What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in California

To transfer a vehicle title in California, you submit Form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and identification to your local DMV office or by mail. 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, or you can walk out with a temporary registration the same day if you go in person.

California requires the transfer to happen within 10 days of the sale. If you miss that window, you may face penalties, though the DMV can still process your transfer late. The cost varies depending on whether the vehicle is new to California, but expect to pay a transfer fee plus any applicable registration fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file the title transfer within 10 days of buying or selling the vehicle, or you risk late fees and registration holds.
  • Form REG 135 is the main document, and it requires signatures from both the seller and buyer in specific places.
  • The seller must provide the original title or a statement of facts if the title is lost, and the buyer needs a bill of sale and proof of California residency.
  • You can transfer the title by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third party like a dealership or auto club.
  • The DMV will mail the new title to you, but you get a temporary registration document on the spot if you explore in person.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

The seller must provide the original title signed on the back in the designated transfer section. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can file Form REG 227 (Statement of Facts) instead, though this adds time to the process. The title must show the seller as the registered owner.

The buyer needs a bill of sale signed by both parties. California does not require a specific form, but the bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. You can use Form REG 135 itself as the bill of sale section, or provide a separate document.

The buyer also needs proof of California residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If the buyer is not present, a power of attorney signed by the buyer is required.

How to Complete Form REG 135

Form REG 135 has multiple sections. Section 1 is for the seller's information and signature. The seller must sign in the box labeled "Seller's Signature" and print their name and date. Section 2 is for the buyer's information and signature — the buyer signs and prints their name and date in the designated boxes.

Fill in the vehicle information accurately: VIN, license plate number, make, model, and year. Any error here can delay the transfer. If the vehicle is being registered in California for the first time, you will also need to complete the registration section of the form and provide proof that the vehicle meets California emissions standards (or a waiver if it is exempt).

Do not sign the form before you are ready to submit it. Both the seller and buyer must sign in front of a DMV clerk or notary, or the form will be rejected. Some DMV offices allow you to sign in front of the clerk when you submit; others require notarization beforehand.

Submitting Your Transfer by Mail or In Person

To submit by mail, send the signed Form REG 135, the original title, the bill of sale, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the transfer fee to your local DMV office. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number. Mail to the address listed on the DMV website for your county. Processing takes two to three weeks.

To submit in person, bring all documents to a DMV office during business hours. You will take a number, wait for a clerk, and hand over your documents. The clerk will review them on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is correct, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary registration document valid for 30 days while the DMV mails the new title.

Some DMV offices are busier than others. Check the DMV website to see current wait times before you go. You can also make an appointment online for certain services, though title transfers are not always available by appointment.

Transfer Fees and Registration Costs

The title transfer fee is a flat amount set by California, currently $15. However, you will also owe registration fees based on the vehicle's value, weight, and whether it is new to California. If the vehicle was registered in another state, you pay California's registration fee for the current year. If it is a new purchase, you pay a pro-rated registration fee based on the month you register.

The DMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter the vehicle information and see the exact amount you owe. Bring a check, money order, or credit card (if paying in person). If you are mailing the payment, do not send cash.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

California law requires the transfer to be filed within 10 days of the sale. If you file after that date, the DMV will still process your transfer, but you may owe a late fee. The seller may also face liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident or traffic violation during the gap, since the title still shows them as the owner.

If you are significantly late (more than a few months), the DMV may require additional documentation, such as a notarized statement explaining the delay. The best approach is to file as soon as you have all the documents ready, even if you are a few days past the important date.

Using a Third Party to Handle the Transfer

You do not have to go to the DMV yourself. A licensed auto dealer, a DMV-authorized service, or a family member with a power of attorney can submit the transfer on your behalf. If you use a third party, you must sign a power of attorney form (Form REG 260) authorizing them to act for you.

Many auto dealerships handle title transfers as part of the sale process, so if you bought the vehicle from a dealer, ask whether they will file the transfer for you. Some charge a small fee for this service. If you are selling privately, you can ask the buyer to handle the filing, but make sure they understand the important date and that you remain liable until the new title is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

The DMV will reject the transfer. The seller must first correct their name on the title by filing Form REG 227 (Statement of Facts) or by getting a corrected title from the state where the vehicle was previously registered. This adds time, so flag this issue before you schedule your DMV visit.

Can I transfer the title if the vehicle has a lien on it?

No. The lienholder (usually a bank or finance company) must release the lien first. The seller should contact their lender and request a lien release letter. Once the lender releases the lien, the seller can sign the title over to the buyer. The lender will not release the lien until the loan is paid off.

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 processing your transfer. If you submit in person, you get a temporary registration document when ready that is valid for 30 days. If the title does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Do I need smog certification to transfer a title?

Smog certification is required for registration, not for the title transfer itself. If the vehicle is new to California, you will need a smog report from a certified station. If the vehicle was already registered in California, you do not need smog for the transfer, but you will need it when you renew registration.

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

You cannot complete the transfer without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses or is unreachable, you have no legal recourse through the DMV. Do not hand over money until the seller has signed the title in front of you. If you have already paid, you may need to pursue the matter through small claims court.