REG 262 is the form you use to register a vehicle in California when the owner is not present at the DMV office

REG 262 is California's "process for Title or Registration by Power of Attorney." It lets someone other than the vehicle owner handle registration or title work at the DMV on their behalf. The person doing the work (called the attorney-in-fact) signs the form, and the owner signs it beforehand. The DMV then accepts the transaction as if the owner were there.

You need this form when the registered owner cannot go to the DMV in person — whether because they live out of state, are out of the country, are ill, or straightforward cannot take time off work. Without it, the DMV will not process most registration or title requests from anyone but the owner.

REG 262 does not give someone permanent power to handle all the owner's DMV business. It is a one-time authorization for a specific transaction. Once that transaction is complete, the power ends.

Key Takeaways

  • REG 262 must be signed by the vehicle owner before the person representing them goes to the DMV.
  • The form works only for the specific transaction listed on it — you cannot use one REG 262 to handle multiple different DMV tasks.
  • The person acting on the owner's behalf must bring the signed form, their own ID, and all other documents the DMV normally requires for that transaction.
  • REG 262 is free and available on the California DMV website or at any DMV office.

When you need REG 262 versus other power-of-attorney forms

California offers different power-of-attorney options depending on how long you need someone to act for you. REG 262 is the right choice when you need help with a single, specific DMV task and the owner will not be present. It is limited to that one transaction.

If the owner needs someone to handle multiple DMV matters over time — renewing registration year after year, for example — a Permanent Power of Attorney (POA) or a Limited Power of Attorney may be more practical. Those forms last longer and cover more ground, but they require notarization and are more formal. REG 262 does not require notarization.

For vehicle sales, title transfers, or other transactions where the owner is not present, REG 262 is often the fastest route because it is simpler and requires fewer steps than a full power of attorney.

How to fill out REG 262

The form has two main sections: one for the owner and one for the person acting on their behalf. The owner fills out their information first, including their name, address, driver's license number, and a description of the vehicle (make, model, year, VIN). Then the owner describes the specific transaction — for example, "Register vehicle for 2024" or "Transfer title to new owner."

The owner must sign and date the form. They do not need to have it notarized, but some DMV offices may ask for a notarized signature depending on the transaction type. Check with your local DMV office or the California DMV website to confirm whether notarization is required for your specific task.

The person representing the owner (the attorney-in-fact) then fills in their own name, address, and driver's license number. They sign the form in front of a DMV employee when they present it. The DMV employee may ask questions to confirm the person is authorized to act on the owner's behalf.

What documents to bring to the DMV with REG 262

The signed REG 262 form is only one piece. The person going to the DMV must also bring their own government-issued photo ID and all the documents that would normally be required for that transaction. If you are registering a vehicle, for example, you need the title, proof of insurance, and proof of residence — just as if the owner were there in person.

Bring the original signed REG 262, not a copy. Some DMV offices will accept a copy, but the safest approach is to bring the original. If the owner is out of state or out of the country, they can sign the form and mail it to the person who will use it, or sign it electronically if the DMV accepts that method (policies vary by office).

If the transaction requires a smog check, vehicle inspection, or other third-party verification, those requirements do not change because you are using REG 262. You still need to complete them before or at the time of your DMV visit.

Where to get the REG 262 form

The California DMV publishes REG 262 on its official website. You can read and print it from there, or pick up a physical copy at any DMV office. The form is free. You can also request it by mail from the DMV, though that takes longer.

Do not use an outdated version of the form. The DMV updates forms periodically, and an old version may be rejected. Always read from the current DMV website or ask for the current version at the office.

Common mistakes to avoid with REG 262

The most common error is leaving the transaction description too vague. Writing "DMV business" or "vehicle work" is not specific enough. The form must clearly state what you are doing — "Register 2023 Honda Civic, VIN [number]" or "Transfer title to Jane Smith." Vague descriptions can cause the DMV to reject the form and send you back to get a new one signed by the owner.

Another frequent mistake is the person acting on the owner's behalf signing the form before going to the DMV. The attorney-in-fact should sign it in front of the DMV employee, not beforehand. If they sign it early, the DMV may reject it as invalid.

Do not assume one signed REG 262 covers multiple transactions. If the owner needs to register the vehicle and also update their address on the title, you need two separate forms — one for each task. Trying to use one form for both will result in rejection.

What happens after you submit REG 262 at the DMV

Once you hand the signed form and all supporting documents to the DMV employee, they will review everything for completeness. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you right away. If everything is in order, they will process the transaction as if the owner were present.

Processing time depends on the type of transaction. straightforward registrations may be completed the same day. Title transfers or more complex work may take a few days or weeks. The DMV will tell you when to expect your documents back and how you will receive them — by mail, pickup, or electronic delivery.

Keep a copy of the signed REG 262 for your records. If there are questions later about who authorized the transaction, you will have proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use REG 262 if the owner is deceased?

No. REG 262 is only for situations where the owner is alive but unable to be present. If the owner has died, the vehicle must go through probate or a similar legal process. Contact the DMV or a probate attorney for guidance on the correct procedure.

Does the owner have to notarize their signature on REG 262?

Not always. Most routine transactions do not require notarization. However, some title transfers or out-of-state registrations may require it. Check with your local DMV office before the owner signs to confirm whether notarization is needed for your specific transaction.

What if the person representing the owner loses the signed REG 262 before going to the DMV?

The owner will need to sign a new form. There is no way around this — the DMV will not process the transaction without a signed authorization form. Have the owner sign a new REG 262 and send it as quickly as possible.

Can I use REG 262 to renew registration every year, or do I need a new form each time?

You need a new form each year. REG 262 is valid only for the specific transaction listed on it. Once that renewal is complete, the power ends. For the next year's renewal, the owner must sign a new REG 262.

Can someone use REG 262 to sell my vehicle without my permission?

Only if you sign the form authorizing them to do so. REG 262 requires your signature before anyone can use it. If you did not sign it, the DMV will not accept it. Never sign a blank REG 262 or one with a transaction you do not understand.