1.165 Vehicle Verifications

DMV may require a physical inspection of a vehicle (verification of vehicle) prior to completing a vehicle registration application.

A verification of vehicle is always required for:

• Registration of a vehicle last registered out of state (see exceptions on the next page).
• Reregistration of a previous “junk” or “salvage” vehicle, unless the application contains a CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C) form.
• Registration of a specially constructed (SPCNS) motor vehicle or trailer.
• A vehicle for which DMV does not have a record, except a new vehicle reported sold by a licensed California dealer on an Application for Registration of a New Vehicle (REG 397) form.
• Recording an engine change, motorcycle engine case change, or change from engine number to vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Assignment of an identifying VIN number by DMV.
• When the VIN shown on certificates is different from the VIN shown on record (including vehicles being junked).

A verification of vehicle is not required for:

• A new trailer purchased in another state and eligible for registration under the permanent trailer identification (PTI) program, provided:
  • The trailer has never been registered.
  • The trailer has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit.
  • A secure manufacturer’s certificate/statement of origin (MCO/MSO) is submitted for the complete trailer.
• A new commercial vehicle purchased in another state as a complete vehicle or as an incomplete vehicle to which a new body was added to make a complete vehicle, provided the vehicle:
  • Has never been registered or issued International Registration Plan (IRP) registration in California or was issued IRP registration within the last 60 days only.
  • Has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit.
  • Has an unladen weight of 6,001 pounds or more.
  • Meets California emission standards.

Note A verification of vehicle is required for a vehicle that does not meet California emission standards.

Authorized Vehicle Verifiers are:

• DMV employees.
• Peace officers including military police (California Penal Code §830).
• Employees of auto clubs that provide registration services.
  • Auto club verifiers must include the abbreviation of their auto club name with their signature.
• Persons licensed as vehicle verifiers by DMV.
  • Licensed vehicle verifiers cannot do VIN inspections for revived salvage, revived junk, SPCNS vehicles, or motorcycles with an unavailable California record (last registered in California but a record no longer appears on the DMV database).

Form Completion

The verification of a vehicle is always completed on the Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form unless an Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate (REG 124) form is required.

See the Vehicle Verifier License Handbook (PDF) for instructions and note:

• Verifications of incomplete or unassembled vehicles (parts) are not acceptable. For an electric motorcycle, the serial number on the electric motor will be used as the engine number.
• Emission label verification for nonresident vehicles may be completed by an authorized vehicle verifier or peace officer.
• The federal safety label is used as a second source of public VIN verification. When missing or illegible, an alternate, accessible VIN must be located by a DMV employee.

Exception: Off-highway vehicles may not have a federal safety label but may be processed if the VIN has not been altered.

• All descriptive information requested on the form must be physically inspected and completed, except:
  • Axles–completed only for commercial vehicles and trailers other than camp
    trailers or trailer coaches.
  • Estimated weight–completed only for trailers other than camp trailers or trailer coaches.
  • Length/width–completed only for camp trailers, trailer coaches, and motor
    homes.

1.160 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Assignments (VC §4161)

DMV will assign and affix a VIN plate when required for original registration of the following vehicles:

• Trailers with an unladen weight under 6,000 pounds (except logging and auxiliary dollies).
• Trailer coaches.
• Special mobile equipment.
• Implements of husbandry.
• New motorcycles (except specially constructed [SPCNS] motorcycles).
• Snowmobiles (except when the VIN has been defaced or obliterated).

Note All documents and requirements for the registration application must be complete before a VIN plate is assigned.

DMV refers all requests for assigned VIN plates on the following vehicles to the California Highway Patrol (CHP):

• SPCNS motor vehicles.
• Motorcycles (except new). Older motorcycles registered by engine number only must be assigned a frame number by CHP before being registered with DMV.
• Passenger vehicles.
• Commercial motor vehicles.
• Commercial trailers 6,000 pounds or more unladen.
• Logging dollies and auxiliary dollies.
• Snowmobiles (when the VIN has been defaced or obliterated).
• Volkswagen body changes.

