How To: Apply for a Replacement California Certificate of Title

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When Do I Need a Replacement Title?

A replacement California Certificate of Title must be obtained when the original is lost, stolen, mutilated, illegible, or not received. An Application for Replacement or Paperless Title (REG 227) form must be completed by the legal or registered owner (if no legal owner is on DMV records) and submitted with the replacement title fee.

If a replacement title was issued in the past 90 days a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form completed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is required.

How Do I Complete the REG 227?

Complete the identifying information (vehicle license plate or vessel CF number, vehicle/hull identification number [VIN/HIN], year/make of vehicle or vessel) at the top of the REG 227, and choose one of the following:

Replacement Title-A replacement for an original California Certificate of Title which is lost, stolen, mutilated, illegible, or not received. A replacement will not be issued if the whereabouts of the original title is known, but not readily available. “REPLACEMENT” is printed at the top of a replacement California Certificate of Title and the original is invalid.

  • Complete Sections 1-3 on the front of the REG 227.
  • Check the appropriate box in Section 3.

Paperless Title Certification-Only used by electronic lien/titling (ELT) program participants (bank/finance company) that receive electronic ownership records in lieu of paper titles.

  • Complete Sections 1-3 on the front of the REG 227.
  • Check the Paperless Title box in Section 3.

Transfer of Title with Replacement or Paperless Title-Transfer of ownership using the REG 227 in lieu of an actual title which is lost, stolen, mutilated, illegible, not received, or paperless.

  • The seller and the legal owner, if any, complete the front of the REG 227 and give the form to the new owner. The new owner completes the back of the REG 227 and submits the form to DMV.

Complete the appropriate sections of the REG 227 as follows:

Section 1– REGISTERED OWNER(S) OF RECORD – Please print name as it appears on the Title/Registration.
Section 2– LEGAL OWNER OF RECORD (LIENHOLDER/TITLE HOLDER) – Do not enter name of owners above.

  • Enter the legal owner’s name, if any, as it appears on the title/registration.

Section 3– MISSING TITLE STATEMENT – WARNING: Issuance of a replacement title cancels the original title.

  • Must be completed/signed by the person who lost the title.
  • Any remnants of a mutilated/illegible title must be surrendered to DMV.

Section 4-REGISTERED OWNER(S) RELEASE OF OWNERSHIP AND/OR INTEREST

  • The printed name/signature of each registered owner is required if names are joined by “and” (indicated by “/”).
  • A company or business must include the company/business’s printed or stamped name and authorized representative’s countersignature (Example: ABC Co. by John Smith).

Section 5-LEGAL OWNER OF RECORD RELEASE OF OWNERSHIP AND/OR INTEREST-Must be notarized.

  • To replace a lost title containing a release by the legal owner, the legal owner’s notarized release on the REG 227 or notarized lien satisfied is required. For vehicles 2 model years old and newer, a lien cannot be released on the REG 227 or by any form of notarized lien satisfied in conjunction with the REG 227; the legal owner must apply for a replacement title, then release interest on the actual title.

Section 6-NEW REGISTERED OWNER(S) – Print true full name as shown on Driver’s License/Identification Card.

  • The printed name/signature of each new owner is required.
  • A company or business must include the company/business’s printed or stamped name and authorized representative’s countersignature (Example:Joseph Smith for ABC Co).
  • DL/ID card number(s) of the new owner(s) is required.
  • If the vehicle was received from a parent/child, grandparent/grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, or sibling (minors related by blood or adoption), a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form Section A and H must be completed/submitted.

Section 7-NEW LEGAL OWNER (LIENHOLDER/TITLE HOLDER) – If there is a new legal owner, print the name. If none, write “None.”

Additional Transfer Forms

The seller submits a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to DMV within 5 days of releasing vehicle ownership by filing online or downloading a REG 138 and mailing to the address on the form.

For most vehicles 9 model years old and newer (Example: In 2013, 2004 and newer model year vehicles), the seller and new owner must complete a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) to disclose the odometer reading (new owner submits to DMV with the REG 227). The REG 262 is on security paper and not available online. To obtain a REG 262, visit a DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133.

Does the REG 227 Need to Be Notarized?

If the registration does not show a legal owner, notarization is not required.

How Do I Locate an Out-of-Business Legal Owner?

Regardless of vehicle value/age, if the title was lost with the legal owner’s release, you must obtain a notarized lien satisfied from the legal owner to remove their name. For vehicles 2 model years old and newer, a lien cannot be released on the REG 227 or any form of notarized lien satisfied in conjunction with the REG 227; the legal owner must apply for a replacement title, then release interest on the actual title. To locate a financial institution which has moved, gone out-of-business, merged, or changed its name, see how to find your financial institution.

Should I Check the Registration Card?

When purchasing a vehicle with a REG 227, compare the information on the current registration card with the vehicle, including physically matching the VIN (usually viewed through the windshield on the driver side of the dashboard). The registration card shows the:

  • Current registered owner(s), how names are joined (“and/or”), and legal owner, if any.
  • License plate number, VIN, make, year model, and registration expiration date.
  • Title brands (salvaged, etc.), if any.
  • Words “Nontransferable/No California Title Issued” then a California title was not issued. A REG 227 cannot be used.

The registration card will not show the last odometer reading reported to DMV.

My Registration Card Reads “Nontransferable/No California Title Issued,” Can I Use a REG 227?

No. You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

If you are unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required (contact DMV for more information).

Can I Pick Up the Title at DMV?

No. All titles are mailed.

When Will I Receive My Replacement Title?

You will receive your title by mail in 15-30 calendar days from the date the replacement title application was completed.

Can the Title Be Expedited?

You may request rush title processing through DMV headquarters. See the How To: Request Rush Title Processing (HTVR 23) brochure.

Where Do I Submit the REG 227?

Submit your application and fee (if any) to a DMV office or by mail to: DMV, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269.

If applying for a replacement title (no transfer of ownership) and the registered owner’s name or address does not match DMV records (except for obvious typographical errors), you must submit your application in person with proof of ownership (Example: registration card) and acceptable photo ID (Example: DL/ID card). Learn more about changing your address.

What Fees Are Due?

Depending on the application, the following fees may be due:

Renewal fees and parking/toll violations are not required to be paid to issue a replacement California Certificate of Title only.

Additional DMV Information