What a California DMV Statement of Facts Is and When You Need One

A Statement of Facts is a document the California DMV issues when it cannot locate your vehicle's original title

A Statement of Facts is an official DMV document that serves as proof of ownership when the original title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. The DMV issues it after you submit evidence that you own the vehicle but the title record cannot be found in the system. You can then use this statement to register the vehicle, transfer ownership, or obtain a duplicate title.

This is not the same as a duplicate title. A duplicate title is what you get when your title exists in the DMV system but your physical copy is gone. A Statement of Facts is what you get when the DMV has no record of the title at all — usually because the vehicle was never titled in California, the paperwork was lost in a fire or flood, or there was an error in the original filing.

You will need a Statement of Facts if you want to register or sell a vehicle but have no title and the DMV cannot find one on file. Without it, you cannot legally transfer ownership or get plates.

Key Takeaways

A Statement of Facts proves ownership when the DMV has no title record for your vehicle, and you can use it to register or sell the car.
You must submit evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale, registration documents, or proof of purchase, along with a completed form.
The DMV will search its records before issuing a Statement of Facts, and the process usually takes several weeks.
Once you have a Statement of Facts, you can use it to obtain a regular title or register the vehicle in your name.
A Statement of Facts is different from a duplicate title — it is issued when no title record exists at all, not when the physical copy is lost.

When the DMV cannot find a title record

The DMV issues a Statement of Facts in specific situations. The most common is when you buy a vehicle from a private seller who never registered it in California, or who lost the title years ago and never reported it. Another scenario is when you inherit a vehicle and the previous owner's title was never transferred or filed correctly. A third is when a vehicle was registered out of state and you are now bringing it to California for the first time.

The DMV may also issue a Statement of Facts if records were destroyed — for example, in a fire at a DMV office or during a natural disaster — and the agency cannot reconstruct the ownership chain. In rare cases, a vehicle was titled so long ago that the paper record was discarded and the digital record was never created.

You cannot get a Statement of Facts if a title does exist in the DMV system. If that is the case, you need a duplicate title instead, which is a simpler process. The DMV will tell you which one you need after you submit your request.

Documents you need to bring or mail

The DMV requires you to submit Form REG 227, which is the official process for a Statement of Facts. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form asks for your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and a description of why the title cannot be located.

You must also submit proof of ownership. Acceptable documents include a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, a registration document from another state, a purchase receipt or invoice, a loan document showing you as the borrower, insurance documents in your name, or a court order awarding you the vehicle. If you inherited the vehicle, bring a copy of the will or probate documents. The document does not have to be recent, but it must clearly show that you own or owned the vehicle.

Bring or mail your completed Form REG 227 along with your proof of ownership to your local DMV office. You can also mail the documents to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID to verify your identity. If you are mailing the documents, keep copies for your records and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What happens after you submit your request

The DMV will search its records to confirm that no title exists for your vehicle. This search typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the DMV may contact you if it needs additional information or if it finds a title on file that you were not aware of.

If the DMV confirms that no title record exists, it will issue a Statement of Facts. This document will include your name, the vehicle description, the VIN, and a statement that the DMV has searched its records and found no title. The Statement of Facts is signed and stamped by the DMV and serves as official proof of ownership for that vehicle.

If the DMV finds a title on file, you will be notified and directed to request a duplicate title instead. This is faster and costs less than a Statement of Facts. If the DMV cannot determine whether a title exists — for example, because the VIN is unclear or the vehicle is very old — it may ask you to provide additional documentation or to appear in person at a DMV office.

Using your Statement of Facts to register or title the vehicle

Once you have a Statement of Facts, you can use it to register the vehicle in California or to obtain a regular title. You will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail your documents, depending on which service you are requesting. Bring the Statement of Facts, a completed registration process (Form REG 343 for a new registration), proof of California residency, and proof of identity.

If you are registering the vehicle, you will also need to pass a smog test unless the vehicle is exempt. Bring proof of the smog test result to the DMV. If you are obtaining a title, the DMV will issue a regular certificate of title in your name, which you can then use to sell the vehicle or as proof of ownership.

The Statement of Facts itself does not expire, but it is only valid for the vehicle and ownership situation it describes. If you sell the vehicle, the new owner will need their own proof of ownership — either a title transfer from you or, if you cannot provide a title, their own Statement of Facts.

Scams and safety concerns to watch for

Do not pay anyone to obtain a Statement of Facts for you. The DMV charges a flat fee (currently around $20 to $30, though this varies) to process the form, and that is the only legitimate cost. Websites or services that claim they can "fast-track" a Statement of Facts or charge hundreds of dollars are scams. The DMV does not have a fast-track option, and paying extra will not speed up the process.

Be cautious of sellers who claim they cannot locate a title and ask you to pay them extra to cover the cost of a Statement of Facts. This is a red flag. A legitimate seller should provide you with whatever documentation they have, and you can then work with the DMV yourself. If a seller pressures you to pay cash or to skip the title process entirely, walk away — you may be buying a stolen vehicle.

Never sign a blank bill of sale or allow someone else to fill in the ownership information for you. A bill of sale is a legal document, and signing a blank one can be used to transfer the vehicle to someone else without your knowledge. Always fill in the document yourself or have a trusted person do it in front of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Statement of Facts cost?

The California DMV charges a processing fee for a Statement of Facts, typically between $20 and $30. The exact amount may vary depending on the office and whether you submit the form in person or by mail. There are no additional fees if you then use the Statement of Facts to register or title the vehicle — those services have their own separate fees.

Can I sell a vehicle using a Statement of Facts instead of a title?

Yes. Once you have a Statement of Facts, you can use it to transfer ownership to a buyer. The buyer will receive the Statement of Facts as proof of your ownership, and they can then use it to register the vehicle or obtain their own title. Make sure you complete a bill of sale with the buyer's information so there is a clear record of the transfer.

What if I lost my Statement of Facts after the DMV issued it?

You can request a duplicate Statement of Facts from the DMV, similar to how you would request a duplicate title. Bring a completed Form REG 227 and proof of identity to a DMV office, or mail the form with a copy of your ID. The DMV will issue a replacement document.

How long does it take to get a Statement of Facts?

The DMV typically takes two to four weeks to process a Statement of Facts request, depending on how busy the office is and whether the DMV needs to contact you for additional information. If you submit your documents by mail, add time for postal delivery. In-person submissions at a DMV office may be processed slightly faster.

Can I register a vehicle with a Statement of Facts, or do I need a title first?

You can register a vehicle using a Statement of Facts — you do not need to obtain a title first. However, many people choose to get a title after receiving a Statement of Facts because a title is the standard proof of ownership and is easier to use if you ever want to sell the vehicle. You can do either one, depending on your needs.

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.