Cal. Vehicle Code

6300. Recording of security interest

    Except as provided in Sections 5905, 5907 and 5908, no security interest in any vehicle registered under this code, irrespective of whether such registration was effected prior or subsequent to the creation of such security interest is perfected until the secured party or his successor or assignee has deposited with the department, at its office in Sacramento, or at any other office as may be designated by the director, a properly endorsed certificate of ownership to the vehicle subject to the security interest showing the secured party as legal owner if the vehicle is then registered under this code, or, if the vehicle is not so registered, an application in usual form for an original registration, together with an application for registration of the secured party as legal owner, and upon payment of the fees as provided in this code.