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5 Star Car Title Loans™ funds auto-equity loans across California, including major metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Apply online in minutes, keep driving your vehicle, and receive your funds the same business day once approved⁸.
We've funded 10,857 California title loans with an average amount of $5,181, all originated under California law with transparent APR disclosure and no prepayment penalties.
$5,181
Average Loan Amount
$2,525 to $10,355
Typical Loan Range
2015
Avg Vehicle Year
10,857
Loans Funded
Based on 10,857 loans in California from 2023 to 2026. Actual loan amounts vary based on your vehicle's condition, mileage, your ability to repay the loan, and California regulations.
Recent funded loans in California. Actual loan amounts vary based on vehicle condition, mileage, and California regulations.
| Year | Make | Model | Miles | Funded Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hyundai | Kona | 122,306 | $4,925 |
| 2021 | Tesla | Model 3 | 96,500 | $3,591 |
| 2012 | Mercedes-Benz | M Class | 209,000 | $3,605 |
| 2018 | Nissan | Rogue Sport | 65,000 | $7,334 |
| 2012 | Ford | Mustang | 96,980 | $6,315 |
| 2017 | Honda | Civic | 152,842 | $2,525 |
| 2019 | Toyota | Tacoma | 100,000 | $5,143 |
| 2018 | Nissan | Maxima | 125,000 | $4,543 |
| 2019 | Honda | Accord | 160,000 | $8,895 |
| 2019 | Toyota | Highlander | 138,000 | $4,320 |
California title loans run 12 to 60 months with fixed monthly payments. Your plates and your car stay with you the whole time.
| Vehicle Make | Avg. Vehicle Value | Avg. Loan Amount | Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | $11,433 | $5,233 | 1,962 |
| Honda | $10,949 | $4,883 | 1,249 |
| Chevrolet | $11,139 | $5,181 | 1,165 |
| Ford | $10,213 | $5,385 | 980 |
| Nissan | $8,265 | $4,350 | 721 |
Top 5 vehicle makes financed in California based on 10,857 loans. Actual loan amounts vary based on your vehicle's condition, mileage, your ability to repay the loan, and California regulations.
In California, title loans offer a legal and regulated way to access quick cash, letting you borrow 25% to 50% of your car’s value while still driving your vehicle. With unique state laws ensuring consumer protection, this option is used by people across Northern and Southern California who need fast access to funds.
Most California title loans fall between $2,500 and $10,000, the range covered by the state’s rate cap.Your full APR, fees, and total cost are disclosed in writing before you sign
5 Star Car Title Loans serves borrowers across California, with a strong presence in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Bakersfield . Additional California cities served include Long Beach, Fresno, San Jose, Sacramento, Anaheim, Fontana, and Corona. Find your city to view local details and get more information.
✅ 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.8
✅ 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.
✅ Licensed Direct Lender - Licensed to operate in California (NMLS ID 1442517).
In California, many people turn to their vehicle’s equity when they need extra cash. It can help cover unexpected bills, handle emergencies, or get through a gap between paychecks. Here are some of the most common reasons customers choose a title loan.
| # | Top Use |
|---|---|
| 1 | Electric and Water Utilities |
| 2 | Emergency Medical Bills |
| 3 | Gas and Transportation Costs |
| 4 | Groceries and Household Essentials |
| 5 | Income Gap Coverage (Between Jobs) |
| 6 | Moving Expenses or Security Deposits |
| 7 | Rent or Mortgage Payments |
| 8 | Urgent Vehicle Repairs |
Based on common use cases reported by California borrowers across 10,857 funded loans.
California is home to 39,431,263 residents across 482 incorporated cities and towns.
Top metros include Los Angeles (11,984,100), San Francisco (3,417,740), and San Diego (3,064,440).
On average, 7.7% of California residents across the state's cities and towns are currently unemployed.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median household income across California cities and towns is $100,430.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Title loans in California are legal and regulated under the California Finance Lenders Law and overseen by the DFPI.
| Loan Amount | Term | APR | Interest/Fees | Total Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | 24 months | 36% | $1,252 | $4,252 |
| $5,000 | 24 months | 36% | $2,087 | $7,087 |
| $9,999 | 24 months | 36% | $4,171 | $14,170 |
Examples shown at the 36% base rate. Your actual APR also includes the Federal Funds Rate, currently bringing the cap to about 39.6% as of April 2026. Always make sure your lender shows you the exact APR in writing before signing.
Sources: California Finance Lenders Law (CFL), Cal. Fin. Code §22000 to 22780; Fair Access to Credit Act (AB 539); Repossession Law, Cal. Com. Code §9609; Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA), 15 U.S.C. §1601
📖 Governing law: California Finance Lenders Law (Cal. Fin. Code §22000 to 22780)
California's rate cap is your strongest protection against high-cost title loans, but it only applies up to $10,000. Borrowing larger amounts above the cap exposes you to significantly higher rates and total costs that vary widely by lender.
Compare offers from licensed lenders, and only borrow what you actually need. Borrowing closer to your real need keeps you within the rate-capped range and limits your total interest cost.
If you miss payments, your California lender can repossess your vehicle without advance notice under California Commercial Code §9609. But repossession is usually a last resort — most lenders would rather work with you than take your car.
If you think you might miss a payment, contact your lender early. You may be able to set up a payment plan, adjust your terms, or refinance your title loan to keep payments manageable.
Late fees in California are capped at $10 if you're 10 days late, or $15 if you're 15 days late, with only one fee per missed payment.
A title loan can be a fast solution, especially for borrowers with bad credit. But it comes with high costs, and you risk losing your car if you can't pay it back. That's why we encourage you to explore other borrowing options before putting your vehicle on the line. Some may cost less or fit your situation better.
If a title loan still makes the most sense for you, make sure you understand the full cost, your repayment schedule, and your rights under California law before you sign.
Yes. California's Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system lets the entire process happen digitally, with no need to mail or hand over a paper title.
At 5 Star Car Title Loans™, you can apply online for free pre-approval with no obligation, complete your car inspection through your phone, and securely upload your ID, proof of income, and vehicle documents to our online secure portal. Once approved, you can sign your agreement online and receive your funds directly to your account.
To qualify for a car title loan in California, applicants generally need to meet these requirements:
Yes. Title loans are legal in California and are regulated by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), with specific limits and borrower protections in place.
Your credit score is not the main factor for approval. Title loans are often used by borrowers with bad credit because approval is based mostly on your vehicle’s value and your ability to repay. A credit check may be done, but it usually does not determine how much you can borrow or your chances of approval.
How Fast Can It Take to Get a Title Loan in California?
Same-day funding is possible in California. Many applicants receive a decision within a few hours. Once your documents are verified and approved, funds may be available the same day or by the next business day⁸.
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.
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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