California Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | California DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% · Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · Out-of-state vehicles require a California VIN verification (REG 31) performed by a DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier. |
| Lien release form | REG 227 ↗ |
| Gift / family exemption | CDTFA-111 ↗ |
California title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (REG 227) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. California requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — California requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with California DMV or a licensed inspector. Out-of-state vehicles require a California VIN verification (REG 31) performed by a DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier.
- 5Buyer files at California DMV — within 10 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to California DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 7.25% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — California DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with California DMV the same day as the sale.
California lien release procedure
- Obtain REG 227 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs REG 227.
- Submit REG 227 with title application at DMV or by mail.
- Receive new title without lien notation (allow 4–6 weeks by mail).
Inherited vehicle title transfer
California estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to California DMV. For family transfers without sale, California accepts CDTFA-111 for sales-tax exemption.
Need a California bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with California DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create California Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — California
How long do I have to transfer a car title in California?▾
California requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties.
What does a California title transfer cost?▾
California charges 7.25% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in California?▾
Yes — California requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. California DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in California?▾
In California, the lender must complete REG 227 (available at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/release-of-liability-and-lien-sale-notice-reg-227-pdf/) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to California DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in California?▾
California inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to California DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party. For family transfers, California accepts CDTFA-111 to claim the sales tax exemption.
Source: California DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07