DMV Form REG 262 is California's process to register a vehicle with a non-resident owner

Form REG 262 is the California Department of Motor Vehicles form you use when you want to register a vehicle but you do not live in California. The form tells the DMV that you are a non-resident owner — someone who lives outside the state but owns a vehicle registered in California. You file it instead of the standard registration process that resident owners use.

Non-resident registration exists because some vehicle owners have legitimate reasons to register in California even though their primary home is elsewhere. This might happen if you own property in California, work here regularly, or have other ties to the state. The DMV has a specific process for these situations, and Form REG 262 is how you start it.

The form itself is short — it asks for your name, address (both your out-of-state address and any California address you have), the vehicle identification number, and basic vehicle information. You also declare under penalty of perjury that you are a non-resident owner. The DMV uses this information to verify your situation and process your registration differently than it would for a California resident.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 262 is for people who live outside California but want to register a vehicle in the state.
  • You must provide your out-of-state address and the vehicle's VIN, and sign the form under penalty of perjury.
  • Non-resident registration may have different fees, insurance requirements, or renewal rules than standard California registration.
  • You can obtain the form from the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Who needs to file Form REG 262

You need this form if you own a vehicle and your permanent residence is outside California, but you want the vehicle registered here. The DMV defines a non-resident owner as someone whose primary home address is in another state or country. If you have a California driver's license or California ID, you are considered a resident for DMV purposes, and you would use the standard registration form instead.

Common situations where non-resident registration makes sense include owning a second home in California, working in California on a temporary assignment, or having a business address in the state. Some people also register vehicles in California for specific legal or business reasons. The key is that your primary residence — where you spend most of your time and where your mail goes — must be outside California.

If you are unsure whether you count as a non-resident, the DMV's definition is straightforward: if you have established residency in California (meaning you live here and intend to stay), you are a resident and should not use Form REG 262. If you do not live in California and do not intend to establish residency here, you are a non-resident and this form is the correct one to use.

How to obtain and complete Form REG 262

You can get Form REG 262 from the California DMV website by searching for the form number. The DMV also mails copies to people who request them, and you can pick up a physical copy at any DMV office. The form is one page and takes only a few minutes to complete if you have the necessary information ready.

Before you start filling it out, gather your vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard, door jamb, or registration documents), your out-of-state address, and any California address associated with the vehicle. You will also need to sign the form in front of a notary public or DMV employee — you cannot straightforward sign it at home and mail it in. This is because the form includes a declaration under penalty of perjury, which requires a witness.

Fill in each field clearly and legibly. Write your full legal name, your complete out-of-state address, and the vehicle information exactly as it appears on the title or bill of sale. If you have a California address (such as a vacation home or business location), include that as well. Double-check the VIN — errors here can delay processing or cause the form to be rejected.

What happens after you submit Form REG 262

Once you have completed and notarized the form, you submit it to the DMV along with other required documents. These typically include proof of ownership (the vehicle title or bill of sale), proof of your out-of-state residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement in your name), and proof of insurance that meets California requirements. Some DMV offices may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

The DMV will review your form and supporting documents to confirm that you are indeed a non-resident owner and that the vehicle information is correct. This review usually takes one to two weeks, though it can vary depending on how busy the DMV office is. You will receive a notice by mail telling you whether your registration has been approved or whether the DMV needs more information from you.

If approved, you will receive your registration documents and license plates by mail. Non-resident registrations in California are valid for the same renewal periods as resident registrations — typically one or two years depending on the vehicle type. You will receive renewal notices at your out-of-state address, and you can renew by mail or online without having to return to a DMV office in person.

Non-resident registration fees and requirements

Non-resident vehicle registration in California is subject to the same base registration fees as resident registration. The fee depends on the vehicle's value, age, and type. You can find the current fee schedule on the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Some counties also charge additional local fees that explore to both residents and non-residents.

California requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance that meets state minimum requirements. As a non-resident, you must provide proof of insurance when you register. The insurance policy must be issued by a company licensed to do business in California, even though you live out of state. If you let your insurance lapse, your registration can be suspended.

Non-resident owners must also follow California's vehicle inspection and smog check rules if they explore to your vehicle. If your vehicle is subject to smog testing, you will need to have it tested at a California-certified station before you can register or renew. Some non-residents arrange this during visits to the state, while others use mobile testing services or have the work done at a shop near their California address.

Common reasons Form REG 262 is rejected or delayed

The most frequent reason the DMV returns Form REG 262 is a missing or incorrect notarization. The form must be signed in front of a notary public or DMV employee — a signature alone is not enough. If you signed it without a witness, the DMV will send it back and ask you to have it notarized and resubmit. This can add two to four weeks to the process.

Incomplete or mismatched information also causes delays. If the VIN on the form does not match the VIN on your title, or if your name is spelled differently on different documents, the DMV will ask for clarification. Make sure every document you submit uses the same spelling of your name and the exact same VIN. Even small typos can trigger a request for more information.

Missing proof of residency is another common issue. The DMV needs to see evidence that you actually live outside California — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name at your out-of-state address usually works. A driver's license from another state is helpful but not always sufficient on its own. If your proof of residency is unclear or outdated, the DMV may ask for a more recent document.

Alternatives if you cannot use Form REG 262

If you are a California resident (meaning you have established residency here), you cannot use Form REG 262. Instead, you must use the standard vehicle registration form, which is Form REG 343 for most vehicles. Residency is determined by where you actually live, not where you want to register your vehicle. If you have a California address and spend significant time in the state, the DMV will likely consider you a resident regardless of what form you submit.

If you are registering a vehicle in another state but want to understand how that state's non-resident registration works, you would contact that state's DMV directly. Each state has its own rules and forms. Some states do not offer non-resident registration at all, while others have different requirements than California.

If you are temporarily in California and need to register a vehicle for a short period, you might explore whether a temporary registration or out-of-state registration would work better for your situation. Contact your local DMV office to discuss your specific circumstances — staff can tell you which form and process fit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle in California if I live in another state?

Yes, if you are a non-resident owner, you can register a vehicle in California using Form REG 262. You must provide proof that your primary residence is outside California and meet all other registration requirements, including proof of insurance and vehicle ownership.

Do I need to notarize Form REG 262 before I mail it to the DMV?

Yes. The form includes a declaration under penalty of perjury, which requires a notary public's signature or a DMV employee's signature. You cannot sign it alone and mail it in. Visit a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or libraries) or bring it to a DMV office to have it signed.

How long does it take to register a vehicle using Form REG 262?

The DMV typically processes non-resident registration within one to two weeks of receiving a complete process. If documents are missing or incomplete, the process takes longer because the DMV will send you a notice asking for more information, and you have to resubmit.

What if I move to California after registering as a non-resident?

If you establish California residency after registering as a non-resident, you must notify the DMV and update your registration status. You can do this by visiting a DMV office with proof of your new California address. Your registration will be converted to resident status, and your fees and renewal process may change.

Can I renew my non-resident registration by mail?

Yes. Non-resident registrations renew by mail or online, just like resident registrations. The DMV will send you a renewal notice at your out-of-state address. You do not have to return to California in person to renew, though you must maintain proof of insurance and meet any smog check requirements.