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5 Star Car Title Loans offers hassle-free title loans in California and secured loans, with loan amounts up to $50,000. Use your vehicle’s title as collateral and get approved in as little as 24 hours—even with bad credit history1!
✅ Borrow Up to $50,000 – Loan amounts based on your vehicle’s value and your ability to repay.
✅ Same-Day Funding Available – Apply early and receive your money the same day.2
✅ No Hidden Fees – Transparent loan terms with no surprises.
✅ Bad Credit? No Problem! – Approval is based on your car's value, not your credit history.
✅ Keep Driving Your Car – You retain full use of your vehicle while making payments.
California’s plates have changed over the years, but the black-and-yellow ones from the ’60s are so iconic they’re still available for classic cars!
In California, title loans offer a legal and regulated way to access quick cash, letting you borrow 25%-50% of your car’s value while still driving your vehicle. With unique state laws ensuring consumer protection, this option is popular among residents in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco who need fast financing in emergencies.
Getting an auto title loan in California with 5 Star Car Title Loans is quick and straightforward.
Fill out a short online request form or visit one of our California locations to get started.2
You'll need:
Once approved, you'll sign the loan agreement, and funds will be transferred to your account—often on the same day!2
To qualify for a 5 Star Car Title Loan in California, you must:
✔️ Be at least 18 years old
✔️ Own a vehicle with a lien-free title
✔️ Provide proof of income & residency
✔️ Have a valid government-issued ID
No credit check needed for certain loans! Even if a credit check is performed, it’s not a primary factor for approval.1
In California, title loans are legal and regulated under the California Finance Lenders Law and overseen by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Most title loans fall between $2,500 and $10,000. For these loans, the interest rate is capped at 36% per year plus the Federal Funds Rate (about 39%–40% APR as of 2026).
For loans above $10,000, there is no state rate cap, so rates may vary and can be higher. These loans may be more expensive and should be considered carefully.
We offer APR starting from 36%, with most loans structured within the $2,500 to $10,000 range under California rate limits.
Under the Fair Access to Credit Act (AB 539), lenders must follow strict rules for consumer loans:
See the table below to understand how to avoid high-cost title loans in California. Loans over $10,000 are not rate-capped, so costs can increase quickly.
For example, $9,000 at 36% = $5,832 interest, while $11,000 at 90% = $20,968 interest over the same term. That’s 3–4x more in interest.
To reduce costs, consider borrowing under $10,000, where California law limits rates and helps protect you from paying significantly higher interest.
| Vehicle & Value | Loan Amount | Loan Term | APR | Fees | Mo. Payment | Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe 2021 – $35K | $9,000 | 36 Mo. | 36.% | $90 | $412 | $5,832 |
| Toyota Tundra 2020 – $40K | $11,000 | 36 Mo. | 90.% | $90 | $888 | $20,968 |
Note: Our repayment schedules have no prepayment penalties or hidden fees, allowing you to pay off your loan early without extra costs
Before choosing a title loan, weigh the pros and cons carefully. If traditional financing isn't an option, an online title loan can provide quick relief in emergencies. However, understanding the terms is crucial to making a smart financial decision.
- Quick Access to Cash: Car title loans offer a same day cash for individuals facing financial emergencies.8
- Bad Credit: Since title loans are secured by collateral (the vehicle), making them accessible to individuals with no credit or bad credit.
- Keep Driving Your Vehicle: Borrowers can still use their vehicles while repaying the loan, providing continued transportation and convenience.
- Flexibility in Loan Amount: Based on your vehicle’s value and proof of income, title loans in California may offer amounts ranging from $2,500 to $50,000.
- High Interest Rates: Title loans often come with high interest rates, which can lead to significant repayment costs over time. Loans above $10,000 are not subject to California’s rate cap
- Risk of Vehicle Repossession: If you stop making payments, the lender can repossess your vehicle. Under California Commercial Code §9609, repossession can occur without advance notice, but you must be notified before the vehicle is sold and have the right to reclaim it by paying the full balance9.
