What California DMV Registration Form 31 Is and When You Need It

Registration Form 31 is the document you file when you want to remove a name from a vehicle title

California DMV Form 31, officially called the "process for Duplicate or Amended Registration," is used to change or correct information on your vehicle registration. The most common reason people file it is to remove a co-owner's name from the title after a divorce, separation, or sale of the vehicle to one owner. You can also use it to correct errors in spelling, address, or ownership structure that appeared on your original registration.

You do not need an attorney to file Form 31, and you do not need the other person's signature or permission in most cases — though the situation matters. If you are removing someone's name because you bought out their share, you will need proof of the transaction. If you are removing a name after a court order (like a divorce decree), you will need to submit that court document along with the form.

The form itself is straightforward: you list the vehicle information, explain what you want changed, and mail it to the DMV with the required documents and fee. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Form 31 removes or changes names on a vehicle registration and costs a standard registration fee, which varies by vehicle type and county.
• You will need your current registration, proof of the change (such as a divorce decree, bill of sale, or court order), and a completed Form 31.
• If the other owner is still on the title and does not agree to the change, you will need a court order or proof that you own the vehicle outright to remove their name.
• Mail the form and documents to your county's DMV office; do not attempt to process it online, as title changes require document review.
• The DMV will send you a new registration certificate reflecting the change once the form is processed.

When you need to file Form 31

You file Form 31 when the registered owner or co-owner information on your vehicle needs to change. The most common situations are: one spouse or partner is keeping the vehicle after a separation and wants to remove the other person's name; you bought out a co-owner's share and now own the vehicle alone; you inherited a vehicle and want to change the registration to your name only; or there is a spelling error or address mistake on your current registration.

You do not use Form 31 if you are selling the vehicle to someone else entirely — that uses a bill of sale and a transfer of ownership form instead. You also do not use it if you straightforward want to update your address; that is a separate address change process through the DMV.

If the vehicle has a loan or lien on it, the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must agree to any change in ownership. Contact them before filing to confirm they will accept the change.

What documents you need to submit with Form 31

Along with the completed Form 31, you must send your current vehicle registration certificate (the pink slip or the registration card you received from the DMV). You will also need proof of why the change is happening. The type of proof depends on your situation:

• If you are removing a name after a divorce or legal separation, send a certified copy of the divorce decree or separation agreement that awards the vehicle to you.
• If you bought out the other owner, send a bill of sale signed by both parties showing the purchase price and date, or a notarized agreement stating the buyout terms.
• If you inherited the vehicle, send a certified copy of the will, trust document, or probate court order showing you are the new owner.
• If you are correcting an error in spelling or address, you may only need a written explanation, though the DMV may ask for additional proof of your identity or address.

Make copies of everything you send — keep one set for your records. The DMV will not return your original documents, so do not send anything you cannot afford to lose. If you are sending a certified court document, order an extra copy from the court before you mail your Form 31 to the DMV.

How to file Form 31 with the DMV

You cannot file Form 31 online or in person at a DMV office — it must be mailed to your county's DMV office. read the form from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and a clear description of what you want changed.

Mail the completed form, your current registration, proof documents, and the registration fee to the DMV office that serves your county. You can find the correct mailing address on the DMV website by entering your county. Use certified mail with a return receipt if you want proof the DMV received your package — this costs a few dollars extra but protects you if the form gets lost.

Processing takes two to four weeks in most cases. The DMV will mail you a new registration certificate once the change is approved. If there is a problem with your process, the DMV will contact you by mail to ask for more information or clarification.

The fee for filing Form 31

The fee for Form 31 is the standard vehicle registration renewal fee for your vehicle type and county. This is not a separate charge — it is what you would pay anyway to renew your registration. The exact amount depends on your vehicle's value, weight, and county of registration, so it varies. You can estimate the fee using the DMV's online fee calculator on their website.

Pay by check or money order made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Include the payment with your mailed process. If the fee is incorrect, the DMV will contact you to collect the difference before processing your form.

What happens if the other owner will not agree

If the other person's name is on the title and they do not agree to the removal, you cannot straightforward file Form 31 and have their name removed. The DMV requires consent from all registered owners, or a court order stating that you have the right to remove their name.

If you have a divorce decree or court order awarding the vehicle to you, that is your proof of right — submit it with Form 31 and the DMV will process the change. If you do not have a court order and cannot get the other person to sign off, you will need to file a lawsuit to establish ownership. This is expensive and time-consuming, so it is worth trying to negotiate a settlement first, especially in a divorce or separation where a family law attorney may already be involved.

If the vehicle has a lien and the lienholder refuses to release it, the registered owner cannot be removed until the debt is paid off. Contact the lienholder to understand the payoff amount and process.

Common mistakes to avoid when filing Form 31

The most common mistake is submitting Form 31 without the required proof document. The DMV will reject the process and send it back, which delays the process by weeks. Always include a certified copy of the court order, bill of sale, or other proof that explains why the change should happen.

Another mistake is sending original documents instead of copies. The DMV does not return documents, so if you send your only copy of a divorce decree or will, you lose it. Order certified copies from the court or probate office before you mail your process.

A third mistake is not including the correct fee. Check the DMV fee calculator before you mail your form. If the fee is wrong, the DMV will hold your process until you send the correct amount, adding weeks to the process.

Finally, do not assume the other owner will cooperate or that you can remove their name without their knowledge. If they are still a registered owner and you do not have a court order, the DMV will contact them to verify the change. If they object, your process will be denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove someone's name from the registration if they refuse to sign?

Yes, if you have a court order — such as a divorce decree, inheritance document, or probate order — that gives you the right to the vehicle. The court order is your proof. Without a court order, you need the other owner's signature or consent.

How long does it take to get a new registration after I file Form 31?

Processing usually takes two to four weeks. The DMV will mail your new registration certificate to the address on file. If you do not receive it within five weeks, contact your county DMV office to check the status.

What if there is a lien on the vehicle?

The lienholder must agree to any change in ownership. Contact your bank or credit union before filing Form 31. They may require the loan to be paid off before they will release the lien and allow a name change.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale if I am buying out a co-owner?

Notarization is not required by the DMV, but it strengthens your proof of the transaction. A notarized bill of sale is harder to dispute later if questions arise. Many banks and credit unions offer notary services for free or a small fee.

What if I made a mistake on Form 31 before I mailed it?

Cross out the error neatly, write the correction above it, and initial and date the change. Do not use white-out or tape. The DMV will accept minor corrections if they are clearly marked and initialed.