Non-transferable registration is issued to out-of-state vehicles when their owners are unable to show proof of ownership. This type of registration means the vehicle cannot be sold, transferred, or issued a California Certificate of Title until specific conditions are met. Once met, however, the vehicle’s registration can be converted to normal registration.
To convert non-transferable registration:
If you are the owner shown on the non-transferable registration card, you will need:
- The last-issued title, whether California or out-of-state. If the vehicle was previously titled in California, then left California and was registered in another state but was not issued a title by that state, you may use the previous California title as the last-issued title.
If you are not the owner shown on the non-transferable registration card, you will need:
- An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form completed and signed.
- The last-issued California title (or out-of-state title), signed by the owner(s) whose printed name(s) appear on the title, and listing you as the new owner(s).
- Bill(s) of sale for the complete chain of ownership, if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the owner(s) shown on the title.
If a legal owner (lienholder) shown on the title does not sign the title to release interest in the vehicle, you must obtain a “lien satisfied” statement from that lienholder.
You might also need:
- The last-issued California non-transferable registration card.
- An Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
- Bill(s) of sale.
- Smog certification.
- An odometer disclosure.
- A motor vehicle bond.
- Renewal fees.
You can convert your non-transferable registration in person at a DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you own a vehicle with non-transferable registration and you decide to sell or dispose of your vehicle, you must contact that state in which the vehicle was last titled so you can apply for a replacement title.
If the state in which the vehicle was last titled is unable to issue a replacement title, a Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057) may be required. Call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a DMV office for assistance.
If your name is shown on the non-transferable registration certificate, there is no fee to get a California title on a non-transferable vehicle. However, there may be:
- Transfer fees – If you are adding or removing a registered owner or lienholder from the title, you must pay a transfer fee.
- Renewal fees – If you submit an application for a non-transferable vehicle title within 30 days of the vehicle’s registration expiration date, you must pay renewal fees.
- Parking fees – If the vehicle has any parking tickets on its record, you must pay parking fees to DMV or through a clearance obtained from the issuing parking agency.
- Smog certification may be required with a renewal or transfer.
- If you are transferring ownership, and your vehicle is less than 10 model years old, an odometer disclosure may be required.
- If you cannot show ownership documents for your vehicle, a Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057) may be required. Call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a DMV office for assistance.
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Forms
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Titles
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Registration Fees
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