Choose the transaction below for a practical starting point. Exact California DMV requirements depend on the vehicle, ownership history and documents.
Common starting items may include your out-of-state title or ownership document, identification, vehicle information and any supporting purchase documents. California requirements vary by vehicle and transaction.
Transaction details →Bring the California title or ownership document and supporting transfer paperwork. Additional forms may apply depending on the sale, gift, lienholder or ownership situation.
Transaction details →Bring the vehicle and available ownership/registration documents. The verifier completes the applicable verification paperwork.
Transaction details →Bring your renewal notice or registration information when available. Smog or other requirements may apply to some vehicles.
Transaction details →Bring identification and vehicle/ownership information. The required replacement-title paperwork depends on the record and ownership status.
Transaction details →Bring identification and current vehicle registration information when available.
Transaction details →Bring the complete lien-sale packet and any ownership documents you received so we can review eligibility and next steps.
Transaction details →Bring the available title/registration and ownership documents. Requirements differ by vehicle or vessel type and transaction.
Transaction details →Dealers can send or bring the deal jacket/title paperwork for review. Contact us before sending a complex or out-of-state transaction.
Transaction details →These are general starting checklists, not a guarantee that a transaction can be completed with only the listed items.