DMV Title Transfer Help in North Hollywood

A DMV title transfer puts the new owner's name on a California vehicle record after a sale, a gift, or a death in the family. The buyer has 10 days to report the change, and the title has to be signed in the right places. Set an appointment at our North Hollywood office, bring the title plus a few documents, and we prepare the transfer paperwork with you.

Request an Appointment Call (818) 649-3232

At a glance

We can help when

You bought a used vehicle from a private seller
A family member gave you a vehicle
You inherited a vehicle
A paid-off lender still shows on the title, or a name has to change

Have ready

The California Certificate of Title, signed where the seller releases interest
A smog certification from the seller, unless the vehicle is exempt
A bill of sale when the seller is not the person named on the title
A Statement of Facts (REG 256) for a gift or family transfer

You may not need us

The DMV accepts a signed title with the transfer fee by mail or at a field office, with no service fee. People come to us when a signature is missing, a lender is still on record, the vehicle was a gift or an inheritance, or they want the packet checked before it goes in.

What this service covers

A title transfer is the DMV transaction that moves a vehicle from one owner to the next on the state record. The seller signs off on the California Certificate of Title, the buyer signs on, then the buyer gets the signed title to the DMV with the transfer fee and anything else the DMV asks for, such as a smog certificate or use tax.

Who needs it

Buyers who purchased a used vehicle from a private seller
Family members receiving a vehicle as a gift
Heirs settling a vehicle after the owner passed away
Owners who paid off a loan but still show a lender on the record

What to bring to your appointment

Sourced from the DMV's requirements. Bring originals where the DMV asks for them. We confirm the exact list when we set your time.

What to bring: Title Transfer

California Certificate of Title, signed by the seller
The registered owner releases interest on line 1. A lienholder of record releases on line 2.
Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
Only when the title is lost, stolen, or damaged. Section 5 must be notarized if a lienholder is on record.
Odometer disclosure signed by the buyer and the seller
Required for vehicles less than 20 model years old per the DMV's procedures manual. A title with no mileage line uses form REG 262, which the DMV mails on request.
Smog certification from the seller
Most gasoline vehicles need one. Vehicles under four years old, electric vehicles, and gasoline vehicles from 1975 or older are exempt.
Bill of Sale (REG 135)
Needed when the seller is not the person named on the title. Both of them sign it.
Statement of Facts (REG 256)
For gifts, family transfers, use tax exemptions, and smog exemptions.

Based on DMV requirements as published on dmv.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-12. The DMV may ask for more depending on your vehicle. We confirm your exact list when we set your appointment.

When you might need this service

Private party sale

The seller signs line 1 of the title, the buyer fills in the new owner section, then both sign the odometer disclosure if the vehicle is new enough to need one. If the seller is not the person named on the title, the DMV also wants a bill of sale signed by both of them. The seller should file a notice of transfer with the DMV within 5 days so later parking tickets do not land on them.

Gift or family transfer

When a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, or sibling gives you a vehicle, the DMV still wants a title transfer. The word gift goes on the title in place of a price, and a Statement of Facts (REG 256) stating the relationship with the vehicle's estimated value. A qualifying family transfer can skip use tax, and it usually does not need a smog inspection.

Inherited vehicle

An heir can often transfer the title without probate using the Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) and a death certificate. The DMV notes that value limits apply to that route. Larger estates go through probate first.

Loan payoff or name change

Once a loan is paid, the lender releases its interest on the title or reports the lien satisfied electronically, then the DMV issues a title without the lender. If the title itself is gone, a replacement title application may come first. Adding or removing a name uses a corrected title and a REG 256.

How it works with us

Call or send an appointment request
Tell us how you got the vehicle: private sale, gift, inheritance, loan payoff, or a name change. Mention whether you still have the title and whether a lender is listed on it.
We confirm what to bring
We send a short list based on your transfer type, then set a time at our North Hollywood office.
We check the title with you
We go over every signature line, the odometer section, the price or gift notation, and any lienholder release. Missing signatures are the usual reason a transfer gets kicked back.
We complete the forms and handle the paperwork
We fill out the REG 227, REG 256, or other forms with you, then handle the paperwork for the transaction. The DMV collects its fees, then mails the new title, usually within 15 to 30 days by its own estimate.

Fees

DMV fees are set by the State of California, not by us. Only the DMV decides the final total, which depends on your vehicle, the transaction, and any penalties already on the record.

The DMV's fee page lists the vehicle transfer fee at $15. Use tax on the purchase price is usually due too, unless the transfer is exempt, such as a family gift. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
The DMV lists a $15 transfer penalty, and an $8 smog transfer fee for vehicles too new to need an inspection. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)

Our service charge

Every transaction is different, so our service charge depends on the paperwork your case needs. Tell us about it when you call or send a request and we will explain our charge before you decide to proceed. DMV fees, taxes, and penalties are separate.

DMV fee calculator

How California registration fees add up

Common issues and special cases

The seller left before signing everything

The DMV will not process a transfer without the seller's release on line 1. Get the seller to sign the title, or a REG 227 if the title is gone. If the seller cannot be found, call us before you do anything else.

The lender still shows on the record

A paid-off loan does not clear itself from the title. When the vehicle is from one of the two newest model years, a separate lien release letter will not do: the DMV wants the signed title itself.

You bought from a dealer, not a person

A dealer sale comes with a Report of Sale (REG 51), which changes the paperwork. For a brand new vehicle, see our new vehicle registration page instead.

Questions about title transfer

How many days do I have to complete a DMV title transfer in California?

The buyer has 10 days from the purchase date to report the change of ownership. The seller has 5 days to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. Per the DMV's procedures manual, a late penalty attaches when the transfer fee is not paid inside 30 days.

Can a title transfer be done online with the DMV?

Not as a standard transaction. The DMV says to submit the signed title at a DMV office or by mail to its Sacramento address. Only the seller's release of liability is filed online.

Does the buyer need a smog check for a title transfer?

In most cases the seller must give the buyer a valid smog certification. A vehicle less than four years old skips the inspection; the new owner pays a smog transfer fee instead. Most family gifts are exempt as well.

Do I pay use tax when a family member gives me a car?

Usually no. The DMV exempts transfers between spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and minor siblings, as long as the giver is not in the business of selling vehicles. You state the relationship on a REG 256.

How much does a title transfer cost?

The DMV sets the fees: a transfer fee, use tax on the price in most private sales, and a penalty if the transfer is late. Our registration fees overview explains each piece, with a link to the DMV fee calculator.

Ready to set an appointment?

Call or send a request. We will confirm what to bring and a time that works.