What you need to do to change a California car title

Changing a car title in California means transferring ownership from one name to another, updating the title document itself, or correcting information already on it. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all title changes, and the process differs depending on why you're changing it — whether you're adding or removing an owner, correcting a name, or transferring the vehicle to someone else entirely.

The fastest route is usually the DMV office in person, where staff can tell you when ready if your documents are complete. You can also mail documents to the DMV, but processing takes longer and incomplete paperwork gets returned without action. Online title changes are not available in California; the DMV requires original signatures on specific forms.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires you to submit form REG 227 (process for Duplicate or Triplicate Title) to correct errors or add/remove owners, or form REG 262 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) if you're selling the vehicle.
  • You must bring the current title document, a completed process form, proof of California residency, and a valid ID to any DMV office.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate through the same process, and the DMV will issue a new one in the same names as the original.
  • Title changes typically take 4 to 6 weeks by mail or same-day at an in-person DMV visit, though the new document arrives by mail afterward.
  • If a co-owner refuses to sign, you cannot remove their name without a court order, and the DMV will not process the change.

Correcting a name or adding or removing an owner

If your name on the title is misspelled, you've married or divorced and changed your name, or you want to add or remove a co-owner, you'll file form REG 227 with the DMV. This form tells the DMV what information needs to change and why. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office.

Both the current owner and the person being added must sign the form in front of a DMV representative or notary public. If you're removing a co-owner, that person must also sign — the DMV will not process a removal without their signature, even if you're married or related. If a co-owner refuses to sign, your only option is a court order, which requires filing in civil court and proving grounds for the removal (usually fraud or abandonment).

Bring the original title, the completed REG 227 form, a valid ID, and proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're adding someone, bring their ID and residency proof as well. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though it varies by county.

Transferring ownership when you sell the vehicle

When you sell a car in California, you don't change the title — you release your liability and the buyer obtains a new title in their name. As the seller, you must complete form REG 262 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) and submit it to the DMV within 5 days of the sale. This protects you from liability for traffic violations, parking tickets, or accidents that occur after you no longer own the vehicle.

You can submit REG 262 online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online submission is free and takes about 2 minutes. If you mail it, include a copy of the signed title and the buyer's information. The buyer then takes the signed title to a DMV office to register the vehicle in their name.

If you don't file REG 262 and the buyer gets into an accident or receives a ticket, the DMV may still send notices to your address, and you could be held liable. Filing it protects you even if the buyer never registers the vehicle.

Replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen title

If your title is lost, damaged, or stolen, request a duplicate through form REG 227 (same form used for name corrections). Check the box for "Duplicate or Triplicate Title" and explain that the original is lost or damaged. The DMV will issue a new title document in the same names as the original — no ownership change occurs.

You'll need a valid ID, proof of residency, and payment (typically $15 to $20). If the title was stolen, you can also file a police report and include a copy with your process, though it's not required. The DMV will mail the duplicate title to you within 4 to 6 weeks.

If you need proof of ownership before the duplicate arrives, the DMV can issue a temporary registration document at the office. This is not a title but shows you own the vehicle and is valid for 30 days.

Adding a lien holder or removing one after a loan is paid off

When you finance a car, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder — they have a legal claim to the vehicle until the loan is paid. You cannot sell or transfer the title while a lien is active. When you pay off the loan, the lender must release the lien, and you then own the title free and clear.

The lender typically sends you a release document or a new title with the lien removed. If they don't, contact them and request a lien release letter. Bring this letter to the DMV along with your current title, form REG 227, a valid ID, and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a new title with no lienholder listed.

If the lender is out of business or you cannot locate them, you can petition the DMV for a lien release, though this requires additional documentation and takes longer. Contact your local DMV office for the specific process in your county.

Submitting your documents by mail versus in person

In-person visits to a DMV office are faster and more reliable. Staff review your documents on the spot, tell you if anything is missing, and process your change the same day. You'll receive a temporary registration document, and the new title arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks. Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Mailing documents takes longer and carries more risk. The DMV processes mail applications in the order received, which can take 6 to 8 weeks. If any document is incomplete or illegible, the DMV returns the entire package without processing, and you must resubmit. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief explanation of what you're requesting.

Mail your documents to the DMV office that serves your county. You can find the address on the California DMV website. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the package arrived. Keep copies of everything you send.

What happens if you don't have the original title

If you've lost the original title and cannot locate it, you must request a duplicate before you can make any other changes. The DMV will not process a name correction, ownership transfer, or lien release without the original or a duplicate in hand. Request the duplicate first using form REG 227, then once you receive it, submit any additional changes.

If you purchased the vehicle from someone who never gave you the title, contact the seller and ask them to provide it or request a duplicate from the DMV on your behalf. If the seller is unavailable or uncooperative, you can file a police report for theft or fraud and bring that report to the DMV. The DMV may issue a title in your name, but this process takes longer and requires additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the title online or by phone?

No. California requires original signatures on title documents, so all changes must be done in person at a DMV office or by mail. You can file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 262) online if you're selling the vehicle, but other title changes require a physical form with your signature and a notary or DMV witness.

How long does it take to get a new title after I submit the forms?

If you visit a DMV office in person, you'll receive a temporary registration document the same day. The new title document arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks. If you mail your forms, the entire process takes 6 to 8 weeks. Processing times vary by county and how busy the DMV is.

What if my spouse won't sign to remove their name from the title?

The DMV will not remove a co-owner's name without their signature. You'll need a court order, which requires filing a petition in civil court. This is common in divorce cases — the court can order the removal as part of the divorce judgment. Consult a family law attorney about your specific situation.

Do I need to notarize the form before I submit it?

No. You can have the form notarized, but it's not required. The DMV will accept a form signed in front of a DMV representative at the office, or you can have it notarized by a notary public and mail it in. Either way is valid.

What if I'm adding someone to the title but they live in another state?

Both owners must be present at a California DMV office to sign the form, or the form must be notarized by a notary public in the other state. If the other person cannot travel to California, have them sign the form in front of a notary in their state, then mail the notarized form to you and submit it to the California DMV along with your ID and residency proof.