DMV Form REG 343 is California's Statement of Facts form for vehicle ownership disputes

Form REG 343 is the California Department of Motor Vehicles document you file when you and another person disagree about who owns a vehicle, or when the title has been lost, damaged, or never issued. The DMV uses this form to investigate the facts of your case and decide who has the legal right to the vehicle. You do not file this form for routine title transfers or address changes — only when ownership itself is in question.

The form asks you to describe what happened: how you obtained the vehicle, what documents you have, and why you believe you are the rightful owner. The DMV reviews your statement, any supporting documents you submit, and may contact the other party or previous owners. After investigation, the DMV either issues a title in your name, denies your claim, or asks for more information.

Processing typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how complex the case is and how quickly you can provide the documents the DMV requests. During that time, you cannot legally register or sell the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 343 is filed only when there is a dispute over who owns a vehicle or when a title cannot be located or was never issued.
  • You must describe in detail how you obtained the vehicle and provide any documents that prove your ownership claim.
  • The DMV investigates your statement and may contact other parties before making a decision about who owns the vehicle.
  • You cannot register or transfer the vehicle while your REG 343 case is pending.
  • The form is available from the DMV website or any DMV office, and you submit it by mail or in person.

When to file Form REG 343

You file this form when you have a vehicle but no title document, or when someone else claims to own it. Common situations include: you bought a car from a private seller who never transferred the title to you; you inherited a vehicle and cannot locate the original title; you paid off a loan and the lienholder never sent you the title; or a family member or ex-partner claims ownership of a vehicle you believe is yours.

Do not use this form if you straightforward lost your title and the DMV records show you as the owner — in that case, you file for a duplicate title using a different form. Do not use it for routine ownership transfers between willing parties, or to change the name on an existing title. Those transactions use standard transfer forms.

If the vehicle has a lien on it (a bank or finance company has a claim), the situation is more complicated. The lienholder's name appears on the title, and you may need to resolve that claim before the DMV will issue a new title in your name alone.

What documents to gather before you file

Collect every piece of paper that shows how you obtained the vehicle and that you have been paying for it or maintaining it. This includes: the bill of sale or receipt from the person who sold it to you; any written agreement about the sale; proof of payment (cancelled checks, bank transfers, credit card statements); insurance documents in your name; registration documents from other states if you moved the vehicle; maintenance or repair records showing your name; and any correspondence with the previous owner or a lienholder.

If the previous owner is deceased, bring a death certificate and any probate documents. If you inherited the vehicle, bring the will or trust document that names you as the beneficiary. If you are claiming the vehicle was abandoned on your property, bring photographs, witness statements, and any written notice you gave to the previous owner.

The stronger your documentation, the faster the DMV can resolve your case. If you have very few documents, the investigation will take longer and the DMV may deny your claim.

How to complete Form REG 343

The form has sections for your name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the vehicle description, and a detailed narrative. In the narrative section, write a clear, chronological account of how you obtained the vehicle. Include dates, names of people involved, and what happened to the title. For example: "I purchased this 2015 Honda Civic from John Smith on March 15, 2022, for $8,000. He gave me a bill of sale but said he had lost the title. I have been insuring and maintaining the vehicle since then. I have attached copies of my insurance policy and two repair invoices."

Be specific and factual. Do not argue or make accusations — straightforward state what you know. If you do not know something, say so. The DMV will investigate further if needed.

Sign and date the form. Attach copies (not originals) of all supporting documents. Do not send original documents — the DMV will not return them, and you may need them later.

Where to submit Form REG 343

You can submit the form by mail to the DMV address listed on the form itself, or you can bring it in person to any DMV office. If you mail it, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DMV received it. Include a copy for your records.

Some DMV offices accept forms by appointment only. Call ahead or check the DMV website to confirm the office's current hours and whether you need an appointment. Bring your identification and the original form plus copies of your supporting documents if you submit in person.

After you submit, the DMV will send you a letter with a case number and an explanation of what happens next. Keep this letter and use the case number if you need to follow up.

What happens after you file

The DMV will review your statement and documents. If your case is straightforward and your documentation is clear, they may issue a title within a few weeks. If there are questions or conflicts, they will contact you by mail asking for more information or clarification.

The DMV may also contact the previous owner, any lienholder, or other people mentioned in your statement. If the other party disputes your claim, the investigation takes longer. In some cases, the DMV cannot determine ownership and denies the request — you would then need to pursue the matter through small claims court or civil court.

Once the DMV makes a decision, they will send you a letter. If approved, you will receive a new title. If denied, the letter will explain why and what your options are.

Common reasons Form REG 343 is denied

The DMV denies these requests when the evidence does not clearly show you are the owner. This happens when: you have no bill of sale or written proof of purchase; the previous owner disputes your claim and has documentation showing they still own it; there is an active lien on the vehicle and the lienholder has not released it; or the vehicle was reported stolen and the original owner has filed a police report.

If your request is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before a DMV hearing officer. The letter of denial will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. At a hearing, you can present additional evidence and testimony. If you still disagree with the outcome, you can file a lawsuit in court, though this is expensive and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a decision on Form REG 343?

straightforward cases with clear documentation may be resolved in four to eight weeks. Complex cases, especially those involving disputes with another party or missing documents, can take three to six months or longer. The DMV will contact you if they need more information, which can extend the timeline.

Can I drive the vehicle while my Form REG 343 is being reviewed?

No. You cannot legally register or drive a vehicle without a title. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will not be able to prove ownership or registration. You should not operate the vehicle on public roads while your case is pending.

What if the previous owner will not cooperate or cannot be found?

The DMV will attempt to locate the previous owner using their records, but if they cannot be found, the investigation may stall. If you have strong evidence of your ownership — such as a bill of sale, proof of payment, and years of insurance in your name — the DMV may issue a title based on your documentation alone. Bring as much evidence as possible.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form REG 343?

You do not need a lawyer to file the form itself. However, if your case is complex, involves a dispute with another party, or is denied and you want to request a hearing, consulting an attorney who handles vehicle title disputes may be helpful. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost consultations.

What if the vehicle has a loan against it?

If a bank or finance company has a lien on the vehicle, their name appears on the title. You cannot get a clear title until that lien is released. Contact the lienholder and ask them to provide a lien release or payoff letter. Once you pay off the loan, they will release the lien, and you can then file Form REG 343 if needed.