California Form REG 227 is the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title that California vehicle owners, buyers, heirs, and lienholders use to ask the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a duplicate Certificate of Title, transfer ownership when the original title is lost or unavailable, or convert a paperless ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) record into a paper title. The current revision printed on the form is REV. 6/2023, and the DMV will reject older versions on sight, so always download a fresh PDF from the official DMV forms library before you start filling anything out.
The form solves a painful problem: California law in Vehicle Code § 5753 requires a properly endorsed Certificate of Title to transfer ownership, and missing one paragraph or one signature can trigger a rejection letter that adds 6–12 weeks to your wait. The DMV processes more than one million title transactions every year, and internal DMV audits have shown that roughly 20–25% of mailed REG 227 packets come back for correction the first time around, usually because of odometer, lien, or signature errors documented in the DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures (VIRP) manual.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to fill out every line, box, and signature block on REG 227 without guessing
- 🚗 Three real, named scenarios walked through end-to-end (lost title, private-party transfer, inheritance)
- 💵 Current 2026 fees, late penalties, and use tax pitfalls anchored to DMV’s fee calculator
- 📬 Every filing channel — in person, by mail, and through a Business Partner Automation provider — with proof-of-filing tips
- ⚠️ The 10 most common rejection traps and how to avoid each one before the envelope leaves your hands
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
California REG 227 is the all-in-one DMV application used when the paper Certificate of Title is missing, mutilated, illegible, or tied up in an electronic lien record that has to be converted to paper. It also doubles as a transfer document when the seller cannot deliver a properly endorsed title to the buyer, which is the single most common reason private-party deals stall. The DMV treats REG 227 as a sworn statement under penalty of perjury, which is why every signature block ties back to Vehicle Code § 1652 and triggers cross-checks against the DMV’s title history file.
Several different filers use REG 227 every day. A registered owner who paid off a loan and lost the title in the move uses it to request a duplicate. A buyer who handed cash to a seller who never produced the pink slip uses it to force the transfer through. A lienholder who satisfied a loan but cannot locate the title uses it to clean up the record. An heir taking a deceased relative’s vehicle uses it together with REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) to move title without going to court. A licensed dealer or Business Partner Automation (BPA) provider uses it inside a larger transfer packet processed electronically.
Federal law also reaches into this California form. The Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA) requires a written odometer disclosure for any vehicle less than 20 model years old, and the odometer block on REG 227 is the federally compliant disclosure when the title itself is unavailable. Skipping that block on a 2009-or-newer vehicle is a federal violation, not just a state one, and the DMV will reject the application without even reading the rest.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Pulling the right documents before you open the PDF saves the most time. The DMV’s registration checklist confirms the items below, and missing even one usually triggers a rejection letter known internally as a VC22 notice.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You need the full 17-character VIN to match the DMV title record; a one-digit error sends the file to manual review and adds about 4 weeks.
- License plate number. The DMV cross-checks plate to VIN, and a mismatch on a vehicle with personalized plates will pause the application.
- Current legal owner and registered owner names. These must match the DMV record exactly, including middle initials, or the file routes to the Records Information Section for verification.
- Odometer reading on the day you sign. Federal 49 CFR § 580.5 requires the actual mileage, not a rounded number, on vehicles under 20 model years old.
- Lienholder name and ELT number (if any). Without the ELT release, the DMV cannot issue a paper title even if the loan is paid.
- Government-issued photo ID (California driver license, REAL ID, passport, or AB 60 license). The DMV verifies identity per Vehicle Code § 1653.5.
- Bill of sale or REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form). Required when REG 227 is being used to transfer rather than just duplicate.
- Smog certification for vehicles more than 4 model years old that are not diesel-exempt or hybrid-exempt under Health & Safety Code § 44011.
- REG 256 (Statement of Facts) when use tax is exempt, the vehicle is a gift, or the odometer is broken.
- REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) when the registered owner is deceased and the estate is under $184,500.
- Payment for fees and use tax. Cashier’s checks and money orders payable to DMV are the safest by mail; in-person offices accept cards with a small surcharge.
If any of these are missing, do not mail the packet. The DMV does not call you for missing items — it returns the entire envelope, and the rejection letter alone can take 3 weeks to arrive.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The only safe place to download REG 227 is the DMV’s official form page. Third-party sites often host outdated versions, and the DMV will reject any revision older than the one currently posted. The form is a single two-sided page in PDF format, fillable on a desktop browser, and printable on standard letter paper.
