Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 9 of 38

Chapter 8: Report of Sale – Used Vehicles

8.055 Buyer Demands the Certificate of Title

When a buyer demands title for a vehicle purchased free of any liens and the vehicle will remain in California:

  • Complete the REG 51 as usual and mark it “customer demands title”.
  • Enter the report of sale number on the back of the title in the applicable space of the dealer reassignment section.
  • Give the buyer the title, any supporting documents, and a smog certification, if required.
  • Have the buyer complete a REG 256 stating the reason for demanding the title and confirming receipt of the title and transfer documents.

The wording for demanding title: “I demanded and received the certificate of title for the vehicle because. (the vehicle will be altered before being registered, or I want to do the transfer myself, etc.”).

Follow the chart to distribute the copies of the REG 51:

If the Vehicle IsThen
Currently registeredDisplay the customer’s operating copy of the REG 51 in the vehicle as usual.

Mail the application copy of the REG 51 with the buyer’s REG 256 to DMV at the address shown on the REG 51.
Not currently registeredDo not display the customer’s operating copy on the vehicle. It must be transported or moved on a One Trip Permit (REG 402).

Write “moved on trip permit number _______” or “delivered on dealer plates” on the operating copy of the REG 51.

Mail the application copy of the REG 51 with the buyer’s REG 256 to DMV at the address shown on the REG 51.

Dealers may use dealer plates to deliver the vehicle if the sale is consummated after delivery of the vehicle.
Keep a copy of the REG 256 with the dealer’s copy of the REG 51.
This procedure is not to be used if the vehicle is being registered in another state see Section 8.050.