What You're Filling Out and Where It Goes

The process for Title is form REG 227, and it's the document the California DMV uses to record who owns a vehicle. You fill it out once per vehicle, and it goes to the DMV along with your bill of sale, proof of ownership from the previous owner, and payment. The DMV uses this form to create the title certificate in your name — the legal proof that you own the car.

You can get form REG 227 from the DMV website, any DMV office, or from some auto insurance agents and smog stations. You can submit it by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third-party service like AAA or a car dealership if they handle title transfers. The form itself is free.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 227 is the official California DMV process for title, and you must fill out one section for the buyer and one for the seller.
  • You need the vehicle identification number (VIN), the previous owner's signature on the bill of sale, and proof of a smog inspection or exemption before the DMV will process your form.
  • The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the vehicle details — all information that must match your bill of sale and the previous title.
  • Mistakes or missing information will cause the DMV to reject the form and mail it back, delaying your title by weeks.
  • If you're buying from a private seller, you fill out the buyer section; if you're trading in at a dealership, the dealership usually fills out the seller section for you.

The Buyer Section: What Goes in Each Box

The buyer section of form REG 227 starts with your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license. Print clearly in capital letters. Below that, enter your current mailing address — the one where the DMV will send your title certificate. If you have a different address where you want the DMV to mail notices (like a business address), you can list that separately, but most people leave it blank.

Next is your driver's license number and the state that issued it. If you don't have a California driver's license yet, write your out-of-state license number and state. You'll also enter your date of birth. Then comes the vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code stamped on the driver's side dashboard and listed on the bill of sale. Copy it exactly; a single wrong digit will cause the DMV to reject the form.

You'll list the vehicle's make, model, and year, then the odometer reading at the time of purchase. If the odometer shows more than 99,999 miles, check the box that says the odometer has rolled over. At the bottom of the buyer section, you sign and date the form. Your signature must match the one on your driver's license.

The Seller Section: What the Previous Owner Must Complete

The seller section requires the previous owner's printed name, address, and driver's license number. If the previous owner is a business or dealership, you'll enter the business name and the authorized person's name. The seller must also sign and date this section — their signature must match the one on the title they're transferring to you.

If there are two owners on the old title, both must sign the seller section unless the title document itself says only one signature is needed. If you're buying from a dealership, the dealership staff will fill out and sign the seller section for you. If you're buying from a private seller, you must get them to complete this section before you submit the form to the DMV.

The seller section also includes a box for the odometer reading. The seller should enter the same mileage you entered in the buyer section. If the numbers don't match, the DMV will contact you to clarify before processing.

Documents You Must Attach to the Form

Form REG 227 alone is not enough. You must also send the bill of sale (form REG 135 or a private bill of sale with the same information), the current title certificate from the previous owner, and proof of a smog inspection or a smog exemption certificate. If the vehicle is new or less than four years old, you may not need a smog inspection — check the DMV website for your vehicle's year and type.

If you're buying from a private seller and the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV before selling to you, or you can explore for a duplicate in your name after purchase. Either way, you need some proof of ownership — a bill of sale alone is not enough for the DMV to issue a new title.

If the vehicle is financed and the lender holds the title, the lender must sign the back of the title or provide a separate lien release document. The DMV will not process the title transfer without proof that the lien has been released.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your process

The most common error is a mismatched VIN. If the VIN on form REG 227 doesn't match the VIN on the bill of sale or the old title, the DMV will reject the form. Double-check the VIN character by character before you submit. The letter O and the number 0 look similar; the letter I and the number 1 look similar. Verify each one.

Signature mismatches also cause rejections. Your signature on the buyer section must match your driver's license signature. The seller's signature must match the old title. If either signature looks different — different style, different name format, initials instead of full name — the DMV will send the form back.

Missing or illegible information in any required field will delay processing. Write in black or blue ink, print clearly, and don't use correction fluid or cross-outs. If you make a mistake, start over with a fresh form. Incomplete addresses, missing phone numbers, or a blank odometer reading will all trigger a rejection.

Where to Submit and What Happens Next

You can mail form REG 227 and your supporting documents to your local DMV office. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee, which varies based on the vehicle's value and whether you're transferring a lien. The DMV website has a fee calculator. Mail everything to the address listed on the form's instructions page.

Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you can often get a temporary title on the spot and the permanent title by mail within two weeks. Some DMV offices offer an express service for an additional fee.

Once the DMV receives your form, they will verify the information against the bill of sale and the previous title. If everything matches and all documents are present, they will issue a new title in your name and mail it to the address you listed. If there's a problem, they will mail the form back with an explanation of what needs to be corrected.

If You're Buying from a Dealership Instead of a Private Seller

When you buy from a California dealership, the dealership usually handles the title transfer for you. They will fill out form REG 227, collect your signature on the buyer section, and submit it to the DMV along with their own paperwork. You'll still need to provide your driver's license number, current address, and sign the form, but the dealership manages the rest of the process.

The dealership will also handle the smog inspection requirement and any lien release if they financed the vehicle. You should receive your title within two to four weeks. If the dealership says they will handle the title and you don't receive it within a month, contact them to confirm they submitted the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit form REG 227 online?

No. California does not allow online submission of title transfer applications. You must mail the form and documents to the DMV or submit them in person at a DMV office. Some authorized third-party services like AAA can submit the form on your behalf if you bring the documents to them.

What if the seller won't sign the form?

The seller's signature on form REG 227 is required by California law. If the seller refuses to sign, you cannot legally transfer the title into your name. If you've already paid for the vehicle, contact a lawyer about your options. Do not submit a form with a forged signature.

Do I need to notarize form REG 227?

No. California does not require notarization of the title transfer form. Your signature and the seller's signature must match your respective driver's licenses, but they do not need to be notarized. Some lenders may require notarization of a lien release document, but not the DMV form itself.

What if I made a mistake on the form after I mailed it?

Contact the DMV office where you mailed the form and ask if they have received it. If they haven't processed it yet, you may be able to retrieve it and submit a corrected form. If they have already rejected it, they will mail it back to you with instructions on what to fix. You can then resubmit the corrected form.

How long does it take to get the title after I submit the form?

By mail, expect four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. In person at a DMV office, you may receive a temporary title the same day and the permanent title by mail within two weeks. Processing times vary by DMV office and how busy they are.