted to the DMV and you receive temporary registration. Some DMV offices issue a temporary registration receipt on the spot if you explore in person; others mail it later. Do not drive without some form of valid registration.

What if the seller will not sign the title?

The seller must sign the title in the designated transfer section for the transfer to be valid. If they refuse, you cannot complete the transfer and should not hand over payment. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, contact the local police non-emergency line to file a report, then consult an attorney about your options. This is why it is important to complete the title signing before finalizing payment.

Do I need a notary for the bill of sale?

No, the bill of sale does not require a notary. However, the title itself must be signed by the seller in front of a notary public or a DMV representative. Some people choose to have the bill of sale notarized as well for extra protection, but it is not required by California law. The DMV office can notarize the title signature if you explore in person.

What if I bought the car out of state?

If you bought a vehicle out of state and are moving it to California, you must transfer the title to California within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, proof of a California smog check, and proof of California residency. Some states have different title formats, so contact the California DMV if you are unsure whether your out-of-state title is acceptable.

How long does a title transfer take if I pay for expedited service?

Expedited service at a DMV office can result in same-day processing, though this depends on the office's workload and whether all your documents are correct. The fee for expedited service is around $15 to $20 on top of the regular transfer fee. If you use a registration service, they may offer faster processing through their own channels, but this also costs extra and is not may provide to be faster than DMV expedited service.