CHP must verify a vehicle when:

• Its identity cannot be confirmed or there is a discrepancy between the public and alternate VIN.
• The public or alternate VIN has been altered or tampered in any way.
• The Federal Certification Label is missing or illegible, and an alternate VIN cannot be located.

1.150 Unclaimed Certificates, Receipts, License Plates, and Stickers

Certificates of title, registration certificates, receipts, license plates (other than special license plates), and stickers returned to DMV as “unclaimed” are destroyed. Unclaimed special license plates are retained at DMV headquarters.

1.155 Vehicles Exempt from Registration

The following vehicles are exempt from regular registration, but may be required to display special identification (ID), as shown:

Aircraft Refueling Vehicles (VC §4021)
Vehicles designed or altered and used exclusively for the refueling of aircraft at a public airport, and operated upon a highway, under the control of a local authority, for a continuous distance not exceeding one-quarter mile each way to and from a bulk fuel storage facility.

Cemetery Equipment (VC §§4012 and 5011)
A vehicle, implement, or equipment specifically designed or altered for and used exclusively in the maintenance or operation of cemetery grounds, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway. Cemetery equipment must display a special ID plate if moved over a highway. See Chapter 16.

Disaster Relief Vehicles (VC §4005)
A vehicle operated within a disaster area or region, for the purpose of assisting in disaster relief work, under a special permit issued by DMV for that purpose.

The special permit is:

• Issued only if the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), or the responsible local authority, has determined that the vehicle is necessary for such purpose.
• Valid only during a period of a state of emergency, as proclaimed by the Governor under the provisions of the California Emergency Services Act.

Firefighting Equipment (VC §4015, CCR §157)
A privately-owned vehicle designed or capable of being used for firefighting purposes and only operated upon a highway in responding to, or returning from, emergency fire calls such as firefighting vehicles privately owned and operated by an all-volunteer, nonprofit fire department in an unincorporated area. Vehicles that do not qualify under CVC §4015 must be registered.

The following privately-owned vehicles, when operated upon a highway only in responding to, and returning from, emergency fire calls qualify as firefighting vehicles and are exempt from registration:

• Fire trucks equipped with hose and ladders.
• Fire engines.
• Other vehicles permanently-equipped with firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• A tank truck operated solely in conjunction with a fire truck, fire engine, or other self-propelled firefighting apparatus.

Privately-owned vehicles or a combination of vehicles, which are not designed primarily for firefighting do not qualify as firefighting vehicles as defined above, including:

• Hazardous materials response vehicles.
• Dedicated rescue vehicles.
• Command post communications vehicles.
• Passenger vehicles.
• Buses.
• Mobile kitchens.
• Mobile sanitation facilities.
• Heavy equipment transport vehicles.

An Authorized Emergency Vehicle permit issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) must be obtained, if Code 3 equipment (red light and siren) is installed on a privately-owned firefighting vehicle.

Forklift Trucks (VC §4013)
A forklift truck, which is designed primarily for loading, unloading, and stacking materials, is:

• Operated upon the highway only for the purpose of transporting products or material across a highway in the loading, unloading, or stacking process.
• Not operated along a highway for a distance greater than one-quarter mile.

See Chapter 13 for additional information.

Golf Carts (VC §§345, 4019, 21115)
A golf cart is a motor vehicle designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two persons, including the driver and:

• With no less than three wheels in contact with the ground, an unladen weight of 1,299 pounds or less, and designed to operate at no more than 15 miles per hour.
• A golf cart operated pursuant to CVC §21115 is exempt from registration.
• Registration requirements for a golf cart that becomes subject to regular registration are the same as the original or nonresident requirements for other motor vehicles.

Hauled Vehicles (VC §4009)
A vehicle transported upon a highway with no part of which is in contact with the highway.

Refer to Chapter 15 for off-highway vehicle registration information.

Logging Vehicles (VC §§4018 and 5011)
A logging vehicle is exempt from registration, but must display a special identification plate if moved over a highway.

