California

Title Fee

$27.00

Who must title a vehicle in California?

All motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, OHVs, manufactured homes, and motorized watercraft/sailboats over 8 feet must be titled.
Mopeds are exempt unless classified as motorcycles. Documented vessels and tow dollies are exempt.
Permanent trailers (PTI) receive a paper title only upon request or if there is a lienholder.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues titles.
Application for Title or Registration (Reg 343) submitted at any DMV office; new vehicle dealers use Reg 397/397A.
Manufactured homes are titled by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Dealer’s Report of Sale or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title and registration.
Non-title states: Bill of sale and registration.
Government surplus: SF 97-1 and supporting bills of sale.
Foreign vehicles: Ownership documents, US Customs clearance, EPA and CA emissions compliance.

How much does a title cost?

$27.00 standard title fee; $15.00 additional for rush processing.
Manufactured homes: $35.00 transfer; $25.00 to add a lienholder.
Duplicate title: $27.00 (vehicles), $15.00 (vessels), $25.00 (manufactured homes).

Are electronic signatures and titles allowed?

Most DMV forms may be signed electronically, except for original transfer documents, odometer statements, and forms requiring notarization.
Electronic notary is accepted; digital signatures must meet federal standards.

What’s the process for title transfer?

Assignment of title; transfer must be made within 10 days of sale.
Transfer fee: $15.00.
Seller must provide a valid Smog Certification (unless exempt) and file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (Reg 138) within 5 days.
Manufactured homes have separate HCD forms and deadlines.

Are there special titles or brands?

Brands: Grey Market, Police/Taxi, Salvaged, Warranty Return, Remanufactured, Lemon Law, Noncomplying OHV/ATV, and odometer codes.
Salvage/Nonrepairable: Owner/insurer applies within 10 days of total loss; revived salvage vehicles require inspection and $50.00 fee.
Junk: Vehicles dismantled or valued at $500 or less, not eligible for re-title.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for vehicles newer than 2010.
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles, rebuilt, or specially constructed vehicles.

What taxes apply to vehicles?

Sales/Use Tax: 7.25% state rate plus local taxes by registration address (total often 8–10%+).
Use Tax: Applies to out-of-state purchases or private sales; paid at registration.
Vehicle License Fee (VLF): 0.65% of value for autos, motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles; $2/year for historic vehicles.
In-Lieu Tax (ILT): For manufactured homes not on permanent foundations; penalty for late payment.
Local Property Tax (LPT): For manufactured homes on permanent foundations.

How and when are taxes paid?

At registration for most vehicles; use tax paid to DMV or CDTFA if not collected by seller.
VLF paid at registration and renewal.

Are there exemptions?

Nonresident purchasers may be exempt if delivery and first use is out-of-state.
Credits may be allowed for taxes paid in another state (not foreign countries).
Farm/timber equipment, zero-emission vehicles, and certain commercial vehicles may qualify for partial exemptions.
Disabled veterans, nonresident military, and tribal members may be exempt from VLF.

Other fees:

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Licensed financial institutions must enroll in the Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) Program.
Liens are recorded on the title application or existing title; both lienholder and owner info appear on title/registration.
Lien perfected when documents are processed by DMV.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder releases their interest on the title or electronically (ELT).
Assignment of lien requires release and new lienholder info; manufactured homes require HCD forms and $25 fee.

How does repossession work in CA?

Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Written notice of intent to sell/dispose must be given to last known address of liable parties at least 15 days prior.
For title transfer: submit Certificate of Repossession (Reg 119), title with lien satisfied, and relevant fees.
Bill of sale required for new owner.
Manufactured homes: Notice of Default (45 days), Notice of Sale (10 days), Statement of Repossession (HCD 476.0).

How are mechanic/storage liens handled?

Lien sale process: Notice, DMV authorization, public advertisement, 10-day redemption. Fees and forms vary by vehicle value.

Other notes:

ELT is required for most lenders; paper titles issued to owner after lien is satisfied.

Enforcement Agency:

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
2415 1st Avenue, Mail Station C271, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Phone: 800.777.0133 or 800.368.4327 (TTY)
California DMV Website

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

California Highway Patrol601 North 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 916.843.3000

Key Regulations:

DMV oversees titling, registration, tax collection, lien recording, and repossession.
CHP enforces vehicle laws, theft, and highway safety.
Financial responsibility (insurance) required: minimum $30,000/$60,000/$15,000.
Smog/emission inspection required in most urban counties at registration/renewal/transfer (some exemptions).
Title/registration records maintained for current plus three prior years; record requests available online or by mail.