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.
Yes. Every lender must be licensed by the California DFPI.
Bad credit? You may still qualify.
No traditional job? Social Security, disability, or other verifiable income may count.
$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? You May Still Qualify
- Borrowers with bad credit are welcome to apply. We focus mainly on your ability to repay and your vehicle's value and equity, rather than your credit score alone.
✅ 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).
📖 Governing law: California Financing Law (Cal. Fin. Code §§ 22000 to 22780.1)
Sources: California Financing Law (CFL), Cal. Fin. Code §§ 22000 to 22780.1; 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
Once approved, you can sign your agreement online and receive your funds directly to your account.
Your car is the collateral, so it can be repossessed if you default. 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.
Yes. Title loans often come with high costs. Rate cap in California: Capped on loans under $10,000; no state cap at $10,000 or more. Our APRs go up to 150% and never exceed the cap set by state law. Even at the capped rate, a title loan usually costs more than a personal loan from a bank or credit union.
Under California law, 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)).
Yes. You can pay off your loan early at any time, and there is no prepayment penalty.
Contact the California DFPI, which licenses title lenders in California. You can also use it to check that a lender is licensed before you sign.
No credit check is needed to pre-qualify. A soft credit check may be required as part of the final approval process. That does not affect your FICO score. Borrowers with bad credit are welcome to apply: we focus mainly on your ability to repay and your vehicle's value and equity, rather than your credit score alone.
Yes. Your car's value sets how much you can borrow, and condition and mileage both affect that value. We usually lend 25% to 50% of your car's value, sometimes more. There is no mileage limit, and salvage or rebuilt titles can qualify with a lower appraisal. A car that doesn't run may still qualify, usually for less.
Yes. The whole process can be done online, with no store visit required, and you keep driving your car while you repay. A GPS device is needed only in some cases, and you are told before you sign.
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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