12.125 Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration Conversion to California Title

Registered Owner Remains Same and No Lienholder is Shown—The following must be submitted:

• The last-issued nonresident (or California) title and any supporting documents that may be necessary, such as a power of attorney, lien satisfied, or bill(s) of sale.
  • Fees due for registration. No fee solely to convert to a California title.
  • A smog certification, if appropriate.
• Nonresident Title Only—Some states, such as Oregon, issue title only for a vehicle registered in California to record a vehicle lien held by a resident of that state. To obtain a California title, The following must be submitted:
  • The nonresident “title only.”
  • A REG 256 completed by the owner stating there are no liens against the vehicle other than shown on the accompanying documents.
  • Any fees due for registration. No fee solely to convert to a California title.
• Transfer of Ownership—When a transfer of ownership and/or change of legal owner occurs in conjunction with conversion of a goldenrod registration to California title, The following must be submitted:
  • The last-issued nonresident (or California) title properly endorsed for transfer or bill(s) of sale, as needed, to establish the chain of ownership from the owner of record to the new owner/applicant.
  • A REG 343 must be the top document if the title is not available or is an out-of-state title without a place for the new owner to sign (supported by bills of sale to establish a chain of ownership).
  • The new legal owner’s name and address must be entered on the title.

A transfer fee is not due when a title from the state of Washington is presented for a goldenrod conversion because Washington issues a clear title to the registered owner when the lien is satisfied.