From Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and the Central Valley, California drivers use title loans when a repair bill, medical cost, or rent payment can't wait for the next paycheck. You apply online in a few minutes and keep driving your car while you repay.
The loan is based on your vehicle's equity and your ability to repay, so a thin or bruised credit file isn't the deciding factor. Before you sign, you see the APR, every fee, and the full payment schedule in writing.
$5,207
Average Loan Amount
$2,525 to $10,518
Typical Loan Range
2015
Avg Vehicle Year
12,361
Loans Funded
Based on 12,361 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | BMW | 6-Series | 78,000 | $9,215 |
| 2020 | Jeep | Compass | 82,215 | $5,324 |
| 2021 | Honda | Civic | 49,000 | $2,525 |
| 2015 | Subaru | WRX | 81,000 | $6,015 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Tahoe | 136,000 | $2,715 |
| 2018 | Jeep | Wrangler | 119,000 | $9,821 |
| 2019 | Ram | 1500 | 130,000 | $10,500 |
| 2016 | Toyota | Tundra | 95,000 | $9,995 |
| 2018 | GMC | Terrain | 89,735 | $5,015 |
| 2015 | Jeep | Cherokee | 124,837 | $2,722 |
| Vehicle Make | Avg. Vehicle Value | Avg. Loan Amount | Borrowers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | $11,408 | $5,272 | 2,242 |
| Honda | $10,916 | $4,894 | 1,422 |
| Chevrolet | $11,317 | $5,267 | 1,334 |
| Ford | $10,194 | $5,335 | 1,111 |
| Nissan | $8,258 | $4,328 | 808 |
Top 5 vehicle makes financed in California based on 12,361 loans. Actual loan amounts vary based on your vehicle's condition, mileage, your ability to repay the loan, and California regulations.
Borrowers across California tap into their vehicle's equity for a range of real-world needs — from covering unexpected bills to bridging income gaps. Here are the most common reasons our customers request 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 12,361 funded loans.
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.
Your full APR, fees, and total cost are disclosed in writing before you sign
✅ 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 2253575).
Lenders must be licensed; check the DFPI license list or NMLS Consumer Access before borrowing. The lender must show the APR, all fees, the payment schedule, and total cost before you sign, and there is no prepayment penalty. Late fees are capped at $10 (10 days late) or $15 (15 days late), with only one late fee per missed payment. After repossession the lender must send a notice within 60 days; it may pursue you for any shortfall after the sale only if that notice was given (Cal. Fin. Code § 22328(b)), and any surplus must be returned to you.
📖 Governing law: California Finance Lenders Law (Cal. Fin. Code §22000 to 22780)
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
State figures last verified against primary statute text on 3 October 2026.
Thinking about a title loan in California? See if it's the right choice for you before you apply.
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.
The amount you can borrow in California depends on: Your vehicle's current market value Your ability to repay The loan term you choose In most cases you may qualify for up to 50% of your car's current value. Get a free estimate online to see what your vehicle qualifies for.
Same-day or next-business-day funding is possible for many applicants in California. The key steps - application, vehicle evaluation, document review, and fund release - can often be completed within one business day when everything is in order.
Being unemployed does not automatically disqualify you in California. Income still needs to be verified, but it does not have to come from a traditional job. Accepted income sources may include: Social Security benefits Disability payments Pension or retirement income Unemployment benefits Self-employment or freelance income
Your car's value is the main driver of your loan amount in California. Market tools similar to Kelley Blue Book are used to estimate it. Key factors include: Make, model, year, and trim Mileage Overall condition Accident or damage history A well-maintained, lower-mileage vehicle will typically support a larger loan. Get a free estimate online to see what your car qualifies for.
Yes, title loans are legal in California. They are regulated by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) under the California Finance Lenders Law. This means rate caps, a minimum 12-month term on loans of $2,500 to $9,999, capped late fees, and required licensing for all lenders.
Vehicles with a salvage or branded title may still qualify for a title loan in California, depending on the vehicle's value and condition. Because salvage titles generally lower a car's market value, approval can vary. Apply online for a quick pre-approval to see your options.
Yes, you may still qualify even with a high-mileage or older vehicle. What matters most is the vehicle's current market value, not its age or mileage alone. A well-maintained older car can still carry enough equity to support a loan. Get a free estimate online to see what your vehicle qualifies for.
Title loans typically offer 25% to 50% of your vehicle's value. Your amount depends on your vehicle's value and your income. Loans above $10,000 are not subject to a state rate cap and can be significantly more expensive.
5 Star Loans, Inc., dba
5 Star Car Title Loans™
473 E. Carnegie Dr.,
Suite 200
San Bernardino, CA 92408
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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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