California Electric Vehicle Title
Lost Electric Vehicle Title in California
How to get a duplicate title, how long it takes, what to do when the previous owner can't sign, and your bonded title options.
California duplicate title at a glance
- Form
- REG 227 — Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title
- Fee
- $23
- Processing time
- 4-6 weeks by mail; same-day at a DMV office
- California DMV
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov
Three paths when you have no title
Path 1: Duplicate title (recommended)
If the title was issued in your name (or the seller's name you can confirm), apply for a duplicate through the California DMV. This is the fastest and cleanest resolution. You will need the VIN, your government-issued ID, and the filing fee ($23). Use Form REG 227.
Path 2: Bonded title
California allows bonded titles for vehicles without a clear ownership chain. The bond amount is 1.5× the vehicle's value. After 3 years the bond can be released and a clear title issued.
Path 3: Court-ordered title (last resort)
If the DMV won't issue a duplicate and bonded title isn't available, file a petition in your local court (small claims or district/superior depending on value) to establish ownership. A judge can order a title issued after reviewing evidence of purchase and possession. This path takes weeks to months and involves attorney fees.
How to get a duplicate electric vehicle title in California
Locate the VIN
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is required even when the title is lost. For electric vehicles, find it on the dashboard (driver's side, visible through the windshield), on the door jamb, on the engine block, or in your original purchase paperwork.
Complete Form REG 227
Download the REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title) from the California DMV website (https://www.dmv.ca.gov). You will need to provide the VIN, your name as on the original title, and a government-issued ID.
Submit the application and pay the fee
Submit in person at a California DMV or county motor vehicle office (faster) or by mail. Pay the duplicate title fee ($23). If submitting by mail, use certified mail and keep the tracking number.
Receive the duplicate title
Processing time: 4-6 weeks by mail; same-day at a DMV office. The duplicate title will be mailed to the address on file. Once received, you can sign it to sell the electric vehicle.
Complete the sale
Sign the back of the duplicate title, record the odometer and sale price, and issue a bill of sale. The buyer takes the signed title to the DMV to register in their name. File a release of liability the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sell a electric vehicle without a title in California?
Technically no — in California (and every other state), a seller cannot legally transfer ownership without signing over a valid title. However, you have options: (1) get a duplicate title before selling — the fastest and cleanest path; (2) use a bonded title if the vehicle's ownership history is unclear; (3) in rare cases, a court-ordered title. Never accept or offer a bill of sale as a substitute for a title in a standard sale.
How do I get a duplicate title in California?
Complete California Form REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title). Submit it to the California DMV at https://www.dmv.ca.gov with your government-issued ID, the VIN, and the filing fee ($23). Processing time: 4-6 weeks by mail; same-day at a DMV office.
How long does a duplicate title take in California?
4-6 weeks by mail; same-day at a DMV office. Processing is typically faster at a DMV office in person than by mail. If you need it urgently for a pending sale, visit a California DMV or county motor vehicle office in person and request expedited processing where available.
What is a bonded title and when do I need one in California?
California allows bonded titles for vehicles without a clear ownership chain. The bond amount is 1.5× the vehicle's value. After 3 years the bond can be released and a clear title issued.
What if the previous owner can't be found to sign the title?
If you purchased a vehicle and the seller never transferred the title, and that seller is now unreachable: (1) request a duplicate title through the California DMV using the seller's name; (2) if DMV won't issue it, pursue a bonded title; (3) as a last resort, a court-ordered title through your local court. Each state's small claims or district court can order a title issued when all other paths are exhausted.
Once you have the title, create your bill of sale
State-specific California electric vehicle bill of sale — odometer disclosure included.
Generate California Electric Vehicle Bill of Sale