1.105 Photocopy/Fax Copy of Documents (VC §1651)

A photocopy and fax copy are considered the same by DMV. If DMV procedures authorize acceptance of a photocopy, a fax copy is also acceptable. Photocopies or fax copies of documents and/or signatures other than those authorized are not acceptable.

Court Document—The original, certified copy, or photocopy of a certified copy of a court document is acceptable.

Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO)—The original or a replacement Certificate/Statement of Origin issued by the manufacturer is acceptable (not a photocopy).

Power of Attorney—A photocopy of a general power of attorney, including the Power of Attorney (REG 260) form, is acceptable. However, a copy of the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) is not acceptable, even if the form has only the Power of Attorney section completed.

Registration Card—A legible photocopy of the last-issued California registration is acceptable on all transactions except unavailable records.

Title—A photocopy of the title document is not acceptable.

Vehicle/Vessel and Reassignment Form (REG 262)—A photocopy of a REG 262 is not acceptable, even if used only as a power of attorney.

Other Documents—A photocopy or fax copy of a form may be accepted in lieu of the original, provided the information and signature on the form are original.

Repetitive information, such as the same year model, make, and model, may be a copy when multiple applications are submitted.

A document altered from its original context and then copied is never acceptable.

Critical information such as the last digits of the vehicle identification number and signatures must be original.

A copy of a signature is acceptable when an application must be reconstructed because it was lost within DMV or a dealer is out-of-business (DOB).