Convert From Nontransferable Registration

You Always Need...

• Proof of Ownership (such as the last-issued California or out-of-state title)

You Sometimes Need...

• Last Issued California Nontransferable Registration Card
• Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
• Bill(s) of Sale
• Renewal Fees
• Smog Certification
• Odometer Disclosure
• Motor Vehicle Bond

What Makes a Vehicle Nontransferable?

Nontransferable registration is issued to an out-of-state vehicle when the vehicle's registered owner(s) wishes to register the vehicle in California, but is unable to submit documents showing that he/she owns (holds title to) the vehicle.

Vehicles with nontransferable registration cannot be sold, transferred, or issued a California Certificate of Title until specific conditions outlined here are met.

The terms "nontransferable" and "not transferable," as used by DMV, are used interchangeably.

A sample of the nontransferable registration card is shown below.

How To Get a California Title on a Nontransferable Vehicle

If You Are the Owner Shown on the Nontransferable Registration

You must submit the following:

• Last issued title (out-of-state or California). A California title can be the last issued title when a vehicle was titled in this state, left California and was registered in another state with no title issued by that state.
• Current California nontransferable registration card, if available.

If You Are Not the Owner Shown on the Nontransferable Registration

You must submit the following items:

• Application for Registration (REG 343) completed and signed.
• Last issued California or out-of-state title signed by the owner(s) whose printed name(s) appear(s) on the title and showing you as the new owner(s).
• Bill(s) of sale showing the complete change of ownership, if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the owner(s) printed on the title.

NOTE: If a legal owner or lienholder shown on the title did not sign the title to release interest in the vehicle, you must obtain a "lien satisfied" statement from that lienholder.

Fees or Other Documents Required

No fee is required to acquire California title on a nontransferable vehicle if you are the person shown on the nontransferable registration. However:

• A transfer fee will be required if a registered owner is being added or deleted, a lienholder is being removed, or any other addition or deletion is being made.
• Renewal fees will be due if the application is presented within 30 days of the registration expiration date.
• When parking citations are shown on the vehicle record, the parking fees must be paid with the renewal fees.
• Smog certification may be required with renewal or transfer.
• Odometer disclosure may be required if the vehicle is less than 10 model years old and you are purchasing the vehicle.
• A motor vehicle bond may be required if you do not submit proper documentation showing your ownership of the vehicle.