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Transfer or replace a vehicle title

Find title signatures, materials, reporting deadlines and replacement information.

Before you start

Many routine transactions use online services, kiosks, partners or mail. DMV does not provide counter service for registration renewal, most DL/ID renewals, driver/vehicle records or replacement driver licenses; follow the transaction instructions and your notice.
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58 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides

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California58 counties

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U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Shared official instructions

These links and rules are shared by the county guides. Choose a county for its listed locations and full guide.

Transfer, update or replace a vehicle title

Shared California DMV guidance. Check ownership signatures, required forms, transfer fees and separate buyer/seller reporting steps.

Requirements & sources · checked October 15, 2026

Shared California DMV guidance — title 10 days

DMV lists a ten-day reporting requirement for an ownership or lienholder change.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Any change in ownership or lienholder must be reported to DMV within 10 days, and the title must be updated.

Shared California DMV guidance — seller 5 days

The seller’s NRL is a separate step due within five days; it is not the buyer’s completed title transfer.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Sellers must also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days.

Shared California DMV guidance — title materials

A standard transfer needs the title, the relevant buyer/seller/lienholder signatures and the transfer fee. Missing titles and special ownership situations need different forms.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

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

Shared California DMV guidance — reg262

REG 262 is ordered through DMV’s automated number; do not substitute an unverified downloadable form.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

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)

Shared California DMV guidance — title processing

The current processing page estimates four weeks for online title transfers and two to three weeks for online replacement titles. These are estimates, separate from any older case-status notice.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Title Transfers Online: 4 weeks • Replacement Title Online: 2-3 weeks

California Department of Motor Vehicles · Title transfers and changes (opens in a new tab)

Title Transfers and Changes

California state agency · Alameda

California DMV — Alameda County guide

California state DMV services; Alameda is a browsing context, not a county DMV department or a customer-residency restriction. Check transaction channels and the exact location before visiting; locations across a county boundary may be suitable.