Register Vehicles With No DMV Record

Vehicles without DMV records

If your vehicle is titled in California, but has not been registered for four years or more, it may no longer have a record in DMV’s computer. Even if you still have paper documentation on the vehicle, a computer record must be reestablished.

If you have the title for the vehicle

If you have the California Certificate of Title or the last issued registration card (not a photocopy), then the following items are required to register your vehicle:

• A completed Application for Title or Registration/Verification of Vehicle (REG 343). The Verification of Vehicle portion of this form must be completed by an authorized DMV employee or any peace officer. A motorcycle verification must show both the engine and frame numbers.
• The Certificate of Title or an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227).

If you are not the owner shown on the title or registration card, then the Certificate of Title or Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227) must be properly endorsed for transfer. An Application for Duplicate Title can only be accepted with the last issued registration card (not a copy).

• A Certificate of NonOperation (REG 102) or a Statement of Facts (REG 256) regarding nonoperation of the vehicle.
• The Odometer Disclosure Statement completed on the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) for motor vehicles less than 10 model years old. (This form isnot available on DMV’s website. To have it mailed to you, call 1-800-777-0133.)

If there are no prior certificates

If there are no prior registration documents, or if only a photocopy of the registration card is available, you will be asked to submit:

• An Application for Title or Registration/ Verification of Vehicle (REG 343). The Verification of Vehicle portion of this form must be completed by an authorized DMV employee or any peace officer. A motorcycle verification must show both the engine and frame numbers.
• The Cost and Operation Information (on REG 343 form) must be completed showing the purchase price to establish Vehicle License Fee classification.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256), which contains the following information:
  • How, when, and from whom the vehicle was acquired.
  • What efforts were made to obtain evidence of ownership and why it was unobtainable.
  • The current value of the vehicle.
• A Weight Certificate for a commercial motor vehicle.
• A Certificate of NonOperation (REG 102) or Statement of Facts (REG 256) regarding nonoperation of the vehicle.
• The Odometer Disclosure Statement completed on the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) for motor vehicles less than 10 model years old. (This form is not available on DMV’s website. To have it mailed to you, call 1-800-777-0133.)
• A Motor Vehicle Bond is required if the vehicle is valued at $5,000 or more.

Other possible requirements

You may also need to submit the following:

• Smog Certification
  • based on the year model of the vehicle and/or
  • if there has been a transfer of ownership.
• Surrender any license plates on the vehicle.
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/ Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) for commercial motor vehicles (pickups with unladen weight of 8,000 lbs. or less are exempt from this requirement).
• Permanent Trailer Identification Certification (REG 4017) for trailers in the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Program if sole owners are requesting issuance of a certificate of title.

Fees due

Fees are due from the date the vehicle is first operated. 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. The exact fees can be determined at the time of application. The fees must be paid prior to operation of the vehicle. If you do not plan to operate the vehicle, but wish to obtain a title issued in your name, you may apply for a “Title Only.”

To obtain “Title Only” information, call 1-800-777-0133.

HTVR 14 (REV. 9/2008)