12.125 Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration Conversion to California Title

Chapter 12 Nonresident Vehicles

Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration Conversion to California Title

Registered Owner Remains Same and No Lienholder is Shown—The following must be submitted:

The last-issued nonresident (or California) title and any supporting documents that may be necessary, such as a power of attorney, lien satisfied, or bill(s) of sale.

• Fees due for registration. No fee solely to convert to a California title.
• A smog certification, if appropriate.

Nonresident Title Only—Some states, such as Oregon, issue title only for a vehicle registered in California to record a vehicle lien held by a resident of that state. To obtain a California title, The following must be submitted:

The nonresident “title only.”

• A REG 256 completed by the owner stating there are no liens against the vehicle other than shown on the accompanying documents.
• Any fees due for registration. No fee solely to convert to a California title.

Transfer of Ownership—When a transfer of ownership and/or change of legal owner occurs in conjunction with conversion of a goldenrod registration to California title, The following must be submitted:

The last-issued nonresident (or California) title properly endorsed for transfer or bill(s) of sale, as needed, to establish the chain of ownership from the owner of record to the new owner/applicant.

• A REG 343 must be the top document if the title is not available or is an out-of-state title without a place for the new owner to sign (supported by bills of sale to establish a chain of ownership).
• The new legal owner’s name and address must be entered on the title.

A transfer fee is not due when a title from the state of Washington is presented for a goldenrod conversion because Washington issues a clear title to the registered owner when the lien is satisfied.