You can also pick up a paper copy at any DMV field office or request one by phone at 1-800-777-0133. A licensed DMV Business Partner such as a registration service or auto club can hand you a current copy too. AAA members in Northern and Southern California can complete REG 227 at most branches with a member service representative on the same day.
Print the form on plain white letter-size paper. Do not shrink it to fit, do not print double-sided unless your printer aligns perfectly, and do not staple. The DMV scans REG 227 into its imaging system, and a tilted or shrunk form scans as illegible, which kicks the file to manual entry and adds weeks. Black ink only, printed clearly, with no white-out — the DMV’s VIRP Chapter 11 treats white-out as evidence of alteration and rejects the form.
If you are filing as part of a BPA transaction, the partner’s software generates the REG 227 image electronically, but the filer still signs a wet-ink copy that the partner retains for 3 years.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out California Form REG 227 Line by Line
The form is organized into numbered sections that flow top to bottom. Work through them in order. Do not skip ahead — many sections trigger conditional follow-ups.
Section 1: Vehicle/Vessel Identification Number
This box asks for the full VIN or Hull Identification Number printed on the dashboard, door jamb, or hull plate. Enter the full 17 characters in capital letters, no spaces and no dashes, exactly as they appear on the vehicle. Carlos Mendoza writes 1HGCM82633A123456 in this box for his 2003 Honda Accord.
If your vehicle pre-dates 1981, the VIN may be shorter than 17 characters; in that case, enter the full short VIN and leave the remaining boxes blank rather than padding with zeros. The most common mistake here is transposing a 0 (zero) and an O (letter O), which sends the file to the DMV’s Records Information Section for manual lookup and can delay the duplicate by 6–8 weeks. A common misconception is that the DMV will “figure out” a small VIN error from the plate number — it will not, because the VIN is the primary key in the DMV title database.
Section 1 (continued): License Plate/CF Number
Enter the current California license plate number or vessel CF number exactly as it appears on the plate. Use uppercase letters and no spaces. Maria Lopez writes 7ABC123 for her sedan.
If the plate is personalized, include any spaces or punctuation that appear on the plate itself, since the DMV’s database stores environmental and personalized plates with their formatting. The big nuance here is for vehicles with lost plates: if you do not know the plate number, you must also file REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates), and REG 227 alone is not enough. The common mistake is leaving this field blank because the title is missing — but the plate number is on the registration card, not the title, so check there first. The misconception that “the VIN is enough” is wrong: the DMV uses both fields to confirm identity.
Section 1 (continued): Year/Make of Vehicle/Vessel
Enter the model year (4 digits) and the make (manufacturer name) as printed on the registration card. Janet Park writes 2018 TOYOTA for her Camry.
Use the manufacturer name, not the model — TOYOTA, not CAMRY, and FORD, not F-150. If the vehicle is a kit car or specially constructed vehicle, write SPCN for the make and attach REG 343. The common mistake is writing the model name in the make box, which causes the scanner to flag a mismatch with the title file. The misconception that “make and model are interchangeable” causes thousands of rejections every year — the DMV’s database treats them as separate fields with separate validation rules.
Section 1 (continued): Motorcycle Engine Number
Skip this field unless you are filing for a motorcycle. If you are, enter the engine number stamped on the engine case, not the VIN. Marcus Reed writes K7M123456 for his 1976 Honda CB550 because pre-1978 motorcycles use the engine number as the primary identifier.
If the engine number is illegible or missing, you must apply for a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) from the CHP before REG 227 can move forward. The common mistake is copying the VIN into this box on a car application; the DMV system rejects any non-motorcycle entry here. The misconception that “all motorcycles use the VIN like cars do” only became true after 1978, and pre-1978 bikes still need the engine number.
Section 2: True Full Name of Registered Owner
Enter the registered owner’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the DMV record — first, middle, last, and any suffix. Aisha Johnson-Williams writes AISHA MARIE JOHNSON-WILLIAMS in this box.
For co-owners, use the connector exactly as the title shows: AND means both signatures are required, OR means either one alone can sign, and AND/OR lets either sign but binds both. The common mistake is shortening Johnson-Williams to Johnson, which causes a name mismatch and routes the file to manual review for 4–6 weeks. The misconception that “close enough” works on the name field is wrong — the DMV cross-checks every character against the title record and the driver license file.
