What California Form REG 156 Is and When You Need It

REG 156 is California's form for reporting a vehicle transfer without a title

Form REG 156, officially called "Statement of Facts Concerning Manufacture of Vehicle," is used when you need to register or transfer a vehicle in California but cannot produce the original title document. This form tells the DMV what happened to the title and provides the vehicle information they need to process your registration anyway.

You file REG 156 with the DMV instead of a standard title when the title is lost, destroyed, never received, or held by someone who will not release it. The form does not replace a title — it is a supporting document that explains why you are registering without one. The DMV uses the information you provide to verify ownership and create a new title record in their system.

This form is specific to California and is only accepted by the California DMV. If you are registering a vehicle in another state, contact that state's motor vehicle agency for their equivalent process.

Key Takeaways

REG 156 is filed when you cannot locate or obtain the original vehicle title but need to register or transfer the vehicle.
You must provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), the vehicle's description, and an explanation of what happened to the title.
The form requires your signature and may require notarization depending on your situation and the DMV's requirements at the time of filing.
Filing REG 156 does not may provide the DMV will issue a new title; they may request additional proof of ownership or conduct further investigation.
Processing time for a REG 156 submission typically takes longer than a standard registration because the DMV must verify the information you provide.

Situations where you need to file REG 156

You file REG 156 when you own a vehicle and want to register it or transfer ownership, but the title document is not available. Common reasons include a lost title, a title destroyed in a fire or flood, a title never received from a previous owner or dealer, or a title held by a lienholder (such as a bank) who cannot be contacted.

If you are buying a vehicle from someone who does not have the title, you may need to file REG 156 as the new owner. If you inherited a vehicle and the title was never transferred to you, REG 156 can help you establish your ownership in the DMV system. If you are registering a vehicle you have owned for many years but never titled in California, this form allows you to do so without the original title.

Do not file REG 156 if you have the original title or a certified copy from the DMV. In those cases, use the standard registration and title transfer forms instead.

What information you must provide on the form

REG 156 requires you to fill in the vehicle's complete description: the year, make, model, body type, color, and most importantly, the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is the 17-character code stamped on the vehicle itself, usually visible on the dashboard or door jamb. If you cannot locate the VIN on the vehicle, you cannot file REG 156 — the DMV will not process the form without it.

You must also explain what happened to the title. Write a clear, factual statement: "Title was lost in a move," "Title never received from dealer," "Title held by previous lienholder who is no longer in business," or similar. The more specific you are, the faster the DMV can verify your claim. If the title was destroyed, describe how and when. If it was never received, explain when you purchased the vehicle and what steps you took to locate it.

You will provide your name, address, and driver's license number. If you are not the current registered owner but are buying the vehicle, you will also provide the seller's name and information. Some situations require you to list any known lienholders or previous owners.

Notarization and signature requirements

REG 156 must be signed by you in front of a notary public in most cases. A notary is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and verify identity. You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some DMV field offices. Notarization typically costs between $5 and $15 per signature.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) when you visit the notary. The notary will watch you sign the form and will then add their seal and signature to certify that you signed it in their presence. Without the notary's seal, the DMV will reject the form.

In rare cases, the DMV may waive notarization if you file the form in person at a DMV office and show identification. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask whether notarization is required for your specific situation.

How to submit REG 156 to the California DMV

You can submit REG 156 by mail, in person at a DMV field office, or through certain DMV-authorized third-party services. Mailing is the most common method. Send the completed, notarized form along with any supporting documents (such as a bill of sale, proof of purchase, or proof of identity) to the DMV address listed in the form's instructions. Include a cover letter stating your name, the vehicle's VIN, and what you are requesting.

If you file in person, bring the original notarized form, your photo ID, proof of residency, and any supporting documents. The DMV staff will review the form on the spot and may ask follow-up questions about the vehicle or the missing title. Bring all documents you have related to the vehicle's purchase or ownership.

Do not email or fax REG 156 to the DMV unless they specifically instruct you to do so. The notarized signature must be on an original or certified copy of the form.

What happens after you file REG 156

After the DMV receives your form, they will verify the information you provided against their records and any other available sources. This process can take 4 to 8 weeks, longer than a standard registration. The DMV may contact you by phone or mail if they need additional information or clarification about the vehicle or the missing title.

If the DMV is satisfied that you own the vehicle and that your explanation for the missing title is reasonable, they will issue a new title in your name. You will receive the title by mail at the address you provided on the form. Once you have the new title, you can register the vehicle normally or transfer it to another owner.

If the DMV cannot verify your ownership or has concerns about your claim, they may deny your REG 156 filing and explain why in a written notice. You can then provide additional evidence (such as a bill of sale, proof of payment, or a court order) and resubmit the form, or you can request a hearing to dispute the denial.

Common mistakes to avoid when filing REG 156

Do not submit the form without a notary's seal unless the DMV has explicitly told you notarization is not required. An unsigned or unnotarized REG 156 will be rejected when ready. Do not leave the VIN blank or provide an incomplete VIN; the DMV cannot process the form without the full 17-character number.

Do not write vague explanations for the missing title. "I lost it" is less helpful than "I lost the title during a move from [city] to [city] in [month/year]." The more detail you provide, the easier it is for the DMV to verify your story. Do not assume the DMV has a record of your vehicle if it was never registered in California; provide a bill of sale or other proof of purchase.

Do not file REG 156 if you have any other way to obtain the title. If the previous owner or a lienholder can provide a certified copy, use that instead. If you can order a duplicate title from the DMV (which is possible if the vehicle was previously registered in California), do that first. REG 156 is a longer process and should be your last option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle with REG 156 if I do not have a bill of sale?

The DMV prefers a bill of sale as proof of purchase, but REG 156 can sometimes proceed without one if you provide other evidence of ownership, such as insurance documents, loan paperwork, or a receipt. Bring whatever documentation you have. If you have nothing, the DMV may deny your filing or request a court order establishing ownership.

How long does it take to get a new title after filing REG 156?

Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. This is longer than standard registration because the DMV must investigate and verify your claim. You can call the DMV to check the status of your filing after 4 weeks.

What if the vehicle has a lien on it and I cannot contact the lienholder?

Explain this situation clearly on REG 156. The DMV may issue a title with a lien notation, or they may require you to provide proof that you have satisfied the lien or that the lienholder is no longer in business. Bring any documentation you have about the lien.

Can I file REG 156 for a vehicle I inherited?

Yes, but you will need to provide proof of inheritance, such as a death certificate, a will, or a court order. File REG 156 along with these documents to establish your ownership. The DMV may also require you to show that any estate taxes or debts have been settled.

What if the DMV denies my REG 156 filing?

You will receive a written notice explaining the reason for the denial. You can resubmit with additional evidence, or you can request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer to challenge the decision. The notice will include instructions for requesting a hearing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.