Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 9 of 38

Chapter 8: Report of Sale – Used Vehicles

8.010 Completing the Report of Sale-Used Vehicle (REG 51)

A licensed California dealer must complete the REG 51 for every retail sale.

  • For most transactions, the REG 51 must be submitted with the required registration documents and fees.
  • Transactions not requiring the submission with the documents and fees are covered later in this chapter.

A dealer is not required to complete a report of sale to:

  • Register a used vehicle solely in the name of the dealership
  • Sell midget autos or racers advertised as being built exclusively for use by children (minibikes, tote goats, and similar vehicles which are not intended for use on the highways).
  • The vehicle description and purchaser information must be clearly and accurately shown on all parts of the REG 51.
    • Both the temporary identification and the notice to DMV must properly describe the vehicle.
    • The REG 51 must be used in numerical sequence.

The information on the REG 51 may be typewritten, computer-generated, or hand printed. If hand-printed, DMV prefers that only block upper case letters are used except for the following letters which should be handwritten in script or cursive to avoid confusion/error.

Follow the chart below to complete the REG 51.

SectionInformation Required
Date SoldThe date the buyer paid the purchase price, signed a purchase contract or security agreement, and took possession or delivery of the vehicle. (VC §5901(d))
MakeThe make of the vehicle, not the model.
Year ModelThe year model shown on the titling document. If the titling document does not show a year model, leave this blank.
Body TypeThe body type. If the body type shown on the title is incorrect, a correction must be made. See Chapter 30, Inquiries for body types.
Motive PowerThe motive power (must be shown for all vehicles). The fuel types are:
G-Gasoline D-Diesel E-Electric
M-Methanol N-Natural Gas P-Propane
Q-Hybrid
For all trailers, use motive power code “0” (zero)

Hybrid vehicles are powered by gas and electricity and are exempt from smog certification by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) until 12/31/2010.
Number of AxlesThe number of axles shown on the title for a commercial motor vehicle or trailer only. Do not enter any information for trailer coach (CCH) or camp (CMP) trailers.
Unladen (empty) WeightThe unladen weight shown on the title for a commercial motor vehicle or trailer only. Do not enter any information for trailer coach (CCH) or camp (CMP) trailers.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)The complete VIN shown on the title.
M/C Engine NumberIf the vehicle is a motorcycle, the complete engine number shown on the title.
Last Registered in State ofThe state, province, territory, or country where the vehicle was last registered.
Year RegisteredThe year the vehicle was last registered.
License Plate NumberThe license plate number for the last registration.
County of ResidenceThe buyer’s county of residence. This may differ from the county of the mailing address.
For leased vehicles, show the county of the lessee’s address.
For trailers coaches that will be located in a different county, show the county of the situs location.
Sold ToThe true full name of each buyer (the name shown on the buyer’s driver license or ID card).

Check the “AND” or “OR” box if there is more than one buyer/owner.

Refer to section 1.050 for Registration to Co-Owners information.

Leased Vehicles:
The name of the lessor followed by the abbreviation “LSR” and the name(s) of the lessee followed by the abbreviation “LSE”.

Do not join the names with “and” or “or”.

Refer to Section 1.040 for Registration of Leased Vehicles information.
Example: Jay Street Leasing, LSR
John Doe, LSE

See Chapter 1, General Registration Information for additional NAME information.
Driver License/Identification Card (DL/ID) NumberThe DL/ID number for each buyer or lessee (if an individual).

If a California DL/ID has not been issued, enter the person’s out-of-state DL/ID number and write the state of issuance in the upper right corner of the REG 51.

A DL/ID number is not required for vehicles registered to an entity other than an individual, such as a company.
Buyer’s AddressThe buyer’s residence or business address and mailing address (if different), including an apartment or space number if it is part of the address.

When a post office box is the residence or business address, but is not the mailing address, then both addresses must be shown. The post office delivers mail to the second address.

Mailing Address Only on Registration Documents-The buyer/registered owner may request that the registration and title documents issued DMV show only their mailing address.
Refer to Chapter 1, General Registration Information for all address requirements.
Dealer Name, By, and AddressThe dealer name, an authorized agent’s signature, and dealer’s full address.
An authorized representative must countersign for the dealership (This may be any authorized person of the dealership, not necessarily the salesperson).
Dealer and Salesperson NumbersThe dealer’s license number and the salesperson’s number.

If the vehicle was sold by an owner or officer of the dealership, enter the title, such as “Owner” or “CEO” as the Salesperson’s Number.
Signature(s) of PurchaserThe buyer’s usual signature or the buyer’s signature signed by the attorney-in-fact shown on a power of attorney must appear.
Refer to Chapter 1, General Registration Information for power of attorney information.

Only one co-owner signature is required on the REG 51.

Leased Vehicles-The lessor is the registered owner and must endorse/sign the REG 51. The lessee’s signature is optional.
Odometer ReadingThe actual odometer mileage reading.