Prepare your documents.

If you DO have the title:

• Write or type the correct or changed name directly on the title, above the name to be updated.
• Complete Section F of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, and add your signature to the bottom of the form.

If you do NOT have the title (due to loss, theft, damage):

• Complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
• Complete Section F 1
  
  of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, and add your signature to the bottom of the form.
• Gather at least one proof of ownership document as evidence that the vehicle belongs to you. This could be the registration card, a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, a Letter of Release from the lienholder, or a Bill of Sale along with a Registration Certificate.
• Be prepared to pay the duplicate certificate of title fee.

If a lienholder has the title:

• Complete Section F 2
  
  of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, and add your signature to the bottom of the form.
• Give the completed and signed REG 256 form to your lienholder and ask them to submit it (along with your title) to the DMV.

If your last name is hyphenated or is multiple words, it will appear as one word on your California Certificate of Title and registration card. This is not an error and does not require correction.

Submit your documents to DMV.

If you DO have the title:

• Take your title and completed Statement of Facts (REG 256) to your local DMV office, or mail it to:

Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados
Vehicle Registration Operations
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 

If you do NOT have the title (due to loss, theft, damage):

• If you are correcting your name on your registration (not changing it), you may mail your completed REG 256 and 227 forms, evidence of ownership, and duplicate certificate of title fee to the address shown in Step 1. (You may also take it into a DMV office, if you prefer.)
• If you are changing your name on your registration (not correcting it), you must submit your REG 256 and 227 forms, evidence of ownership, and duplicate certificate of title fee in person to a DMV office to complete the process.
  • You will also be asked to show your driver license or ID card y a valid passport, military ID, state or federal agency-issued ID, college or university-issued student ID, or ID card issued by a California-based employer.

If a lienholder has the title:

• Once you have given your lienholder your completed REG 256 form, they will submit it to the DMV on your behalf along with your title.

Once you have given the DMV all required documents, you can expect to receive a new registration card immediately (if in-person at a DMV office) or within 1-2 weeks by mail, and a new California Certificate of Title in about 4-6 weeks.