Section 2 (continued): Driver License/ID Card Number
Enter the California driver license or ID number of the registered owner. Carlos writes Y1234567.
Out-of-state filers may enter their home-state license number, but the DMV will require an in-person visit to verify identity if the vehicle is being transferred. The common mistake is entering the document number from the back of the card instead of the actual license number on the front; that causes an instant identity-verification hold. The misconception that “the SSN works here” is wrong — the DMV stopped using SSN as a primary identifier years ago under Vehicle Code § 1653.5.
Section 2 (continued): Physical Residence and Mailing Address
Write the registered owner’s California residence address — the place where they actually live — and a mailing address only if it differs. Janet writes 1450 OAK STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 for residence.
A P.O. Box is allowed only in the mailing line, never in the residence line, because Vehicle Code § 4159 requires the DMV to know where you actually live. The common mistake is putting the P.O. Box in both fields, which triggers a VC4159 rejection. The misconception that “any California address works” is wrong — out-of-state residents who garage a vehicle in California must use a California physical location and may need REG 343.
Section 3: True Full Name of Legal Owner/Lienholder
If a lender holds a lien, enter the legal owner exactly as it appears on the title. Marcus writes WELLS FARGO DEALER SERVICES if his loan is still active.
If the loan is paid in full and you have a lien release letter, write NONE in this box and attach the release. The common mistake is writing the local branch name instead of the corporate legal owner name listed in the DMV’s ELT lender list, which triggers a rejection. The misconception that “the lien is gone once you pay” ignores that the DMV record still shows the lien until the lender transmits an ELT release.
Section 4: Vehicle/Vessel Last Operated/Used
Provide the date the vehicle was last operated and a California ZIP code where it was last used. Aisha writes 03/15/2026 and 90015.
If the vehicle has been in non-operation, attach a REG 102 (Statement of Non-Operation) to avoid back-fee assessment under Vehicle Code § 4604. The common mistake is leaving this field blank, which the DMV reads as continuous operation and may trigger back-registration fees. The misconception that “this only matters for non-op” is wrong — the DMV uses this field for use-tax situs and emissions area determination on every transfer.
Section 5: Reason for Application (the critical box)
Check one of the boxes that fits your situation: Lost, Stolen, Mutilated/Illegible, Not Received From Prior Owner, Not Received From DMV, All Legal Owners/Lienholders Have Released Interest and the Title Was Lost or Not Received, Adding/Deleting/Changing Name(s), or Paperless Title. Carlos checks Lost because he cannot find the title after his move.
Each box triggers a different processing path. Not Received From Prior Owner — the buyer’s box — requires a bill of sale or REG 262 signed by the seller and may trigger a 30-day pending hold while the DMV notifies the prior owner. The common mistake is checking Lost when you bought the vehicle and never received the title; that misclassification can void the application and force a refile. The misconception that “any box works as long as you explain in the comments” is wrong — the DMV’s automated system routes purely on this checkbox.
Section 6: Odometer Disclosure Statement
For any vehicle less than 20 model years old, enter the exact mileage on the day you sign and check whether the reading reflects Actual Mileage, Mileage in Excess of Mechanical Limits, or Not the Actual Mileage — Warning: Odometer Discrepancy. Janet writes 87,432 and checks Actual Mileage for her 2018 Camry.
This block is the federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR § 580.5, and a false statement is a federal crime carrying fines up to $10,000 per violation. The common mistake is rounding the mileage (writing 87,000 instead of 87,432), which the DMV treats as a non-compliant disclosure. The misconception that “the odometer block is optional on a duplicate” is wrong — federal law requires it any time title transfers or a new title is issued, and California enforces it through Vehicle Code § 5900.
Section 7: Signature of Registered Owner(s) and Date
Sign in wet ink in the registered owner signature line and write the date next to your signature. Co-owners joined by AND must both sign; co-owners joined by OR need only one signature. Aisha signs Aisha M. Johnson-Williams and dates 04/02/2026.
Use the same signature style that appears on your driver license to avoid a signature-mismatch flag. The common mistake is printing the name instead of signing it; the DMV will reject any printed name in the signature line. The misconception that “an electronic signature works” is wrong for paper REG 227 — only BPA partners using approved e-signature platforms can submit electronic signatures, and individual filers must sign in ink.
