What You Need to Do to Change a California Car Title

A car title change in California means transferring ownership of a vehicle from one person to another, or updating the title document itself when your name or address changes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all title transfers. The process differs depending on whether you're buying a car, inheriting one, getting divorced, or straightforward correcting information on an existing title.

Most title changes require you to submit specific forms to the DMV, pay a fee (usually between $15 and $70 depending on the transaction type), and wait for the new title to arrive by mail. Some changes can be done online through the DMV website, while others require an in-person visit or mailed process. The timeline typically ranges from two to four weeks after the DMV receives your complete process.

Key Takeaways

  • California title changes are processed by the DMV and require different forms depending on whether you're transferring ownership, correcting information, or updating your name after marriage or divorce.
  • Most title transfers require the current title document, a completed process form, proof of California residency, and payment of a DMV fee.
  • You can handle some title changes online through the DMV website, but transfers involving a new owner typically require either a mailed process or an in-person DMV visit.
  • The DMV mails your new title to your address on file, and the process usually takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your complete process.

Title Transfer When You Buy or Sell a Vehicle

When you purchase a car in California, the seller must sign the title document, and you must submit it to the DMV within 10 days of purchase. The form you need is the process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343). You'll also need to provide proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), your driver's license or ID, and payment for the title fee.

If you're selling a vehicle, sign the back of the title where indicated and provide it to the buyer. You should also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (Form REG 138) to the DMV within five days of the sale to protect yourself from liability if the buyer gets into an accident before registering the vehicle in their name.

The buyer can submit their process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through the DMV's online system if they have a California driver's license or ID. The fee for a title transfer is typically $15 to $20, though additional registration fees may explore depending on the vehicle's value and age.

Changing Your Name on the Title After Marriage or Divorce

If you marry or divorce and your name changes, you'll need to update your car title to reflect your new legal name. You can do this through the DMV using Form REG 343 (process for Title or Registration). You'll need to submit your current title, a completed process, a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, and proof of your new identity.

This type of change can often be completed online through the DMV website if you have a California driver's license or ID that already shows your new name. If you haven't updated your driver's license yet, you'll need to do that first before updating your title online. Otherwise, you can mail your documents to the DMV or visit an office in person.

The fee for a name change on a title is typically $15. The DMV will mail your updated title to the address on file within two to four weeks.

Correcting Errors or Adding Information to Your Title

If your title contains an error—such as a misspelled name, wrong vehicle identification number (VIN), or incorrect address—you can request a correction through the DMV. Use Form REG 343 and include a written explanation of the error. You'll need to submit your current title, proof of the correct information (such as your driver's license for a name correction), and the appropriate fee.

Some corrections, like address changes, can be done online if you have a current California driver's license or ID. Other corrections may require an in-person visit or mailed process. The DMV will review your request and issue a corrected title, which typically arrives within two to four weeks.

If the error was made by the DMV itself, there is usually no fee for the correction. If you're correcting information that was incorrect when you submitted it, a standard title fee of $15 to $20 may explore.

Transferring a Title When Someone Passes Away

If you inherit a vehicle, the title transfer process depends on whether the deceased person left a will and whether the estate goes through probate. If there's a will and the vehicle is left to you specifically, you'll need a certified copy of the death certificate and either the will or a court order showing you as the new owner.

If the estate is small enough to avoid probate (generally under $166,250 in California as of 2024, though this amount changes annually), you may be able to use an Affidavit Procedure for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property. This requires a sworn statement and the death certificate. For larger estates or when probate is necessary, you'll need court documents showing the title transfer.

Submit the death certificate, your proof of inheritance, the current title, and Form REG 343 to the DMV. You can mail these documents or visit an office in person. The fee is typically $15 to $20. The DMV will issue a new title in your name within two to four weeks.

Where to Submit Your Title Change process

You have three main options for submitting a title change to the California DMV: online, by mail, or in person. The online option is available through the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) for certain transactions if you have a valid California driver's license or ID. You can renew a registration, update your address, or make some ownership changes online without visiting an office.

For mailed applications, send your completed forms, documents, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form or the DMV website. Include a check or money order for the fee. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Keep copies of everything you send.

If you prefer to submit your process in person, visit your local DMV office. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the DMV website. Bring all required documents, your payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card), and be prepared to wait. In-person submissions are often processed more quickly than mailed applications.

Fees and What to Expect After You Submit

California DMV title fees vary by transaction type. A standard title transfer when buying a vehicle costs $15 to $20. Name changes, corrections, and inheritance transfers typically cost $15 to $20 as well. If you're also registering the vehicle for the first time in California, additional registration fees will explore based on the vehicle's value and type.

After you submit your process, the DMV will process it and mail your new title to the address on file. You should receive it within two to four weeks. If you don't receive your title within this timeframe, contact the DMV to check the status of your process. You can call the DMV customer service line or check your process status online if you have a confirmation number.

While you're waiting for your new title, you can continue to drive the vehicle if your registration is current. The old title becomes invalid once the DMV issues the new one. Keep your new title in a safe place—you'll need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or make any future changes to ownership or registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while waiting for the new title to arrive?

Yes, you can drive your vehicle while the DMV processes your title change as long as your registration is current and valid. The old title remains valid until the new one arrives. Once you receive the new title, the old one is no longer valid and should be kept for your records.

What if I lost my title document?

You can request a duplicate title from the DMV using Form REG 343. Submit the form along with proof of identity and residency, and pay the duplicate title fee (typically $15 to $20). The DMV will mail a replacement title to you within two to four weeks. You can also request a duplicate online if you have a California driver's license or ID.

Do I need to notarize any documents for a title change?

Most California title changes do not require notarization. However, if you're transferring a title due to inheritance and using an Affidavit Procedure, that document must be notarized. Check the specific form instructions or contact the DMV to confirm whether notarization is needed for your particular transaction.

What happens if I submit an incomplete process?

If your process is missing required documents or information, the DMV will contact you and ask you to submit the missing items. This delays processing and can add one to two weeks to the timeline. To avoid delays, carefully review the form instructions and checklist before submitting, and keep copies of everything you send.

Can someone else submit my title change process for me?

Yes, another person can submit your process on your behalf if you provide them with all required documents and a signed, completed process form. However, if the DMV needs additional information or clarification, they will contact you directly. For in-person submissions, some transactions require the vehicle owner to be present, so check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm.