How to transfer a car title in California

A plain-English guide for buyers and sellers: who signs what, when smog is needed, the DMV deadlines and what to bring.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Registration Leaders is a private business, not the California DMV or any government agency. This guide is general information based on DMV publications; rules can change, so check with the DMV if your situation is unusual.

The short answer

To transfer a car title in California, the seller signs the California Certificate of Title (the "pink slip") over to the buyer, gives the buyer a smog certification if the vehicle needs one, and reports the sale to the DMV within 5 days. The buyer then submits the signed title and pays the transfer fees within 10 days of the sale. The DMV mails the new title to the new owner.

Both deadlines come from the DMV's own guidance. The DMV also says penalties are assessed if the transfer fees are not paid within 30 days of the sale, so it is worth finishing the paperwork quickly.

Steps for the seller

Find the title. You need the California Certificate of Title. If it is lost, the registered owner can use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227).
Clear any loan. If a bank or lender is shown on the title, you need a lien release or the lienholder's signature before ownership can change.
Get a smog certification, if required. For most gasoline vehicles, the seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification. If the car is less than four years old, no smog inspection is needed for the sale; the new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead. Electric vehicles and some older vehicles are exempt.
Sign the title. Sign on the seller line and write the odometer reading if the vehicle requires odometer disclosure. Every owner listed may need to sign, depending on how the names are joined.
Report the sale within 5 days. File a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138). This can be done online on the DMV website. It helps protect you from tickets and liability after the buyer takes the car.

Steps for the buyer

Check the title before you pay. Make sure the VIN matches the car, the seller's name matches the title, and there is no open lien.
Get the smog certification from the seller if the vehicle needs one.
Sign as the new owner and keep a bill of sale if the price is not written on the title.
Submit the transfer within 10 days. Turn in the signed title, smog certification (if required) and transfer fees to the DMV, or have a DMV business partner process it. Use tax is based on the city and county where the new owner lives.
Wait for the new title by mail. The new California title is mailed to the new owner.

What to bring

The California Certificate of Title, signed by the seller(s) and the buyer, or a REG 227 if the title is lost
The odometer reading at the time of sale, if the vehicle requires odometer disclosure
A smog certification, unless the vehicle is exempt
A lien release, if a lender is listed on the title
A bill of sale, if the price is not on the title
Proof of insurance and a driver's license or ID
Payment for the DMV transfer fees and use tax

Family transfers, gifts and inherited cars

Transfers between family members and gifts often need a Statement of Facts (REG 256). The DMV says no smog inspection is required when a family member gives you a car, unless that family member bought it for you without first titling it in their own name.

If the owner has passed away, the DMV lists a death certificate and, where it applies, an Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate (REG 5). Estate situations vary, so check with the DMV if you are unsure which form fits.

Common mistakes that delay a transfer

Signing on the wrong line, or using white-out or cross-outs on the title
A co-owner who never signed
A smog certification that is missing or too old
A lender still listed on the title with no release
Waiting past the 5-day and 10-day windows

Official sources

Official source: California DMV, How To Change Vehicle Ownership (HTVR 32)
Official source: California DMV, Title Transfers and Changes
Official source: California DMV, Smog Inspections

Want us to handle it?

Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the DMV Business Partner Automation program. We check the title, signatures, smog and lien before anything is submitted, then process the transfer at our Citrus Heights counter. Our service fee is $65 + DMV fees for a title transfer, $80 + DMV fees for an out-of-state transfer, and $90 + DMV fees for a no-title transfer. DMV fees vary by vehicle and are paid in addition to our service fee. See title transfer service and all prices, or book an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I have to transfer a car title in California?

According to the DMV, the buyer has 10 days from the sale to transfer ownership and pay the transfer fees, and the seller has 5 days to report the sale with a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. The DMV assesses penalties if the fees are not paid within 30 days of the sale.

Who pays for the smog check when a car is sold in California?

In most sales the seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification. If the car is less than four years old, no inspection is needed and the new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead. Some vehicles, such as electric vehicles, are exempt.

Can I transfer a title if the pink slip is lost?

Usually, yes. The registered owner can apply for a replacement using the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227), and in many cases the replacement and the transfer can be handled together.

Do I need a smog check to give my car to a family member?

The DMV says no smog inspection is required when a family member gives you a car, unless they bought it for you without first titling it in their own name. A Statement of Facts (REG 256) is usually part of a family transfer.

Is Registration Leaders the DMV?

No. Registration Leaders is a private business contracted through the DMV Business Partner Automation program. Our service fees are charged in addition to DMV fees.