The title number on a California Title is an 8 digit number that is located on the title above the VIN number.
The VIN Number on the title is the Vehicle Identification Number.
The title number is located above that VIN Number.
The VIN number should say Vin Number which makes it easier to locate.
The title number is located on the title of any vehicle for any state where you have titled your vehicle.
If you lost your title then you can apply for a lost title through the DMV as long as you own the vehicle.
You can take the vehicle registration number and VIN number to the DMV and apply for a lost title and pay a fee.
I have had to get a lost title replaced before and it's pretty simple to do.