Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you have a damaged or mutilated CA car title, then you are required to submit it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You can do so either by mail or by paying a visit to your local DMV office. The car title is certified proof that a vehicle is yours, therefore it is recommended to eliminate the chances of fraud by turning it over the DMV.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

If the car title you wish to transfer has a lien on it, you must make sure that the Certificate of Title contains the signature of the lienholder, in addition to that of the seller. When buying or selling a vehicle, you must verify there is no lien holder, or that the lien holder has signed off on the car title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

You can easily file a police report by contacting your local authorities and notifying them of the incident. By doing so, they will be able to have a report of your stolen car title in their system, which you can then obtain a copy of to submit to the DMV. Additionally, reporting a stolen car title will help reduce your chances of fraud and identity theft.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

The state of California offers two options for obtaining a car title replacement: either in person or by mail.

In person

If you wish to get a duplicate car title at your local DMV office, make sure to bring the following:

• A completed Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227)
• Proof of identity, such as your California driver s license
• Payment for any necessary fees

By mail

Send the aforementioned application to the address below:

Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Operations P.O. Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

In the state of California, a salvage vehicle has no title, therefore you will need to swap your current car title for a Salvage Certificate instead. To do so, make an appointment at your local California DMV office to begin the proper steps for transfer of title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

In terms of how to transfer car title to a different state you are moving to, you will need to get in contact with your new state. Each Department of Motor Vehicles features their own set of procedures and requirements for transfer.

For more information California Cross-State Transfer of Title

If you recently lost your car title, then you will need to obtain a duplicate copy before selling your vehicle. To begin the process, simply fill out an Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227) and visit your local DMV location.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

If you are selling a vehicle and therefore transferring your California car title, you will need to make sure you have the following completed first:

• Write down the odometer mileage of the vehicle.
• Present the Vehicle Vessel Title Transfer Form or use a Bill of Sale (REG 135).
• Submit smog check certification, if applicable and recently issued in the past 90 days.
• Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to the DMV within five days of sale.
• Hand over your car title with your signature.

For more information Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

In order to transfer title documentation of an RV, you will need to follow the same standard titling process as required by the state of California. You must follow the below steps:

• Write down the odometer mileage of the vehicle on the title.
• Present the Vehicle Vessel Title Transfer Form or use a Bill of Sale (REG 135).
• Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to the DMV within five days of sale.
• Hand over your RV title with your signature.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

Currently, the state of California does not allow drivers to order a car title copy – also known as a duplicate – online. To order a replacement car title, make an appointment at your local DMV office, bring your driver’s license and complete an Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227).

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

In transferring car title of the deceased, you will need to visit your local DMV office and present their title, along with other pertinent information. If you are the heir of the deceased, you will need to fill out an Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate – California Titled Vehicle or Vessels Only (REG 5). For further clarification, it is best to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 1-800-777-0133.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

The most common reasons for transferring car title documentation include:

• Selling your vehicle to a private party
• Selling your vehicle to a dealership

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

The fees depend on the type of vehicle you have and its weight. However, in general, the duplicate title fee is $19. The CA DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money order and debit/ATM cards.

Be sure to make an appointment at your nearby DMV office before going over.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

To replace a car title, bring in your current CA drivers license or other valid proof of identification. You will be also be asked to submit a completed Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227). For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

When selling your vehicle, you will need to transfer car title to the new owner. Make sure that both your signature and that of the new buyer s is featured on the document.

If you need to double-check the odometer mileage of your vehicle, then you will also need to submit a Vehicle Vessel Transfer Form. If not, you can submit a Bill of Sale (REG 135) instead and include description details of your vehicle, including but not limited to the model, year, selling price and license plate number.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

To apply for a duplicate car title, the CA DMV requires you to fill out the Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227). Also be sure to bring in your valid driver’s license.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

Your original CA car title will be deemed invalid once you request a car title replacement. It is highly recommended that you contact the California DMV to verify what you should do with the original title if you locate it after.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

In the state of California, a motorized scooter does not require registration. If you need to obtain a title for a motorcycle, you will need to present the following items at your local DMV:

• A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity, such as your drivers license

When in the process of transferring ownership of a motorcycle into your name, keep in mind that you will need to do the following:

• Have the Certificate of Title transferred to you with the seller s signature on it.
• Have the odometer disclosure listed.
• Get smog certification, if applicable.
• Be ready to make payment for the transfer fee at the DMV.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

A Bill of Sale (REG 135) is most often necessary when you are in the process of buying or selling your vehicle with a private party. The Bill of Sale contains important information about your vehicle s description, such as the model, year, selling price and odometer reading.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in California

You can mail your request for a California duplicate vehicle title to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Operations P.O. Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California

No, you will not need to present proof of vehicle insurance for replacing car title documentation. However, to be safe, it is best that you bring your insurance card with you to the DMV.

The DMV asks for your driver’s license and a completed Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227) to process a car title replacement request.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California