What DMV Form REG 262 Is and When You Need It

DMV Form REG 262 is a Request for Duplicate or Corrected Registration Document

DMV Form REG 262 is California's official form for ordering a duplicate vehicle registration card or a corrected registration document when the one you have is lost, damaged, or contains an error. You submit it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and the DMV mails you a replacement within two to three weeks under normal processing.

This form handles three separate situations: a registration card that was lost or stolen, a registration card that is damaged or illegible, or a registration document that contains wrong information (such as a misspelled name or incorrect vehicle description). The form itself is short — it asks for your vehicle identification number, license plate number, and the reason you need the replacement — but the DMV uses it to verify your ownership before issuing a new document.

You do not need to visit a DMV office in person to use this form. You can mail it, submit it online through the DMV website, or use the DMV's online registration services if you have a California driver's license and a registered account. The fee varies depending on whether you want a duplicate card, a corrected document, or both.

Key Takeaways

DMV Form REG 262 requests a replacement registration card or a corrected registration document from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can submit the form by mail, online through the DMV website, or through the DMV's online registration portal if you have a registered account.
Processing normally takes two to three weeks by mail; online submission may be faster depending on the DMV's current workload.
A fee applies for each replacement or correction, and the DMV will not issue a new document until payment is received.
If your registration card was lost or stolen, you should report the loss to the DMV at the time you request the replacement.

When to Use Form REG 262

Use this form if your vehicle registration card is missing, unreadable, or damaged. A faded or water-damaged card that you cannot read clearly counts as damaged, even if it is still in one piece. If you lost your card in a move, a flood, or a vehicle accident, this is the form to use.

You also use Form REG 262 if the information printed on your registration card is wrong — for example, if your name is misspelled, the vehicle description does not match your car, or the address is incorrect. The DMV will issue a corrected card with the right information. If the error was the DMV's mistake, there is usually no fee; if you are correcting information because you changed your name or address, a fee applies.

Do not use this form if you need to renew your registration because it has expired. Renewal is a separate process handled through Form REG 227 or online renewal. This form is only for replacing or correcting a card that is still valid but is missing, damaged, or wrong.

How to Submit Form REG 262

You have three options for submitting the form. The fastest is usually the DMV's online portal: if you have a California driver's license and a registered account on the DMV website, you can request a duplicate or corrected registration card without printing or mailing anything. The DMV processes online requests within one to two weeks in most cases.

If you do not have an online account or prefer to mail the form, read Form REG 262 from the California DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Include your payment (check or money order) and any supporting documents the DMV requests — for example, if you are correcting an error, include a copy of the document that shows the correct information. Mail it to the DMV office listed on the form.

You can also submit the form in person at any DMV office, though this is slower than mailing or using the online portal because you will need to wait for an appointment. If you choose to go in person, bring the completed form, your payment, and your driver's license or other identification.

Fees and Payment

The DMV charges a fee for a duplicate registration card. The amount varies by year and is set by California law, but as of recent years it is typically between $5 and $10. If you are correcting an error that the DMV made, the fee is usually waived. If you are correcting an error in your own information (such as a name change), you may pay a separate fee depending on the type of correction.

Payment must be included with your form when you submit it. If you mail the form, send a check or money order payable to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash by mail. If you submit the form online, you will be prompted to pay by credit or debit card during the submission process.

If your payment is missing or incorrect, the DMV will return your form without processing it. You will then need to resubmit with the correct payment. This adds several weeks to the process, so double-check the current fee before you submit.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the DMV receives your form and payment, they verify that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. This verification usually takes a few days. If everything is correct, the DMV prints your new registration card and mails it to the address on file for your vehicle.

Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks after the DMV prints the card. If you submitted the form by mail, add another week for the DMV to receive and process it. In total, expect two to three weeks from the date you mail the form to the date the new card arrives at your home.

If you submitted the form online, processing is usually faster — often one to two weeks total. The DMV will send you a confirmation email when your request is received and another when your card is mailed.

If Your Registration Card Was Lost or Stolen

If your registration card was stolen (not just lost), report the theft to the DMV when you submit Form REG 262. You can note this in the comments section of the form or mention it in a cover letter if you are mailing a paper form. Reporting the theft creates a record in case someone tries to use your registration card fraudulently.

If you believe your registration card was stolen as part of a vehicle theft or break-in, also file a police report. Provide the police report number to the DMV if you have one. The DMV may flag your vehicle record to watch for suspicious activity.

You do not need to wait for a police report before submitting Form REG 262. Submit the form as soon as you realize the card is missing, and note that it was stolen if you know that to be the case.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Websites and Forms

Scammers sometimes create fake DMV websites that look almost identical to the real California DMV site. They offer to process your registration request for a higher fee and collect your personal information or payment without sending you anything. Always use the official California DMV website — dmv.ca.gov — and verify the URL in your browser before entering any information.

Do not respond to emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV and asking you to verify your registration or pay a fee. The real DMV does not contact you by email or text to request payment or personal information. If you receive such a message, delete it and go directly to dmv.ca.gov to check your registration status.

If you are unsure whether a website is real, call the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 (California only) or visit a local DMV office in person. Never pay money or share personal information based on a link in an email or text message.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement registration card?

If you submit the form online, expect one to two weeks. If you mail the form, add one week for the DMV to receive it, so plan for two to three weeks total. During busy periods, processing may take longer. The DMV will send you a confirmation when your card is mailed.

Can I drive without my registration card while I wait for the replacement?

California law requires you to carry your registration card when you drive. If you lost it, keep a copy of your online registration record or a confirmation email from the DMV showing your vehicle is registered. Some officers will accept this as proof while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.

What if I moved and my address on the registration card is wrong?

Use Form REG 262 to request a corrected card with your new address. You will need to have already updated your address with the DMV through a separate process (Form DL 43 or online). Once your address is updated in the DMV system, submit REG 262 to get a card that reflects the change.

Do I need to submit Form REG 262 if my registration card is damaged but still readable?

If the card is still readable and the information is correct, you are not required to replace it. However, if it is so faded or damaged that a police officer might have trouble reading it during a traffic stop, it is a good idea to request a replacement to avoid any issues.

What if the DMV denies my request for a corrected registration card?

The DMV will deny a request only if you do not own the vehicle, the vehicle is not registered, or the information you are trying to correct cannot be verified. If your request is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. You can contact the DMV to dispute the denial or provide additional documentation.

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.