How long do I have to transfer a car title in California?

California requires the title transfer to be completed within 10 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.

How much does a car title transfer cost in California?

The base title transfer fee in California is $22. Base title transfer fee; sales tax (7.25% base + district) and registration fees are separate. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.

Does California require notarization for a car title transfer?

No, California does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. California does not require notarization on a standard title transfer.

What if the car has a lien on the title?

If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. If a lien exists, the lienholder must sign the title before transfer. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.

Can I transfer a car title online?

California offers some online title services. Buyers can begin the process at dmv.ca.gov but must visit DMV for in-person verification.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title?

You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. California has a 10-day window from sale date to transfer — late fees apply after.

How to Transfer a Car Title in California

Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in California — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.

Requirement	California Rule
Transfer Deadline	10 days from sale date
Title Fee	$22
Notarization Required	✗ No
Odometer Disclosure	✓ Required
Online Transfer	✓ Partially available
Agency	California DMV

California Note

California has a 10-day window from sale date to transfer — late fees apply after.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process

1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. California requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: If a lien exists, the lienholder must sign the title before transfer.
3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by California DMV.
4
Visit California DMV
Both buyer and seller visit California DMV with all documents. Pay the $22 title fee. Base title transfer fee; sales tax (7.25% base + district) and registration fees are separate.
5
Receive new title
California will issue a new title in the buyer's name. The deadline to complete the transfer is 10 days from the sale date — act promptly to avoid penalties. Online options are available: Buyers can begin the process at dmv.ca.gov but must visit DMV for in-person verification.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.

If a lien exists, the lienholder must sign the title before transfer.

Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.

Required Documents

✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
✓Odometer disclosure statement
✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
✓Lien release document (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer a car title in California?: California requires the title transfer to be completed within 10 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
How much does a car title transfer cost in California?: The base title transfer fee in California is $22. Base title transfer fee; sales tax (7.25% base + district) and registration fees are separate. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
Does California require notarization for a car title transfer?: No, California does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. California does not require notarization on a standard title transfer.
What if the car has a lien on the title?: If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. If a lien exists, the lienholder must sign the title before transfer. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
Can I transfer a car title online?: California offers some online title services. Buyers can begin the process at dmv.ca.gov but must visit DMV for in-person verification.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title?: You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. California has a 10-day window from sale date to transfer — late fees apply after.

Need a Bill of Sale for California?

A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in California.

Generate California Bill of Sale