How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in California.
Dealer-focused reference for California duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $22Temp tag: 90 daysDealer title deadline: 10 days (dealer must apply for title within 10 days of sale)
REG 227 (Application for Duplicate / Paperless Title)
Where to file
DMV office, by mail, or online via DMV MyDMV portal
Turnaround
4–6 weeks by mail; same-day at office for Reg. Only
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
90 days
Dealer title deadline
10 days (dealer must apply for title within 10 days of sale) after sale
Temporary tags / permits
California temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in California are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Dealer-issued temporary operating permits (TOPs) valid 90 days; one extension sometimes allowed
Dealers in California must submit title paperwork within 10 days (dealer must apply for title within 10 days of sale) of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (California's window is 10 days (dealer must apply for title within 10 days of sale)).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
California state quirk
California has a 10-day dealer title submission deadline — one of the strictest in the country. California uses electronic lien and title (ELT) by default for financed vehicles.