- Short-Term Solution: Title loans are best used for short-term needs. If not managed carefully, they can become expensive and create ongoing financial pressure.
No Right to Cancel After Signing: California law does not provide a “cooling-off period.” Once you sign the loan agreement, you are committed to the terms.
Lender Tip: We suggest using title loans only for emergencies because of their high interest rates, which can trap you in a cycle of debt.4
Yes!
At 5 Star Car Title Loans, we focus on vehicle equity and income stability, not your credit history. Whether your credit is good, bad, or non-existent, you may still qualify
We offer multiple repayment options:
✔️ Pay online through our secure portal
✔️ Set up automatic bank payments
✔️ Visit a 5 Star Car Title Loans location
✔️ Make payments via MoneyGram or Western Union
We ensure flexible payment plans that suit your budget, helping you stay on track.
Yes, California title loans are legal, but they are regulated and have certain restrictions.
Lenders have specific requirements, and applications may be denied for these key reasons:
In many cases, you can receive funds the same day if you apply early and submit the required documents8
While proof of income is required, it does not need to be a traditional paycheck. We accept various forms of income, including:
✔️Rental income
✔️Self-employment earnings
✔️Social Security benefits
✔️Disability payments
Yes, you can continue to drive your car while you have a title loan. The lender holds onto the title as collateral, but you retain possession and use of your vehicle during the loan term.
Once you fully repay the loan, the lender releases the lien with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
If your title is electronic (ELT), the lender sends the lien release electronically, and the DMV updates your record.
Timeline:
You usually don’t need to take any action. If you don’t receive your title after 30 days, contact the DMV or your lender.
Late fees are capped at $10 (10+ days late) or $15 (15+ days late), with only one fee per missed payment.
You can catch up and reinstate your loan. If payments are not made, the lender may repossess your vehicle and must provide notice before sale under California Commercial Code §9611.
Contact us early if you need help to avoid extra costs.
5 Star Car Title Loans is licensed and operates under California financial laws, ensuring fair and legal lending practices.
For any questions or more details about applying for a title loan, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly by phone.
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Written by
Bryan Solis
Bryan Solis brings over a decade of expertise in the lending industry, specializing in auto finance, personal loans, and car title loans, with experience in both prime and subprime lending. Leveraging his academic foundation in Business Administration, he has played a role in in the growth of start-ups as well as driving sustained success in established organizations. Currently serving as Head of Sales at 5 Star Loans, he has demonstrated exceptional skills in operational leadership and client relationship management, contributing to the company’s success.
5 Star Loans, Inc., dba
5 Star Car Title Loans™
473 E. Carnegie Dr.,
Suite 200
San Bernardino, CA 92408
NMLS ID 1442517
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1Applications submitted through this website are processed by 5 Star Loans™, Inc., dba 5 Star Car Title Loans™
2Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (19 in Alabama). Loans are not available in all states.
3Use of this website is free. We may share personal information with third-party service providers as necessary to process your loan request, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
4USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.
5Loan proceeds are intended primarily for personal, household, or family purposes. The minimum loan amounts differ according to various states. Consumers must prove their ability to repay the loan.
6Approving loans depends on meeting credit criteria and may include offering certain assets as collateral. The actual loan amounts, terms, and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of a loan that the consumer qualifies for could vary according to the consumer.
7Title Loans can be expensive and are intended for short-term financial needs only. Consumers may have access to lower-cost alternatives. Paying the loan early may help reduce additional finance charges.
8Completing the application may take about five (5) minutes. Conditional approval may be issued pending document review. Final funding begins upon full approval and receipt of all required documents signed before 2 PM local time on a business day.
9Title Loan Notice: This loan is secured by your vehicle. If required payments are not made, your vehicle may be repossessed, and you could lose your car. Late or missed payments may be reported to consumer reporting agencies and could negatively affect your credit.
10For anyone experiencing difficulty with this website using a screen reader, please feel free to call (510) 992-4050 for assistance.
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