Section 8: Signature of Legal Owner/Lienholder
If a lienholder is shown in Section 3, the lienholder must sign here or attach a separate lien release on company letterhead. Wells Fargo Dealer Services signs through an authorized officer and stamps the corporate seal.
If the loan is paid and the lender has already released the lien electronically, the legal owner line can be left blank with RELEASED ELT [date] written across it, and you should attach the ELT release printout. The common mistake is forging or “helping” the lienholder signature, which is a felony under Penal Code § 470. The misconception that “a paid loan means no signature is needed” is wrong if the DMV record still shows the lien — the release must be documented.
Section 9: New Registered Owner (Transfer Use Only)
If you are using REG 227 to transfer ownership, the new registered owner enters their full legal name, driver license number, address, and signature here. Marcus writes MARCUS T. REED, D9876543, 220 PINE AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94607 and signs.
For two new owners, use the same AND/OR connector logic from Section 2 and confirm both want the chosen relationship. The common mistake is leaving Section 9 blank on a transfer application, which causes the DMV to issue a duplicate to the seller instead of transferring to the buyer. The misconception that “the bill of sale handles the transfer” is wrong — the bill of sale is supporting evidence, but only Section 9 actually moves title in the DMV system.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Carlos Mendoza — Lost Title on a Paid-Off Vehicle
Carlos paid off his 2003 Honda Accord 5 years ago, lost the title during a move, and now wants to sell.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1 — VIN | 1HGCM82633A123456 |
| Section 1 — License Plate | 7XYZ890 |
| Section 1 — Year/Make | 2003 HONDA |
| Section 2 — Registered Owner | CARLOS J. MENDOZA |
| Section 2 — DL Number | Y1234567 |
| Section 3 — Legal Owner | NONE (paid in full, ELT released 2021) |
| Section 5 — Reason | ✅ Lost |
| Section 6 — Odometer | 184,902 — Actual Mileage |
| Section 7 — Signature | Carlos J. Mendoza, 04/10/2026 |
| Section 9 — New Owner | Leave blank (duplicate only, no transfer) |
Scenario 2: Aisha Johnson-Williams — Private-Party Buyer With Missing Title
Aisha bought a 2015 Toyota Prius from a private seller for $9,500, and the seller cannot find the pink slip.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1 — VIN | JTDKN3DU0F0123456 |
| Section 1 — License Plate | 8GHK456 |
| Section 1 — Year/Make | 2015 TOYOTA |
| Section 2 — Registered Owner | (seller’s name, e.g., DAVID L. CHEN) |
| Section 3 — Legal Owner | NONE |
| Section 5 — Reason | ✅ Not Received From Prior Owner |
| Section 6 — Odometer | 96,210 — Actual Mileage |
| Section 7 — Seller Signature | David L. Chen, 04/12/2026 |
| Section 9 — New Owner | AISHA M. JOHNSON-WILLIAMS, 1450 OAK ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 |
| Attachments | Bill of sale, REG 262 odometer/transfer, smog certificate |
Scenario 3: Janet Park — Inheritance After a Parent’s Death
Janet’s father passed away and left a 2018 Toyota Camry worth $14,000 with no probate.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1 — VIN | 4T1B11HK9JU123456 |
| Section 1 — License Plate | 9RST111 |
| Section 1 — Year/Make | 2018 TOYOTA |
| Section 2 — Registered Owner | (decedent’s name, e.g., ROBERT S. PARK) |
| Section 3 — Legal Owner | NONE (loan satisfied 2022) |
| Section 5 — Reason | ✅ Lost (title never located in estate) |
| Section 6 — Odometer | 54,118 — Actual Mileage |
| Section 7 — Signature | Janet H. Park as successor, 04/15/2026 |
| Section 9 — New Owner | JANET H. PARK, 220 PINE AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94607 |
| Attachments | REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate), certified death certificate, smog certificate |
Sprinkled across these three scenarios are five named filers who each represent a real DMV pattern: Carlos (duplicate), Aisha (buyer with missing title), Janet (heir), Marcus (motorcycle owner), and Maria (name-change applicant after marriage). Each pattern hits a different DMV processing path and a different combination of attachments.
How to File the Completed Form
You can file REG 227 through three channels, and each channel has its own quirks documented in the DMV’s processing guidelines.
