Requests for Title Transfer submitted via Virtual Office before September 20, 2025 are being processed. Check your email or case status for progress.
A valid California Certificate of Title proves ownership of a vehicle or vessel. Use it to transfer, update, or replace your title. Any change in ownership or lienholder must be reported to DMV within 10 days, and the title must be updated.
Title Transfer
Types of Title Transfers
- Private sale / loan payoff: Seller/lienholder signs title. Buyer submits to DMV.
- Family, estate, inheritance, gift: Title plus Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) or affidavit, with transfer fee.
- Deceased owner: Heir may transfer with death certificate and Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) (PDF) (value limits apply).
- Vessel transfers: Certificate of Ownership, bill of sale, fees, and use tax.
- Donation
Sellers must also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days.
What you need:
- California Certificate of Title
- If the title is missing you must complete Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) first.
- Buyer and seller/lienholder signatures
- Payment of transfer fee
Submit at a DMV office or mail to:
DMV
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269
Transfer Fees
Fees vary by transfer type. Use fee calculator.
Title Transfer Forms
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF)
- Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form (call the DMV’s automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133 to have a form mailed to you)
- Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF)
- Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166) (PDF)
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
- Smog certification
- Vehicle Emission System Statement (Smog) (REG 139) (PDF)
- Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) (PDF)
- Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) (PDF)
- Bill of Sale (REG 135) (PDF)
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF)
Update or Replace a Title
Keep your title current and accurate.
- Replacement: If lost, stolen, or damaged, submit Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) in person or by mail.
- Name changes (including adding or removing an owner): Provide corrected title and Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF)
- Correct mistakes: Use Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) (PDF).
Titles usually arrive by mail within 15–30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the vehicle has a legal owner/lienholder, then section 5 of the REG 227 needs to be notarized. If the registration does not show a legal owner/lienholder, notarization is not required.
Need help finding the lienholder on your vehicle title? We keep a listing of banks, credit unions, and financial/lending institutions that may have gone out of business, merged, changed their name, or been acquired by another financial institution.
No. You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled.
If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required. Contact us for more information.
Need something else?
Fee Calculator
Use our fee calculator to estimate any applicable registration or title transfer fees.
Renew Your Vehicle Registration
You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Make sure your registration is up-to-date.
Make an Appointment
Some applications can be submitted to a DMV office near you. Make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line.