California Title Transfer
Quick answer
A title-only fee of $28 and an ownership transfer fee of $15 apply to most transfers, under California Vehicle Code sections 9254 and 9255.
Agency
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Title-only fee
$28.00
Online option
In person only
Find a verified place to title transfer
DMV San Francisco Field Office
1377 Fell St, San Francisco 94117
800-777-0133
DMV San Diego Field Office
3960 Normal St, San Diego 92103
800-777-0133
DMV Sacramento Field Office
4700 Broadway, Sacramento 95820
800-777-0133
DMV Los Angeles Field Office
3615 S Hope Street, Los Angeles 90007
800-777-0133
Before you start
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227), if the title is missing
- Buyer and seller/lienholder signatures
- Smog certification if required
Cost
Title-only fee
flat$28.00
Vehicle Code section 9254
Ownership transfer fee
flat$15.00
Vehicle Code section 9255
How it works
- Complete the appropriate title transfer checklist and forms
- Submit at a DMV office or by mail
- Pay applicable transfer and title fees
Online option
Not available online
This requires an in-person visit; see the in-person section below.
In person
Submitted at a DMV office or by mail.
Common situations
Verified August 18, 2026, source: California Department of Motor Vehicles