In person at a DMV field office. Make an appointment through the DMV appointment portal — walk-ins can wait 2–4 hours. Bring the completed REG 227, all attachments, and a payment method. The duplicate-title fee in 2026 is $26, the transfer fee is $15, and use tax (typically 7.25%–10.25%) applies to most private-party transfers under Revenue & Taxation Code § 6285. The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and most major credit cards (small surcharge). You walk out with a stamped Application Receipt — keep it; it is your proof of filing.
By mail to Sacramento headquarters. Send the packet to Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001. Pay with a cashier’s check or money order made payable to DMV. Processing takes 6–8 weeks in 2026, longer in summer. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt for proof of filing — the green card is your only evidence the DMV received it.
Through a Business Partner Automation (BPA) provider. Licensed registration services, AAA branches, and many dealers can submit REG 227 electronically through the BPA program. Service fees range from $25 to $85 above DMV fees, but the title typically arrives in 2–3 weeks. The partner gives you a printed BPA confirmation with a transaction ID — that is your proof.
Late-transfer penalties stack quickly under Vehicle Code § 9553: $25 if 10 days late, $50 if 30 days late, $100 if 31 days to 1 year late, plus county penalties.
What Happens After You File
Once the DMV accepts your packet, the file moves to the Title Processing Unit in Sacramento. The unit verifies the VIN against the title file, confirms identity through the DMV’s driver-license database, checks for outstanding stops (parking tickets, child support liens under Family Code § 17520, or unpaid use tax), and then either issues a duplicate title, completes a transfer, or sends a VC22 rejection letter listing the defects.
If your application is accepted, the new title arrives by First-Class Mail in 6–8 weeks for mailed filings, 2–3 weeks for BPA, and 3–4 weeks for in-person filings. The title comes from a secure print facility in Sacramento and bears anti-fraud watermarks defined in Vehicle Code § 4450. A new registration card and stickers do not automatically come with the duplicate title — those are separate transactions.
If the DMV places a pending hold (most common on Not Received From Prior Owner filings), the prior registered owner has 30 days under 13 CCR § 150.00 to object. If no objection arrives, the duplicate or transfer issues automatically. You can check status at the DMV’s online vehicle registration tool using the VIN and last 5 digits of the plate.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using an outdated revision of REG 227 — the DMV rejects any version older than the one currently posted, and you start over from zero.
- Writing the model in the Make box (e.g., CAMRY instead of TOYOTA) — the scanner flags a database mismatch and routes the file to manual review.
- Rounding the odometer — federal law requires the exact reading, and rounding voids the disclosure.
- Leaving Section 5 blank or checking two boxes — the automated system cannot route the file and rejects the packet.
- Forging a lienholder signature — a felony under Penal Code § 470 that also voids the application.
- Using white-out or correction tape — the DMV treats it as alteration evidence and rejects on sight.
- Putting a P.O. Box in the residence-address line — violates Vehicle Code § 4159 and triggers a rejection.
- Skipping the smog certification on a vehicle older than 4 model years — the transfer cannot complete and the use tax stays unpaid.
- Forgetting REG 262 on a Not Received From Prior Owner filing — the DMV cannot verify the sale and rejects the packet.
- Mailing the packet without Certified Mail — if the DMV claims it never arrived, you have no proof and must refile and repay all fees.
- Missing the 10-day transfer notification under Vehicle Code § 5900 — late penalties begin accruing immediately.
- Signing in pencil or blue gel pen that bleeds — the DMV’s scanner can misread the signature, triggering a signature-mismatch hold.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s – Do download a fresh REG 227 from the DMV forms library the same day you fill it out, because revisions change without notice. – Do print in black ink and capital letters so the DMV scanner reads every field correctly the first time. – Do attach REG 262 any time the title is being transferred, because it is the only federally compliant odometer/transfer companion. – Do mail by USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt, because that green card is your only legal proof of filing if the DMV loses the packet. – Do keep a full photocopy of the signed REG 227 and every attachment, because the DMV will not return your originals. – Do confirm the lien status with the lender in writing before checking NONE in Section 3, because an outdated lien record will block the title for months.
