California requires you to transfer the title within 10 days of purchase, and the process differs depending on whether you're buying from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting the vehicle

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all title transfers. If you buy from a licensed dealer, they typically handle the paperwork and submit it for you—but you're still responsible if they don't. If you buy from a private seller or inherit a car, you must submit the paperwork yourself. The form you need is the process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343), along with proof of ownership from the seller and proof that you've paid sales tax or are exempt.

The 10-day window is a legal important date, not a suggestion. If you miss it, the DMV may charge a late fee and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. The process takes about two to three weeks after you submit everything, though online submission is faster than in-person visits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit title transfer paperwork to the California DMV within 10 days of buying the vehicle, or face late fees and loss of legal driving rights.
  • Dealers handle transfers for you, but private sales require you to submit Form REG 343, the seller's signature on the title, and proof of sales tax payment or exemption.
  • The DMV processes transfers in two to three weeks; you can submit online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
  • If you inherit a vehicle, you need the death certificate and the original title, and the process is the same as a private sale transfer.
  • Out-of-state vehicles require an out-of-state title or a bill of sale if no title exists, plus a smog check before registration.

What you need to submit for a private sale transfer

The seller must sign the back of the original title in the designated area. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from their state's DMV before the sale, though this delays the transfer. You'll also need the seller's name, address, and phone number on the paperwork.

You must prove you've paid California sales tax. This is usually shown on your bill of sale or purchase receipt. If you bought the car out of state or from a private party without a receipt, you may owe use tax instead—the DMV will calculate this when you submit your transfer. Some buyers are exempt from sales tax (for example, if you're buying from a family member in certain circumstances), but you must document the exemption on Form REG 343.

Bring or submit a bill of sale, even though it's not always required—it protects both you and the seller by documenting the sale price and date. The DMV has a standard form (Form REG 135) you can use, or you can write your own as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures.

How to submit your transfer paperwork

You have three options: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. Online submission is the fastest route if you have a digital copy of the signed title and all supporting documents. You'll need to create a DMV online account, upload your documents, and pay the transfer fee (currently $15 for most transfers, though this varies slightly by county). The DMV processes online submissions within five to seven business days.

Mail submission takes longer—typically two to three weeks—because the DMV must physically receive and process your envelope. Send everything to the DMV office in Sacramento or your local regional office. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee and keep a copy of everything you send.

In-person submission at a local DMV office is the slowest option for getting your transfer processed, because you must wait for an appointment (which can be weeks out) and then wait in line. However, if you have questions or missing documents, staff can tell you when ready rather than having your process rejected by mail. Bring the original signed title, Form REG 343, your bill of sale, proof of sales tax payment, and your driver's license.

Dealer transfers and what happens if the dealer doesn't file

Licensed dealers in California must submit title transfers within 30 days of sale. Many submit within a week. You should receive a temporary registration document at the time of purchase that allows you to drive legally while the transfer is processing. Keep this document in your car.

If the dealer doesn't submit the paperwork, you remain the legal owner on the DMV's records, and the dealer cannot sell the car to someone else. However, you may face late fees or registration issues if the transfer isn't filed before your temporary registration expires. Contact the dealer's business office when ready if you haven't received confirmation that the transfer was submitted within two weeks of purchase.

If a dealer goes out of business or refuses to file, you can submit the paperwork yourself using the same process as a private sale. Bring your bill of sale and the dealer's paperwork from the sale. The DMV will process it, though you may owe a late fee.

Transferring an out-of-state title to California

If you're moving to California with a vehicle registered in another state, you must transfer the title within 20 days of establishing residency. Bring the out-of-state title, your bill of sale (if you recently purchased it), and proof of California residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or driver's license). You'll also need to pass a smog check before the DMV will issue a California registration.

Some states issue electronic titles that you cannot physically sign. Contact the other state's DMV to request a paper title, or ask them how to authorize a transfer to California. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so start early.

If you bought the vehicle out of state and it has no title (common for very old vehicles or private sales in some states), you can use a bill of sale and a statement from the seller that no title exists. The DMV may require additional documentation, such as a vehicle history report or a statement from the previous owner. Call your local DMV office before submitting to confirm what they need.

Inheriting a vehicle and transferring the title

If you inherit a car, the title transfer process depends on whether the vehicle goes through probate or is transferred outside probate (for example, through a living trust or transfer-on-death deed). In most cases, you'll need the original title, the death certificate, and a document proving your right to inherit—usually a will, trust document, or court order from probate.

If the estate goes through probate, the probate court will issue an order allowing you to transfer the title. Bring this order, the death certificate, and the original title to the DMV. If the vehicle is transferred outside probate, bring the trust document or transfer-on-death deed along with the death certificate and title.

You do not owe sales tax on an inherited vehicle in California. Mark the sales tax exemption box on Form REG 343 and include a copy of the death certificate with your submission. The transfer fee is the same as for a private sale.

Common reasons transfers are rejected or delayed

The most common reason for rejection is a missing or illegible signature from the seller on the back of the title. The seller must sign in the exact box labeled for the signature, not elsewhere on the document. If the signature is missing or in the wrong place, the DMV will return your process and you'll have to contact the seller again.

Mismatched names also cause delays. If the name on the title doesn't match the name on your driver's license or the bill of sale, the DMV will ask for clarification. This is common if you've recently married, divorced, or changed your name. Bring a court order or marriage certificate to prove the name change.

Missing or incorrect sales tax documentation is another frequent issue. If you don't include proof of tax payment and the DMV cannot verify it, they'll calculate use tax owed and add it to your registration bill. If you believe you're exempt from sales tax, include the exemption form or a letter explaining why.

Liens on the vehicle also delay transfers. If the seller still owes money to a bank or lender, that lender's name appears on the title. The lender must sign off on the transfer, which can take several days. Ask the seller to contact their lender before the sale to speed this up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive without transferring the title?

You can drive on your temporary registration for the time period shown on it (usually 30 to 60 days). After that, you're driving an unregistered vehicle, which is illegal. You can be cited, and your insurance may not cover an accident. The vehicle also cannot pass smog checks or be renewed for registration until the title is transferred.

Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?

Yes, but you need the death certificate and proof that you have the right to the vehicle—usually a will, trust document, or court order. If the estate hasn't gone through probate, you may need to open a probate case first, which takes several months. Some estates can skip probate if they're small enough under California law.

How much does a title transfer cost?

The transfer fee is $15 for most vehicles. You may also owe sales tax or use tax on the purchase price, which varies by county and the sale price. If you're transferring an out-of-state title, there may be additional fees. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the exact total.

What if the seller won't sign the title?

You cannot legally transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses, you have no legal ownership of the vehicle and should not pay for it. If you've already paid, you may need to pursue a civil claim or contact local law enforcement. Do not attempt to forge a signature.

Can I transfer a title online if I don't have a digital copy of the signed title?

No. Online submission requires you to upload a clear image of the signed title. If you don't have a digital copy, you can photograph it with your phone, save it as a PDF, and upload it. If the seller won't provide a copy, you must submit by mail or in person with the original document.