Lenditup

Are title loans legal in California?

By Lenditup Editorial Team · Law last verified · How we verify

Yes. Title loans are legal in California, and lenders must follow the California Finance Lenders Law (Cal. Fin. Code §22000 to 22780).

Title loan rules in California at a glance

Title loan rules in California
Title-loan lawCalifornia Finance Lenders Law (Cal. Fin. Code §22000 to 22780)
Rate cap2.5% / 2% / 1.5% / 1% per month by balance on loans under $2,500 (Cal. Fin. Code § 22303); 36% a year plus the Federal Funds Rate on $2,500 to $9,999 (§ 22304.5); no state rate cap at $10,000 or more
Loan term1 year to 1,840 days
Rollovers and renewalsNo statutory renewal limit for loans of $2,500 or more; a refinance may carry an administrative fee only once per 12 months (Cal. Fin. Code § 22305), and loans of $2,500 to $9,999 need a minimum 12-month term (§ 22334(c))
RepossessionAllowed after default
Time to catch up before repossession15 days
Owe the balance after the car is sold?Yes, the lender may collect what the sale did not cover. Check the statute for any minimum balance
Lender licenseRequired (California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI))
StatuteCal. Fin. Code §§ 22000, 22303, 22304.5, 22328, 22334

Source: Cal. Fin. Code §§ 22000, 22303, 22304.5, 22328, 22334 (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 3, 2026. See title loan laws in every state.

Maximum rate on each part of the balance in California

Maximum annual rate on each part of the balance in California
Part of the balanceMaximum rate
First $22530%
$226 to $90024%
$901 to $1,65018%
$1,651 to $2,49912%

Each rate applies only to that part of what you owe, so a larger loan has a blended rate between them (Cal. Fin. Code § 22303). The rate cap above also has a rule the table doesn't show, so read it as the full rule.

What a title loan costs in California

Rate rule in California: 2.5% / 2% / 1.5% / 1% per month by balance on loans under $2,500 (Cal. Fin. Code § 22303); 36% a year plus the Federal Funds Rate on $2,500 to $9,999 (§ 22304.5); no state rate cap at $10,000 or more. We don't show a worked example for California because the law doesn't fix one price. Compare the APR and the total you will repay in each lender's written disclosure before you sign.

What happens if you can't repay

If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but California gives you 15 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold for less than you owe, the lender may be able to collect the difference. Some states allow this only when the unpaid balance is above a set amount, so check the statute or ask the lender.

If you think you will miss a payment, call the lender before the due date and ask what options it offers.

How to check a lender in California

Title lenders in California must be licensed (California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)). Search for the lender on the official license lookup before you sign. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).

Looking for a loan in California?

A title loan puts your car at risk, so compare it with a personal installment loan first. If a title loan is still the right fit, you can send one request and see what lenders and lending marketplaces in our network offer.

Start a title loan request

Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within California law.

Title loan questions for California

01What is the most a title lender can charge in California?
2.5% / 2% / 1.5% / 1% per month by balance on loans under $2,500 (Cal. Fin. Code § 22303); 36% a year plus the Federal Funds Rate on $2,500 to $9,999 (§ 22304.5); no state rate cap at $10,000 or more. Your contract must show the APR before you sign.
02How long is a title loan in California?
1 year to 1,840 days, under California law.
03Can I roll over a title loan in California?
No statutory renewal limit for loans of $2,500 or more; a refinance may carry an administrative fee only once per 12 months (Cal. Fin. Code § 22305), and loans of $2,500 to $9,999 need a minimum 12-month term (§ 22334(c)). Each renewal adds cost, so ask for the total you will repay.
04What happens if I can't repay a title loan in California?
If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but California gives you 15 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold for less than you owe, the lender may be able to collect the difference. Some states allow this only when the unpaid balance is above a set amount, so check the statute or ask the lender.
05How do I check that a title lender is licensed in California?
Title lenders in California must be licensed (California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)). You can look a lender up in the official license search.
06Is Lenditup a title lender in California?
No. Lenditup is not a lender. We connect you with lenders and lending marketplaces in our network, and the lender you choose sets your rate and terms within California law.

Title loan laws in other states

Compare every state side by side on the state title loan law table, or read how title loans work and what lenders ask for. Payday loans follow a different law: see payday loan rules in California.