How To Transfer a Car Title in California 2026

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers all vehicle title transfers in the state, overseeing the legal change of ownership for automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and other registered vehicles.

Under California Vehicle Code § 5902, any person who receives a properly endorsed certificate of ownership must forward that document along with the applicable transfer fee to the DMV within 10 days of receipt to apply for a transfer of registration. In addition to the buyer's 10-day obligation, the seller is required by law to submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 calendar days of the sale or transfer. While the buyer must forward documents within 10 days, the transfer fee must be paid within 30 days of the transfer date to avoid a late transfer penalty.

Title transfers apply to private-party sales, gifts, inheritances, and changes involving lienholders, and all such transactions must be properly documented and submitted to the DMV to be legally effective.

Required Documents for Title Transfer in California

The following documents are required or conditionally required, depending on the nature of the transaction.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in California

Step 1: Seller Prepares and Endorses the Certificate of Title

The seller is responsible for properly preparing the certificate of title for transfer before handing it to the buyer. On the back of the California Certificate of Title:

• Line 1 — The registered owner(s) of record must sign to release interest.
• Odometer Section — The seller must disclose the current odometer reading in the mileage disclosure section of the title. If the title does not include an odometer section or if a REG 262 is being used, the disclosure must be completed on that form.
• Line 2 — If a lien exists, the lienholder must release interest on Line 2, or separately on an REG 166 form. If the lienholder is to remain the same for the new owner, write "Same" on Line 2 and re-enter the lienholder's name and address.
• New Registered Owner Section — The seller must enter the buyer's full legal name, address, and California DL/ID number (or out-of-state DL/ID number, if applicable) in the appropriate section of the title.
• Purchase Price — The agreed sale price, or the basis of transfer (e.g., "Gift" or "Trade"), must be recorded.

Step 2: Complete the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262)

The Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) functions simultaneously as a bill of sale, odometer disclosure instrument, and transfer authorization. This form is used in place of the title's assignment section when the title is unavailable, when additional reassignments are needed, or when an electronic (paperless) title is involved. For private-party transfers where the original title is available and properly endorsed, REG 262 supplements the title by capturing the odometer reading if the title itself lacks that field.

If the transaction is a gift or trade rather than a monetary sale, the buyer must complete a REG 256 to declare the vehicle's estimated market value, as this information is used to calculate applicable use tax obligations.

Step 3: Seller Submits the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

Upon completing the title endorsement and delivering the vehicle to the buyer, the seller must immediately submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to the DMV. This step is a legal obligation distinct from the title transfer itself and must be completed within 5 calendar days of the transfer date.

Step 4: Buyer Obtains Smog Certification (If Required)

Before the title transfer application is submitted, the buyer must confirm whether a smog certification is required. The seller is generally responsible for providing a valid smog certification at the time of sale, unless an exemption applies.

Step 5: Submit the Title Transfer Application and Pay Required Fees

The buyer must assemble all completed documents and submit the title transfer application to the DMV within 10 days of receiving the endorsed certificate of ownership. Applications may be submitted by the following methods:

Option A — In Person: Visit any DMV field office statewide. Bring all original documents, including the endorsed title, REG 262, REG 256 (if applicable), smog certificate, and payment. Use the DMV fee calculator to estimate the total fees due before your visit.

Option B — By Mail: Mail original documents to the general vehicle registration mailing address:

Vehicle Registration Operations Department of Motor Vehicles PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Option C — Online (select transactions): Certain transfer types may be initiated through the DMV's online services portal at dmv.ca.gov.

Standard Fee Schedule (per DMV Registration Fees):

Payment is accepted in person by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (with a service fee); by mail via check or money order; and online via bank account, credit/debit card, or digital wallets for eligible transactions.

Step 6: Receive the New Certificate of Title

Once the DMV processes the transfer application, the new certificate of title is issued and mailed to the registered owner, or to the lienholder if a lien is recorded on the vehicle. Standard processing times are as follows:

Contact Information

California Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Avenue, Mail Station C271, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: California DMV