What Form You Need and Where to Get It
California uses Form REG 227 to request a duplicate or replacement title. This is the official form the Department of Motor Vehicles accepts when your title is lost, damaged, stolen, or never arrived. You can get the form three ways: read it from the California DMV website, pick up a copy at any DMV office, or request it by mail from the DMV.
The form itself is free. There is a fee to process your request — currently $20 for a duplicate title — but that fee is separate from the form. You pay it when you submit the completed form, either in person, by mail, or online through the DMV's website.
Do not confuse Form REG 227 with forms for title transfer or bill of sale. REG 227 is only for getting a replacement copy of a title you already own. If you are buying or selling a vehicle, you need different forms.
Key Takeaways
- Form REG 227 is the California DMV form for requesting a duplicate or replacement title when yours is lost, damaged, or stolen.
- You can read the form from dmv.ca.gov, pick one up at a DMV office, or request it by mail at no cost.
- The $20 processing fee is paid when you submit the form, not when you request the form itself.
- You must provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and proof of vehicle ownership to process the request.
- Processing time is typically two to three weeks by mail or same-day if you submit in person at a DMV office.
How to Complete Form REG 227
The form has five main sections. Start with your name, address, and phone number at the top. Use the address where you want the new title mailed — this does not have to be your current residence, but it must be a valid mailing address.
Next, fill in the vehicle information: the year, make, model, and body type. Then enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — this is the 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard. Below that, enter your current registration number (also called the plate number).
In the reason section, check the box that matches your situation: lost title, damaged title, stolen title, or never received title. If the title was stolen, you may need to file a police report first, depending on your county. Check with your local DMV office about this requirement before submitting.
Sign and date the form at the bottom. If someone else is signing on your behalf, they must also sign and print their name, and you may need to provide a power of attorney document.
Documents You Must Submit With the Form
Form REG 227 alone is not enough. You must also send proof that you own the vehicle. The DMV accepts several types of proof: your current vehicle registration, a bill of sale, a purchase receipt, or a previous title (even if it is damaged). If you have none of these, you can submit a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that you own the vehicle — the DMV can provide this form.
If your title was stolen, include a copy of the police report. Some counties require this; others do not. Call your local DMV office before mailing to confirm whether your county needs it.
If you are submitting by mail, make copies of everything. Send the originals or certified copies, never originals you cannot replace. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Submitting Your Request by Mail
Mail your completed Form REG 227, proof of ownership, and the $20 fee to the California DMV address listed on the form. The address varies slightly by region, so check the form itself or the DMV website to find the correct mailing address for your area.
Include a check or money order made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Write your VIN on the check so the DMV can match the payment to your request.
Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track the request by mail, so if you need the title urgently, consider submitting in person instead. Keep your receipt or a copy of the form for reference.
Submitting Your Request in Person
Visit any California DMV office with your completed Form REG 227, proof of ownership, and $20. Bring your driver's license or ID as well. You can also bring the original damaged title if you have it — the DMV will accept it as proof of ownership and may keep it on file.
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary. You can also schedule an appointment online through the DMV website, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. If you schedule an appointment, bring your confirmation number.
If you submit in person, you can often receive your new title the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Ask the clerk when you can expect to receive it in the mail.
Submitting Your Request Online
The California DMV allows you to request a duplicate title through its website without visiting an office or mailing anything. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Order a Duplicate Title," and follow the steps. You will need your VIN, registration number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Online requests cost the same $20 fee. Processing time is typically the same as mail requests — two to three weeks. The DMV will mail your new title to the address on file with your registration unless you specify a different mailing address during the online process.
Online submission is the fastest option if you do not need the title when ready. It avoids mail delays and DMV office wait times, and you receive a confirmation number right away so you can track your request.
What Happens If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed
The DMV may deny your request if you do not provide proof of ownership or if there is a lien on the vehicle that you did not disclose. If there is an outstanding loan on the car, the lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot get a clean title until the loan is paid off. Contact your lender to confirm the loan status before resubmitting.
Requests are sometimes delayed if the DMV cannot match your information to their records — this happens most often with older vehicles or if you recently moved and have not updated your registration. If your request is delayed beyond three weeks, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your VIN and registration number ready.
If your request is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. Follow the instructions in the letter to correct the problem and resubmit. You do not have to pay the $20 fee again if you resubmit within 30 days of the denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate title if there is a lien on the vehicle?
No. A title with a lien shows the lender's name and cannot be duplicated until the loan is paid off. Once you pay off the loan, the lender will send you a lien release document. Submit that document with a new Form REG 227 to get a clean title without the lender's name.
What if I lost my registration number and do not have my VIN?
You can find your VIN on your insurance card, your vehicle itself (driver's side dashboard), or by visiting a DMV office and providing your driver's license. If you have neither the VIN nor the registration number, visit an office in person and bring your ID — staff can look up your vehicle information for you.
How long does it take to receive the new title after I submit the form?
By mail or online: two to three weeks. In person at a DMV office: same day or within a few days, depending on office workload. Ask the clerk for an estimate when you submit your request in person.
Do I need a police report if my title was stolen?
Requirements vary by county. Some counties require a police report; others do not. Call your local DMV office before submitting to confirm whether you need one. If required, include a copy of the report with your form.
Can someone else submit the form on my behalf?
Yes, but they must sign the form and provide a power of attorney document authorizing them to act on your behalf. The power of attorney must be notarized. If submitting by mail, include a copy of the notarized power of attorney with the form.