Don’ts – Don’t sign before the day you intend to file, because a stale date can trigger an odometer-disclosure rejection. – Don’t share your VIN or driver license number on social media when asking for help, because identity thieves harvest those exact fields for title fraud. – Don’t pay the seller in full until you confirm the title status with the DMV at vehicle-registration lookup, because hidden liens transfer with the vehicle. – Don’t use a notary unless the DMV specifically asks, because California REG 227 is not a notarized form and the extra stamp can confuse processors. – Don’t combine REG 227 with unrelated DMV transactions in one envelope, because the title unit and the registration unit are separate and one rejection drags the other down. – Don’t assume AND/OR on the title is interchangeable with AND, because the connector controls who can sign for transfer.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing yourself – Lower cost — only the DMV’s $26/$15 fees, with no service surcharge from a third party. – Direct control — you see every document and signature and can fix issues immediately. – Fast in-person filings — a same-day appointment and a stamped receipt give immediate proof of filing. – Privacy — no third party touches your VIN, driver license, or address. – Flexibility — you can combine REG 227 with REG 5, REG 256, or REG 262 without coordination delays.
Cons of filing yourself – One mistake equals 6–8 weeks of delay, because the DMV mails rejection letters slowly. – No expertise on edge cases like inheritance, ELT mismatches, or out-of-state liens. – DMV phone wait times average 45–60 minutes when you need help, per DMV service standards. – No support if the prior owner objects during the 30-day pending hold. – Risk of losing the entire packet in the mail with no chance of recovery without Certified Mail. – A BPA partner (directory here) typically returns the title in 2–3 weeks for a $25–$85 service fee, which is often worth it for stressful filings.
REG 227 Compared to Related California DMV Forms
| Form | When to Use It |
|---|---|
| REG 227 | Title is lost, stolen, mutilated, or not delivered, or you need a paperless-to-paper conversion |
| REG 262 | Bill of sale and federal odometer disclosure for any private-party transfer |
| REG 5 | Heir takes a vehicle without probate when the estate is under $184,500 |
| REG 256 | Statement of Facts for use-tax exemption, gift, or odometer-broken declarations |
| REG 343 | First-time California registration of an out-of-state or specially constructed vehicle |
FAQs
Do I need REG 227 if I just lost my registration card, not the title?
No. A lost registration card uses REG 156, not REG 227. REG 227 is only for the Certificate of Title.
Can I file REG 227 if the registered owner is deceased?
Yes. Attach REG 5 and a certified death certificate, then sign Section 7 as the successor, with the heir’s name in Section 9.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Section 2?
Yes — use whichever name appears on the current DMV title record, then use REG 227 again to formally change it after the title issues.
Is the odometer block required on a vehicle over 20 model years old?
No. Federal 49 CFR § 580.17 exempts vehicles 20+ model years old from odometer disclosure.
Do I check Lost or Not Received From Prior Owner if I bought the car and the seller never gave me the title?
No — never check Lost in that case. Check Not Received From Prior Owner, because Lost is reserved for the registered owner who once held the title.
Can I leave Section 3 blank if the loan is paid?
No. Write NONE and attach the lien release; a blank field reads as incomplete and gets rejected.
Do both co-owners have to sign if the title says AND/OR?
No. Either owner can sign alone when the connector is OR or AND/OR; only AND requires both signatures.
Is REG 227 enough by itself to transfer ownership?
No. A transfer also needs REG 262 or a bill of sale, smog certification (if applicable), and use-tax payment.
Can I file REG 227 online?
No — individual filers cannot e-file REG 227 directly. Only licensed BPA partners submit it electronically.
Will the DMV notify the prior owner when I file Not Received From Prior Owner?
Yes. The DMV mails a 30-day notice to the prior owner under 13 CCR § 150.00, and the transfer issues only after that window closes without objection.
Do I have to pay use tax on a duplicate title?
No. Use tax applies only to ownership transfers, not to duplicates issued to the same registered owner.
How much is the duplicate-title fee in 2026?
Yes — the duplicate-title fee is currently $26, with the transfer fee at $15, per the DMV fee calculator.
Can I use REG 227 to remove a deceased co-owner from the title?
Yes. Check Adding/Deleting/Changing Name(s) in Section 5 and attach a certified death certificate plus REG 5 if the connector is AND.
Will a typo in the VIN void my application?
Yes — even a single transposed character voids the application and forces a refile, because the VIN is the primary database key.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form TR-205 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form REG 138 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form REG 31 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form REG 5 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the California Bonded Title Application (REG 5) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the California Repossession Title (REG 168) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs