Lucky Registration Services is a private registration service, licensed by the department, OL# 86193. We are not the DMV or any government agency. DMV fees vary by vehicle and are paid to the state; our service charge is separate. You can do this directly with the DMV without paying our service charge.
The short answer
DMV: "Any change in ownership or lienholder must be reported to DMV within 10 days, and the title must be updated." (DMV) The seller signs the title, the buyer submits it with fees, and the seller reports the sale.
Forms involved
- The California Certificate of Title (the original)
- REG 227: if the title is lost (see lost title)
- REG 262 Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment: no PDF; DMV says call 1-800-777-0133 to have one mailed
- REG 256 Statement of Facts: gifts, family transfers
- REG 166 lien release · REG 138 seller's release of liability · REG 101 errors or erasures · REG 135 bill of sale · REG 5 transfer without probate (value limits apply)
What to bring
- The title signed by the seller (line 1) and released by the lienholder (line 2 or a REG 166)
- Every required owner signature: names joined by "and" or JTRS all sign; for "or," one is enough
- Odometer disclosure on the title or a REG 262
- New owner's name, address and DL/ID number; purchase price (or "Gift"/"Trade" with a REG 256 stating value)
- A smog certificate or proof you're exempt. Exemptions include: within the certificate's 90-day validity; family transfers (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, spouse); pre-1976 vehicles; non-diesel vehicles 4 or fewer model years old (the buyer pays $8 instead) (VC 4000.1(d))
- The transfer fee and other fees due, plus use tax or proof of exemption
Deadlines
- Buyer: 10 days to send the endorsed title with the transfer fee (VC 5902)
- Late penalty: pay the transfer fee within 30 days of the transfer date to avoid it (VIRPM 11.015)
- Seller: 5 days to notify DMV of the sale (VC 5900)
- If the registration expires after you buy, you have 20 days from the transfer date to pay renewal fees without penalty, if no penalties had built up before (VC 9553(b))
- DMV says titles usually arrive by mail within 15–30 days. That's DMV's estimate.
Cost
DMV fees vary by vehicle. Examples from the DMV fee page: transfer fee $15 (VC 9255); transfer late penalty $15 (VC 9553.7); smog transfer fee $8 (non-diesel, 4 or fewer model years old). Renewal fees and use tax vary by vehicle and address: DMV fee calculator.
Mistakes that get a transfer sent back
- Erased, white-outed or lined-out entries with no REG 101
- A missing co-owner signature when names are joined by "and"
- Lien not released. For a California-titled vehicle two model years old or newer, a lien release on a REG 227 or REG 166 isn't accepted; the lienholder must request a replacement title
- Purchase price blank, or a gift with no REG 256 value statement
- No smog certificate when no exemption applies
- REG 227 Section 5 (lien release) not notarized when there's a lienholder
Questions people ask
How much does a title transfer cost in California?
DMV fees vary by vehicle. DMV lists a $15 transfer fee, plus any use tax, smog transfer fee or registration due. Our service charge for a title transfer is $85, separate from DMV fees.
How long do I have to transfer a title?
The buyer has 10 days to send the endorsed title with the transfer fee; pay within 30 days of the transfer date to avoid the $15 late penalty. The seller must notify DMV within 5 days.
Do I need a smog check to transfer a title?
Usually, unless exempt: within the certificate's 90-day validity, family transfers, pre-1976 vehicles, or non-diesel vehicles 4 or fewer model years old (the buyer pays $8 instead).