When a vehicle/vessel is bought or sold, or there’s any change to the registered owner or lienholder (legal owner), the California Certificate of Title needs to be transferred to the new owner.  NOTE: An individual, co-owners, trust, or business may be established as the owner.

Before You Begin:

1. Have the California Certificate of Title with you. Make sure the title has been signed by the buyer(s), seller(s), and lienholder (if applicable).
   
   NOTE: If you do not have the title, complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227).
2. Have the following:
   • Your driver's license number
   • Vehicle license plate number
   • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
   • Legal owner (or lienholder) name and address
   • Vehicle make, model, and year
   • Purchase date and price
3. Be able to pay the transfer fee. All transfer fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
4. Allow 30 days from the day DMV receives your documents to process your title transfer.