REG 227 is the form you file to register a vehicle that was previously registered in another state

Form REG 227, officially called the "process for Title or Registration," is the document California requires when you bring a vehicle into the state that was last registered elsewhere. You file it with the DMV to transfer the out-of-state registration into California's system and receive a California title and registration. The form itself is short — it asks for your vehicle information, your personal details, and proof that you own the vehicle — but what you submit alongside it determines whether the DMV accepts or rejects your process.

You do not need REG 227 if your vehicle was already registered in California, if you are registering a vehicle for the first time, or if you are renewing an existing California registration. You need it specifically when you move to California with a vehicle registered in another state, or when you buy a used vehicle that still carries an out-of-state title.

Key Takeaways

  • REG 227 is required to transfer an out-of-state vehicle registration into California and obtain a California title.
  • You must submit the out-of-state title or registration document along with REG 227, proof of California residency, and proof of vehicle ownership.
  • The DMV will not process REG 227 without a smog check certificate for most vehicles, and the vehicle must pass a VIN inspection at a DMV office.
  • Processing time is typically two to three weeks after the DMV receives your complete process, and you can file REG 227 in person, by mail, or through an authorized vehicle registration service.

What documents you must submit with REG 227

REG 227 alone is not enough. The DMV requires a specific set of supporting documents, and missing even one will delay or reject your process. You must submit the original out-of-state title or registration certificate, proof that you own the vehicle (usually the title itself), and proof of California residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You also need a smog check certificate for any vehicle model year 1976 or newer, with very few exceptions. The certificate must be issued within 30 days of when you submit REG 227. If your vehicle is older than 1976, you do not need a smog check. If your vehicle is a diesel model, electric vehicle, or motorcycle, different rules may explore — check the DMV website for your specific vehicle type before you pay for a smog check.

Bring proof of your California driver's license or state ID when you file in person. If you are filing by mail, include a photocopy. You will also need to pay the registration fee, which varies based on your vehicle's value and model year. The DMV will calculate this when you submit your process.

The VIN inspection requirement

Before the DMV will issue you a California title, a DMV officer must physically inspect your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm it matches the information on your out-of-state title and on REG 227. You cannot complete this inspection by mail — you must bring the vehicle to a DMV office in person. Schedule an appointment through the DMV website or call your local office, because walk-ins for VIN inspections are not always accepted.

The inspection itself takes about 15 minutes. The officer will look at the VIN plate on the dashboard, check the door jamb, and sometimes inspect the engine block to confirm the numbers match. Bring your out-of-state title, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. If the VIN does not match or shows signs of tampering, the DMV will not issue a California title and will report the vehicle to law enforcement.

You can schedule the VIN inspection before or after you mail in REG 227, but the DMV will not finalize your registration until the inspection is complete. Many people schedule the inspection appointment first, then mail in their process so both are processed around the same time.

How to file REG 227 and what happens next

You have three ways to file: in person at a DMV office, by mail to the address listed on the form, or through an authorized vehicle registration service (sometimes called a DMV service center). Filing in person is fastest if you are ready to do the VIN inspection the same day. Filing by mail takes longer because the DMV must receive your process, process it, send you a notice, and then you schedule the VIN inspection separately.

When you file in person, bring the completed REG 227, your out-of-state title, proof of California residency, proof of ownership, your smog check certificate, your driver's license, and payment for the registration fee. The DMV will review your documents on the spot. If everything is correct, they will schedule your VIN inspection and give you a temporary registration document. If documents are missing or incomplete, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

After the DMV receives your complete process and completes the VIN inspection, processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your California title and registration by mail. During this time, you can drive with the temporary registration document the DMV gave you.

Common reasons the DMV rejects REG 227 applications

The most common rejection is a missing or expired smog check certificate. The certificate must be dated within 30 days of when you submit REG 227. If your smog check is older than 30 days, you must get a new one before resubmitting. The second most common reason is incomplete proof of California residency — a utility bill or lease must show your name and current California address and be dated within 60 days.

The DMV will also reject REG 227 if the out-of-state title shows a lien (a loan against the vehicle) and you cannot provide written proof that the lien has been paid off. Contact your lender or the out-of-state DMV to get a lien release document, then resubmit. If the VIN inspection reveals that the VIN on your vehicle does not match the VIN on your title, the DMV will not issue a California registration and will investigate further.

Submitting REG 227 with the wrong fee amount will also cause a delay. The DMV will send you a notice asking for the additional payment, which extends your processing time by several weeks. Calculate your registration fee using the DMV's online calculator before you file to avoid this.

When you do not need REG 227

If you are a new California resident and your vehicle is already registered in California, you do not file REG 227. You straightforward update your address with the DMV using Form DL 43 or online through the DMV website. If you are buying a used vehicle from a California dealer or private party and the seller transfers the title to you, the seller completes the transfer — you do not file REG 227.

If your vehicle was registered in another state but you are only visiting California temporarily, you do not need to register it in California as long as your out-of-state registration is valid. However, once you establish California residency (which the DMV defines as living in California for more than six months), you must register your vehicle in California within 20 days of establishing residency.

Where to get REG 227 and file it

You can read REG 227 from the California DMV website, pick up a copy at any DMV office, or request one by mail. The form is also available through authorized vehicle registration services. You do not need to print it yourself — DMV offices will provide a blank copy if you file in person.

To file by mail, send the completed form and all supporting documents to the DMV address listed on the form itself. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. To file in person, go to your local DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website for your office's specific hours before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my vehicle in California while my REG 227 process is being processed?

Yes. After you file REG 227 in person, the DMV gives you a temporary registration document valid for up to 90 days. You can drive legally with this document while your process is processed. If you file by mail, ask the DMV for a temporary registration when you submit your process.

What if my out-of-state title has a lien on it?

You must provide written proof that the lien has been paid off before the DMV will issue a California title. Contact your lender or the out-of-state DMV to request a lien release letter, then resubmit REG 227 with this document. The DMV will not process your process without it.

Do I need a smog check if my vehicle is from out of state?

Yes, unless your vehicle is model year 1975 or older, electric, or a motorcycle. The smog check certificate must be issued within 30 days of when you file REG 227. Some out-of-state smog checks are not valid in California — ask the smog technician whether the certificate will be accepted by the California DMV.

How long does it take to get my California title after I file REG 227?

Processing typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your complete process and completes the VIN inspection. If documents are missing or incomplete, processing takes longer. You can track your process status through the DMV website using your driver's license number.

Can I file REG 227 online?

No. REG 227 must be filed in person at a DMV office or by mail. You cannot complete the entire process online because the DMV requires a physical VIN inspection. However, you can schedule your VIN inspection appointment online through the DMV website.