What you need to do to transfer a car title in California

To transfer a car title in California, you fill out a form called the process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343), provide proof of ownership and identity, pay a fee, and submit everything to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person at a DMV office for faster service. The person transferring the title (the seller) and the person receiving it (the buyer) both need to sign the back of the existing title document.

California requires the title to be transferred within 10 days of the sale, though the DMV will still process it if you miss that window. The exact steps and documents you need depend on whether you are buying from a private person, a dealership, or inheriting the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the back of the current title; the seller cannot sign it ahead of time.
  • You will need the signed title, a completed REG 343 form, proof of California residency, and a valid ID to transfer ownership.
  • The DMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value; you can find the exact amount on the DMV website for your county.
  • If you buy from a dealership, they usually handle the title transfer for you, but you still need to provide your information and sign documents.
  • Transfers completed in person at a DMV office are typically processed the same day, while mail submissions take two to three weeks.

Documents the seller and buyer both need to provide

The signed title is the foundation of any transfer. The seller must sign the back of the title in the section marked "Seller's Signature." The buyer then signs in the "Buyer's Signature" section. Neither party can sign this ahead of time — both signatures must happen at or after the sale. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale.

The buyer must also bring a completed REG 343 form (process for Title or Registration). This form asks for the vehicle identification number (VIN), the odometer reading, the sale price, and information about both the buyer and seller. You can read it from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.

The buyer needs proof of California residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You also need a valid government-issued ID such as a California driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have California residency yet but are moving to the state, bring a document showing your intent to move, such as a lease or job offer letter.

If there is a lien on the vehicle (meaning a bank or lender owns it until the loan is paid off), the seller must bring proof that the lien has been paid off, or the lender must sign a release document. The DMV will not transfer the title if a lien remains unpaid.

How to submit your transfer by mail or in person

To submit by mail, gather the signed title, completed REG 343 form, proof of residency, your ID, and the transfer fee (payable by check or money order). Mail everything to the DMV address for your county — you can find the correct address on the DMV website. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the DMV can contact you if something is missing. Mail submissions typically take two to three weeks to process.

To submit in person, bring the same documents to your local DMV office. You will need to take a number and wait, but the transfer is usually completed the same day. The DMV will give you a temporary registration document on the spot, and the official title will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the DMV website for your county to see if appointments are available.

The transfer fee and what affects the amount

California charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. The DMV uses a fee schedule that increases with the sale price. For example, a vehicle sold for under $500 has a lower fee than one sold for $5,000. You can look up the exact fee on the DMV website by entering your vehicle's sale price.

The fee covers the cost of processing the transfer and issuing the new title. You pay it once, at the time of transfer. If you are transferring the title by mail, pay by check or money order made out to the "Department of Motor Vehicles." If you are in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

Some people also need to pay a vehicle registration fee at the same time, which is separate from the title transfer fee. Registration is required to legally drive the vehicle in California, and the cost depends on the vehicle's weight and type. The DMV will tell you if registration is due when you submit your transfer.

What happens if the seller and buyer cannot meet in person

If the seller and buyer are not in the same location, the seller can sign the title and mail it to the buyer, who then completes the transfer at their local DMV. However, both signatures must be original — photocopies are not accepted. The seller should mail the signed title in a find way, such as certified mail with signature confirmation.

Alternatively, the buyer can travel to the seller's location to sign the title in person, then submit it to their own DMV office. Some people use a notary public to witness the signatures, though California does not require notarization for a basic title transfer.

If the vehicle is being transferred as part of an estate or inheritance, different rules explore. The person inheriting the vehicle will need a death certificate and a court document proving they have the right to the vehicle, in addition to the standard transfer documents.

When you buy from a dealership instead of a private seller

Dealerships in California are required to handle the title transfer on your behalf. You do not need to fill out the REG 343 form yourself or go to the DMV — the dealership does this as part of the sale. However, you still need to provide your identification, proof of residency, and sign the necessary paperwork at the dealership.

The dealership will collect the transfer fee and registration fee from you at the time of purchase, usually as part of the total cost. They then submit everything to the DMV. You will receive your new title by mail within two to three weeks. During that time, the dealership gives you a temporary registration document that allows you to drive the vehicle legally.

If something goes wrong with the dealership's submission, the DMV will contact you directly. Always keep your temporary registration and the dealership's paperwork until you receive the official title.

Common reasons the DMV rejects a title transfer

The most frequent rejection is a missing or incorrect signature. If the seller did not sign the title, or if the signature does not match the name on the title, the DMV will return the paperwork. The same applies if the buyer's signature is missing. Both parties must sign in blue or black ink — pencil is not accepted.

An incomplete or incorrectly filled REG 343 form is another common reason for rejection. Make sure the VIN matches the title exactly, the odometer reading is filled in, and both the buyer's and seller's information is complete and legible. If you are unsure about any field, leave it blank rather than guessing — the DMV will contact you to clarify.

Unpaid liens also cause rejections. If the title shows a lien and the seller has not provided proof of payoff, the transfer cannot proceed. The seller must contact their lender to get a lien release document before resubmitting.

Incorrect or missing payment is another issue. Make sure your check or money order is made out to the "Department of Motor Vehicles" and that the amount matches the fee schedule for your vehicle's sale price. If you are submitting by mail, include the payment with your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

By mail, expect two to three weeks. In person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary registration the same day, and the official title arrives by mail within two to three weeks. During the waiting period, the temporary registration allows you to drive the vehicle legally.

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

Yes, if you have a temporary registration from the DMV or the dealership. You cannot drive it legally without some form of registration, so do not drive it home before getting that temporary document.

What if the title has the wrong name or information on it?

Contact the DMV before attempting the transfer. They can issue a corrected title if there is an error. Bring your ID and proof of ownership to a DMV office, and they will help you correct it.

Do I need to get the title notarized in California?

No, California does not require notarization for a standard title transfer between a buyer and seller. Both parties straightforward sign the back of the title in front of each other or by mail.

What if I bought the car out of state and am moving to California?

You will need to transfer your out-of-state title to a California title. Bring your current title, proof of California residency, your ID, and the transfer fee to a DMV office. The process is the same as a standard transfer.