How to Transfer License Plates in California: Fee, Forms & Timeline

If you're buying a new vehicle or replacing your current one, you may be able to keep your existing plates. Here's exactly how California handles plate transfers.

Quick Reference

Transfer Fee$22 plate transfer fee + registration fees on the new vehicle

Time LimitNo deadline, but plates must be assigned within 60 days of releasing old vehicle

Class Match Required?Same class only (auto plate cannot go on motorcycle, etc.)

Where to FileAny California DMV office or authorized service center

Forms You Need

REG 17 (Application for Plates by a New Owner of a Vehicle)
REG 256 (Statement of Facts) if old plates are being kept
Pink slip / title transfer documents for the new vehicle

Vehicle Class Restrictions

Same class only (auto plate cannot go on motorcycle, etc.)

California requires plate type to match vehicle class. Standard auto, truck, motorcycle, and trailer plates are NOT interchangeable.

Specialty & Personalized Plates

Personalized plates transfer with the owner; environmental and specialty plates are vehicle-class restricted

California has 250+ specialty plate designs. Most transfer to a same-class vehicle. Disabled person plates require recertification of eligibility.

California Standout Rule

California ELP (Environmental License Plate) personalized plates can be transferred but only to vehicles you own. They cannot be sold or transferred to another person.

California-Specific Facts for Plate Transfer

California Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In California, the title transfer fee is $23 and registration costs $46 base fee plus additional fees. Vehicle sales are subject to 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. California does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in California — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.

Smog certification required for vehicles 4+ model years old
REG 262 form required for title transfer
Use tax due within 30 days if purchased from a private party
Smog transfer fee of $8 applies

Official California bill of sale form

The official California bill of sale form is REG 135 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all California requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

California sales tax on vehicle purchases

California has a 7.25% state sales tax rate. 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%). Private-party vehicle sales in California are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate. The title transfer fee is $23.

California bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 14,217 bill of sale documents for California transactions, with 382 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More California Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for California laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license plates to a new vehicle in California?

Yes — California allows plate transfer between vehicles of the same owner. CA Vehicle Code §5101 allows plate transfer when registering a newly acquired vehicle, if the previous vehicle is being sold or removed from registration.

How much does it cost to transfer plates in California?

$22 plate transfer fee + registration fees on the new vehicle. California charges a flat $22 for retaining and transferring plates. Personalized plates have additional annual renewal fees ($50–$103/year).

Can I transfer my plates to any vehicle in California?

Same class only (auto plate cannot go on motorcycle, etc.). California requires plate type to match vehicle class. Standard auto, truck, motorcycle, and trailer plates are NOT interchangeable.

How long do I have to transfer plates in California?

No deadline, but plates must be assigned within 60 days of releasing old vehicle. You can hold plates between vehicles for up to 60 days. After that, DMV may release them back to the general pool.

Where do I file for a plate transfer in California?

Any California DMV office or authorized service center. You can also process plate transfers online via DMV.ca.gov for personalized plates and renewals. New plate assignments require in-person visit.

Selling Your Old Vehicle?

Generate a California bill of sale to document the transfer of your old vehicle before transferring your plates to the new one.

Generate Bill of Sale

Source: California DMV Plate Transfer. Plate transfer rules and fees change occasionally — verify current requirements before filing.