REG 262 is California's form for reporting a vehicle transfer without a title

Form REG 262, officially called "Statement of Facts Re: Automobile," is the document you file with the California DMV when you are transferring or registering a vehicle but do not have the original title in hand. The DMV uses this form to create a record of the transaction and, in some cases, to issue a new title based on your sworn statement of the vehicle's history.

You do not file REG 262 on its own. It accompanies your vehicle registration process — usually a REG 343 (process for Title or Registration) — and explains why the title is missing, lost, or cannot be produced. The form is a legal declaration, so you sign it under penalty of perjury.

The most common reason to file REG 262 is when you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller who cannot locate the title. Another reason is when you inherited a vehicle and the title was never transferred to the estate. A third is when you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered out of state and the original title has been surrendered to that state's DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • REG 262 is a sworn statement explaining why you cannot produce a vehicle title when you register or transfer a vehicle in California.
  • You file REG 262 together with your registration process (usually REG 343), not as a standalone document.
  • The DMV may issue a new title based on your statement, or it may require additional proof such as a bill of sale, registration history, or lien search results.
  • Signing REG 262 falsely is perjury; the form is only appropriate when the title genuinely cannot be located or obtained.
  • Processing time is typically longer when REG 262 is filed because the DMV must verify your account of the vehicle's history before issuing a title.

When the DMV requires REG 262 instead of an original title

California law allows the DMV to register a vehicle without an original title if you can explain why the title does not exist or cannot be produced. REG 262 is the form that makes that explanation official.

You will need REG 262 if you are registering a vehicle and the seller, previous owner, or estate cannot produce the title document. You will also need it if the title was issued by another state and has already been surrendered to that state's DMV — California cannot accept a title from another state, so you must explain that fact on REG 262.

If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name should appear on the title. If the title is missing and there is a lien, you may need to contact the lender to confirm the lien status before the DMV will issue a new title. REG 262 does not replace that step; it documents that you have attempted to locate the title and explains what you found instead.

What information you must provide on REG 262

REG 262 asks you to describe the vehicle (make, model, year, VIN), state how you obtained it, and explain why the title is not available. You must also describe any steps you have already taken to locate the title — for example, whether you asked the seller, checked with the previous owner, or contacted the out-of-state DMV.

The form requires you to state whether you have a bill of sale, registration documents, or other proof of ownership. If you do have supporting documents, attach them to your process. The DMV uses these to verify your story and to confirm that the vehicle is not stolen or subject to an outstanding lien.

You sign REG 262 in front of a notary public or a DMV employee. A notary's signature is not required if you sign it at a DMV office in person, but if you are mailing it in, you must have it notarized. This requirement exists because the form is a legal declaration and the DMV needs assurance that you actually signed it and understood what you were swearing to.

Documents to gather before filing REG 262

Bring or send a bill of sale if you have one. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale, signed by the seller, that shows the vehicle description, the sale price, and the date. If you bought the vehicle from a private party, ask them to sign a bill of sale even if they say the title is lost — it is the strongest proof of ownership the DMV will accept.

If you do not have a bill of sale, gather any registration documents you do have. These might include an old registration card, a renewal notice, or a smog check certificate in your name. These do not replace a title, but they show the DMV that you have had a connection to the vehicle.

If the vehicle was registered out of state, contact that state's DMV and ask for a copy of the registration record or a letter confirming that the title was surrendered. Some states will provide this by mail or online; others charge a small fee. This document is important because it explains why California does not have the title and prevents the DMV from thinking you are hiding something.

If there is a lien on the vehicle, contact the lienholder (the bank or finance company) and ask for a lien release or a letter confirming the lien status. If the lien has been paid off, the lienholder can provide a release document that you attach to your process. If the lien is still active, the DMV will issue a title with the lienholder's name on it.

How to complete and submit REG 262

read REG 262 from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill in all sections completely and legibly. Do not leave blanks; if a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" (not applicable).

Describe the vehicle using the VIN (vehicle identification number) if you have it. If you do not have the VIN, provide the make, model, year, and any other identifying information you can find on the vehicle itself or on registration documents.

Explain how you obtained the vehicle. For example: "I purchased this vehicle from John Smith on [date] for $[amount]" or "I inherited this vehicle from my mother's estate in [year]." Be specific about dates and names.

Describe your efforts to locate the title. Write something like: "I asked the seller for the title on [date], and he stated that it was lost in a move" or "I contacted the Texas DMV and was told the title was surrendered when the vehicle was sold to me." The DMV wants to see that you did not straightforward ignore the missing title.

Sign the form in front of a notary public (if mailing) or at a DMV office (if submitting in person). Attach all supporting documents — bill of sale, registration records, lien release, out-of-state DMV letter, or anything else that proves your ownership or explains the title's absence.

Submit REG 262 and your registration process (REG 343) together, either by mail to your local DMV or in person. If mailing, include a check or money order for the registration fee. Processing typically takes two to four weeks when REG 262 is filed, longer than a standard registration because the DMV must verify your account.

What happens after you file REG 262

The DMV will review your form and supporting documents. If everything is clear and your story is consistent with the documents you provided, the DMV will issue a new title in your name. This title will show that it was issued under the authority of REG 262, but it is a valid, permanent title.

If the DMV has questions or needs more information, it will mail you a notice asking for additional documents or clarification. Common requests include a more detailed bill of sale, proof that you contacted the previous owner, or a lien search result from a title company. Respond to the notice within the important date stated, or your process may be denied.

If the DMV denies your process, you will receive a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include inconsistencies in your story, lack of supporting documents, or evidence that the vehicle may be stolen. If your process is denied, you can reapply with additional documents or request a hearing to dispute the denial.

Common mistakes to avoid when filing REG 262

Do not sign REG 262 without a notary if you are mailing it. The form must be notarized unless you sign it at a DMV office in person. Submitting an unnotarized form by mail will delay your process while the DMV requests a notarized version.

Do not leave the form incomplete or write vague explanations. "The title is lost" is not enough. Write "I purchased the vehicle from [name] on [date], and he stated the title was lost during a move. I asked him to contact the previous owner, but he was unable to locate them." Specific details help the DMV process your process faster.

Do not file REG 262 if you actually have the title. If the title exists and you straightforward have not located it yet, keep looking. Filing a false statement is perjury and can result in criminal charges.

Do not forget to attach supporting documents. A bill of sale, registration record, or lien release makes the difference between approval and a request for more information. The DMV cannot verify your story without something to check it against.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle in California without a title if I do not file REG 262?

No. California law requires either an original title or a sworn statement (REG 262) explaining why the title is not available. You cannot register a vehicle without one or the other. If you do not have the title, REG 262 is your only path forward.

How long does it take to get a title after I file REG 262?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be longer if the DMV requests additional documents. A standard registration without REG 262 usually takes one to two weeks. The extra time is because the DMV must verify your account of the vehicle's history before issuing a title.

What if the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale?

You can still file REG 262 without a bill of sale, but your process will take longer to process and may be denied if you cannot provide other proof of ownership. If possible, ask the seller to sign a bill of sale anyway — it is the strongest evidence you can provide. If they refuse, document that refusal in writing and attach it to your process.

Do I need REG 262 if I am transferring a title from another state?

Only if the title from the other state is not available. If you have the out-of-state title, you can submit it with your California registration process and the DMV will issue a California title. If the out-of-state title was surrendered or lost, you will need REG 262 and proof that the other state's DMV no longer has it.

Can I file REG 262 online?

No. REG 262 must be notarized (unless you sign it at a DMV office) and submitted by mail or in person along with your registration process. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can read the form from the DMV website before you fill it out.