If you need to transfer a title of a vehicle in your name, here is a summary of the costs and documents you’ll need to gather prior to heading to your local CA DMV agency.
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All California residents need to stay informed about this process since one missing item could lead to hassles and more delays.
If you are moving to the Golden State, the CA DMV requires residents who have bought, sold, or inherited a vehicle to complete their title transfers on time.
Note that it is a mandatory procedure that every California resident must comply with.
Converting an out-of-state title to a California title
If you are bringing a vehicle from another state, you first need to pass a smog inspection and get a Vehicle Verification (Form REG 31) to ensure the legality of your car.
Once you completed that initial procedure, you’ll need to complete the following items to convert your out-of-state title to a California title.
- Submit a completed Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) and Verification of Vehicle (Form REG 31)
- Provide your vehicle’s out-of-state title and registration, along with your licenses plates unless they are expired, surrendered, or assigned to an interstate-registered vehicle.
- Submit an smog inspection certificate to proof that your vehicle meets the California’s emission standards.
- Title transfer documents requirements: Completed Bill of Sale and Odometer mileage disclosure, which must be added on the back of the car title.
- Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee ($21)
Buying a new car in California
Residents are responsible for ensuring an smooth process, even when buying a vehicle through a car dealership. Normally, car dealerships handle this process for you, so just make sure you provide the right information.
If you bought your car from a private seller, the CA DMV requires you to transfer the title in your name within 10 days from the transaction date.
Below, you’ll find the basic mandatory items to transfer the title in your name:
- Complete the Certificate of Title (Form REG 227)
- Submit an Odometer Mileage Disclosure (Only for cars that are under 10 years old)
- Proof of smog certification (the seller must give this form to the buyer to complete the transfer. If your car is 4 model years or fewer and not diesel-powered, you’ll be exempt from that inspection. Instead, you must pay an $8 smog transfer fee).
- Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee ($15) apart from use tax fees.
Note that you may need to submit other forms depending on your case. Click here to find out more about title transfers in California.
Receiving a gifted car in California
Getting a vehicle as a gift requires receivers to follow a similar procedure when changing the title of the vehicle into their name.
Again, make sure you have the right documentation and pay the specific title transfer fee to avoid delays and complications.
Note that the CA DMV also requires you to register and transfer the title in your name within 10 days from the transaction date.
Below, you’ll find the basic mandatory items to transfer the title in your name:
- Submit an completed Statement of Facts (Reg 256) to be eligible for the following exemptions: Use taxes (Family members and donations) and Smog Certification (family members only).
- Affidavit for Transfer without Probate for people who receive a vehicle as part of an inheritance.
- Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee ($15) and an additional $8 smog transfer fee (if smog certification is not required).
Applying for a replacement title in California
If you lost your car title, don’t worry because you are allow to apply for a replacement title by contacting your local DMV agency.
In order to get a duplicate title with the CA DMV, complete the following items:
- Submit an Application for Duplicate Title (Form REG 227)
- Payment for the duplicate title fee which is $21 (It could vary depending on your vehicle).
The CA DMV allows you to complete this process either by mail or in person.
Transfer your California title online now
A title transfer is an important procedure that serves to demonstrate individual or business ownership of a vehicle.
The requirements vary from state to state, and it’s your responsibility to fulfill all those requirements.
At the same time, the sooner you transfer the title of a car into your name, the better for everyone to keep things in order. It’s in your best interest to be aware of this procedure for your own protection.
Did you know that eTags offers California vehicle title transfers online? It’s fast, easy, and hassle free.
14 comments
My mother-in-law in WA is gifting me her car and I live in CA. What forms and fees do I need to sign for transferring the title and registration? Also, I believe I’ll have to do a new smog check in CA also, right?
Thanks for your help!
If the vehicle is in CA, you would need the original title signed off by the previous owner, REG 343 form, VIN verification by either DMV, AAA, CHP, or a licensed verifier, REG 256 form, and a smog check to complete the transfer. You can go to https://www.etags.com/app/ca#utm_source=blog_question and select Title Transfer. Once in our app, you’ll choose WA on second screen
Hi, I just moved to California from Maryland. I want to change transfer my Maryland title to California title. I have done it in DMV. Same owner. I was charged 352$. I feel there is mistake. Is this a correct charge? How can I dispute this charge?
hey there, if you dealt with the DMV it’s best to contact them directly. etags is a private company also offering title and registration services. This may help: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/
I need to transfer my title from an Oregon title to a California title. But before that, I need to transfer the Oregon title to my name. I bought the car in Oregon and moved that very day without time to transfer the Oregon title to my name. Is there a way I can do both, transfer the Oregon title to my name and transfer it from an Oregon title to a California title?
If you have a signed OR title by the seller then you can initiate an out of state transfer in CA. You do not need to transfer the vehicle in OR first.
My husband passed away and I just discovered that the automobile I’ve been making payments on and just finished doing so is only in his name. What do I need to do to put the title in my name (same last name) and how much does it cost?
When the title is released to you from the lien holder, you will need perform a title transfer. You will need an original death certificate, a transfer without probate form REG 5 and a statement of facts for the use tax exemption. The cost for a lien release and title transfer is $15.
I am selling my car on Friday in Vacaville Ca. I will complete the pink slip portion with my info and the buyer. I will add the odometer reading and sale price. I will remove the handicap plates to turn in to DMV. How much does buyer need to pay if he paid 500.00 for the vehicle. He has to pay a vehicle transfer fee, smog transfer fee and how much are his license plates and taxes. Does this complete everything to get it out of my name. I have 5 days to get this info to you??
As a seller, you are required to submit a release of liability within 5 days of the sell. The buyer can calculate his fees at this link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/wasapp/FeeCalculatorWeb/usedVehicleForm.do
I am trying to buy a car with handicap plates from a friend here in CA. Not sure what to do about the plates as I am not handicapped.
Hello Kathleen. The plates stay with the person not the vehicle. You will have to register the vehicle and get new plates from the DMV in CA.
If anyone outside of the california wants to buy a new car what process follow you guys for selling a new car.
Hello Chris. If you are selling your vehicle to a third party, submit the following items (Keep in mind that you may be required to present other documents according to your case):
Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 calendar days from the date of the sale.
Bill of sale.
Smog certificate (if applicable)
Odometer Disclosure
Note that each state has its own requirements for required paperwork when selling a car.
If you are selling a vehicle to a third party out of California, contact his/her local DMV for more information about additional documentation in advance.
If you need to complete a vehicle title transfer in the state of California, feel free to contact us at 1-800-633-5332 or send us an email at support@eTags.com. We are here to help you complete your title transfer.