If you have the title:

If you do have the California Certificate of Title or the original expired California registration card (not a photocopy), you can submit a new registration application.

You will need:

• A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF) form.
• A completed Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form. This form must be completed by an authorized DMV employee or peace officer.
• The California Certificate of Title or registration card for your vehicle.
  • If you do not have the Certificate of Title, you will need an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) form.
  • If you are not the owner named on the title or registration card, then the Certificate of Title must be properly endorsed for transfer.
• A Certificate of Non-Operation/Planned Non-Operation Certification (REG 102) (PDF) form or Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) certifying to the non-operation of the vehicle.
• The odometer disclosure statement completed on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262). Show Citation 11
  This form is not available online because it is printed on security paper; call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request one be mailed to you.
  for motor vehicles less than 10 model years old.
• A weight certificate for commercial vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds unladen or a REG 256 (PDF) form from the owner certifying the weight has not changed.
  • If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or is a Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) trailer, a REG 256 (PDF) certifying the estimated weight is required.

If you do not have the title:

If you do not have a California Certificate of Title or expired registration card, or you only have a photocopy of the registration card, the following items are required to register your vehicle:

• A completed Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) form along with an original registration card.
  • If you submit a REG 227 form and the registration card shows a legal owner (lienholder), you must submit a notarized Legal Owner/Title Holder Release (REG 166) (PDF) form.
• A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF) form.
  • The Cost Information section of REG 343 must be completed with the purchase price to establish a vehicle license fee classification.
• A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form.
  • This form must be completed by an authorized DMV employee or any peace officer.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form containing the following information:
  • How, when, and from whom the vehicle was acquired.
  • Efforts you made to get evidence of ownership and why you were unable to get it.
  • The current value of the vehicle.
• A weight certificate (for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds unladen).
  • If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or is a trailer in the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) program, a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) certifying the estimated weight is required.
• A Certificate of Non-Operation/Planned Non-Operation Certification (REG 102) (PDF) form or a REG 256 (PDF) form stating that the vehicle will not be operated.
• The odometer disclosure statement completed on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262). Show Citation 22
  This form is not available online because it is printed on security paper; call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request one be mailed to you.
• A completed REG 262 form (for motor vehicles less than 10 model years old).
• If the vehicle is valued at $5,000 or more, you may need a Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057) (PDF). Call (800) 777-0133 or visit a DMV office for assistance.

In some cases, you may also need to submit the following:

• A smog certification based on the model year of the vehicle.
• The license plates from the vehicle.
• For commercial motor vehicles, you may need a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) (PDF) form.
  • Exempt: Pickups that have an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less, a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,499 pounds or less, and that do not exceed 9 feet in length.
• A Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) (PDF) form for trailers in the PTI program if the owner requests a Certificate of Title.

If you do not plan to operate the vehicle, but wish to obtain a Certificate of Title issued in your name, you may apply for a “Title Only” by completing a REG 256 (PDF) form and a REG 102 (PDF) form.

Do I need to pay any fees?

Fees are due from the first time you drive your vehicle. 

Note Make sure you pay your fees before operating the vehicle.

The amount of fees due (except for trailers in the PTI program) will depend on the cost of the vehicle, the county of residence, and the type of vehicle.

A fee estimate can be determined at the time of your registration application. You can also use the online vehicle registration fee (VLF) calculator to calculate an estimate.