How to transfer a car title in California
For private sellers and buyers in California. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in California, the seller and the buyer sign the original title, and the seller notifies DMV within 5 calendar days. The buyer submits the signed title at a DMV office or by mail and pays the transfer fee and use tax, starting the transfer within 10 days of the sale.
What do the buyer and seller each do in California?
Seller
- Sign the original title with the buyer.
- If the title is missing, fill out the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) first.
- Tell DMV about the sale within 5 calendar days with a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
Buyer
- Sign the original title with the seller.
- Send DMV the signed title and forms, by mail or in person, and pay the fees and use tax.
- Start the transfer within 10 days of the sale.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.ca.gov
How do I sign over a car title in California?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the original title with the buyer.
If the title is missing, fill out REG 227 first; it can replace the title and transfer it at the same time.
dmv.ca.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Record the mileage.
An odometer disclosure is needed for cars less than ten years old. If the title has no space for it, use REG 262.
dmv.ca.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Fill out a bill of sale.
DMV's checklist says to use the Bill of Sale (REG 135) to record the price and the date.
REG 135 · Bill of Saledmv.ca.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
File the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days.
Online, or mail a REG 138. It ends your liability for tickets and violations after the date of sale, but it does not transfer the title.
dmv.ca.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether California requires a bill of sale. Check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
California bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in California?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title from the seller.
Both of you sign the original title. If there was a loan, the lienholder signs it too or gives a lien release (REG 166).
Step 2 · Buyer
Gather the other papers.
A smog certificate from the last 90 days for most cars over four years old, and the odometer disclosure for cars under ten years old.
Step 3 · Buyer
Submit everything within 10 days.
At a DMV office or by mail to DMV in Sacramento. You pay the transfer fee and the use tax. After thirty days a penalty applies.
After DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
California guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in California · Steps to buy a car in California
- California bill of saleOfficial form REG 135
- Gifting a car in CaliforniaGiving or getting a car with no money paid
- Replace a lost title in CaliforniaReplacement title (REG 227)
- Car title after a death in CaliforniaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in California?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | $15 | Buyer | dmv.ca.gov Checked |
| Use tax (same rate as the local sales tax) | The sales tax rate where you register the car | Buyer | cdtfa.ca.gov Checked |
| Late transfer penalty after 30 days (if it applies) | $15 | Buyer | dmv.ca.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $15 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftCalifornia has its own steps for gifts.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
There is a lien on the title
If there is a loan, the lienholder signs the title too, or gives a Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166). dmv.ca.gov checked
Common questions
How long do you have to transfer a car title in California?
10 days from the sale to avoid late penalties. After thirty days, DMV charges a $15 penalty.
dmv.ca.gov checked
How long does the seller have to notify DMV?
5 calendar days. The notice ends the seller's liability for later tickets and violations, but it does not transfer the title.
dmv.ca.gov checked
How much is the title transfer fee in California?
$15, plus use tax at the sales tax rate where you register the car.
cdtfa.ca.gov checked dmv.ca.gov checked
Does the buyer need a smog certificate?
Most cars over four years old need a smog check certificate from the last ninety days.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Sources for this page
- cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/
vehicles-vessels-aircraft/ Checkedvehicles.htm - dmv.ca.gov/portal/
file/ Checkedstandard_title_transfer_checklist-pdf/ - dmv.ca.gov/portal/
vehicle-registration/ Checkedregistration-fees/ - dmv.ca.gov/portal/
vehicle-registration/ Checkedtitles/ title-transfers-and-changes/ - dmv.ca.gov/portal/
vehicle-registration/ Checkedtitles/ title-transfers-and-changes/ notice-of-transfer-and-release-of-liability-nrl/
About this page
This page summarizes official California sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.