Refer to Chapter 16 for information.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs, Invalid Tricycles, or Quadricycles (VC §467)
A self-propelled wheelchair, invalid tricycle, or quadricycle is a vehicle operated by a person who, by reason of physical disabilities, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian.

Snowmobiles (VC §557)
A snowmobile is a motor vehicle designed to travel over ice or snow in whole or in part on skis, belts, cleats, or low pressure tires.

Refer to Chapter 15 for OHV registration information.

Special Equipment (VC §§565, 575, 4010, and 5011)
Special construction equipment and special mobile equipment are exempt from registration, but must display a special identification plate if moved over a highway.

Refer to Chapter 16 for information regarding special equipment.

Bicycle Program (VC §§39000-39012)
DMV procures and distributes bicycle license plates, stickers, and registration forms to cities and counties which have a bicycle licensing ordinance or resolution.

Fees for the plates, stickers, and registration forms are as follows:

• Bicycle License Plates—$97 per hundred.
• Bicycle Renewal Stickers—$15 per hundred (indicate expiration year).
• Bicycle Registration forms—$12 per hundred.

Mail a written request on agency (city or county) letterhead with payment to the Special Processing Unit in DMV headquarters at:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Special Processing Unit, MS D238
Attn: Bicycle Registration
PO Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

Miniature Motorcycles
DMV does not register vehicles known as mini choppers, pocket bikes, etc. These
vehicles:

• Do not meet the definition of a motorized scooter because of their speed (CVC §406) and engine displacement (CVC §405).
• Do not meet equipment safety standards.
• Cannot be registered pursuant to CVC §4751d.

Advise your customers that these vehicles cannot be registered or operated on a public street.

1.145 True Full Name (VC §4150)

The true full name(s) of the registered and legal owner(s) are required on registration applications. The true full name is the complete, exact name used on legal documents, (such as, a driver’s license/identification card [DL/ID]), and includes a person’s first name or initial, middle name or initial, and last name. The name must be sufficient to ensure ID of the owner.

An owner presenting an application in person must show their name exactly as it appears on their DL/ID.

Note Do not key a title (For example: Sister Mary Elizabeth Morris) unless the individual certifies that it is part of their full name in the Name Statement section of a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form submitted with the application.

Company name—is the complete, exact name used on legal documents, and includes any designation such as Inc., LLC, etc. Do not include the name of the person signing for the company.

Vehicles registered to a trust—must show both the name of the trust and the name(s) of all trustees.

• The wording of the name of the trust may vary and include dates, etc.
• Abbreviations may be used if approved by the customer.

Example: Johnson Family Trust UTD 062598
                 Mary Lee Johnson Trustee
                 Herman Ray Johnson Trustee

Note The names of the trustees will not be keyed by DMV but must still appear on the titling documents.

1.140 Statement to Record Ownership/Error or Erasure (VC §1652)

The Statement to Record Ownership/Statement of Error or Erasure (REG 101) form is a dual purpose form, which is used as shown in this section.

Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) Form—Generally used to clarify the registered owner or legal owner name(s) and/or address. Co-owner names must be shown exactly as shown on the title/application document, including how the names are joined. The certificates for applications that do not show “and” or “or” between the names will be issued with “and” represented by a slash (/) between the names.

A REG 101 is also required on a leased vehicle application which does not have designated spaces for the lessee’s and lessor’s addresses. The REG 101 must accompany the completed application.

Important The REG 101 is used to prepare the new certificates. Incorrect or inaccurate information on the REG 101 results in voided certificates and unnecessary corrections. The omission of legal owner information on the REG 101 is a costly error. Information for accuracy must always be checked.

Statement of Error or Erasure (REG 101) Form—Is completed when an error or erasure is made on the California or nonresident title. It must be completed by the individual who made the error/erasure.

Note A dealer representative can initial a correction or erasure made on an Application for Registration of a New Vehicle (REG 397) and Report of Sale-Used Vehicle (REG 51) form except in the odometer section. Errors made in the odometer section of the REG 397 require a completed Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262). No Alterations or erasures can be made to a REG 262.

1.135 Signatures and Endorsements (VC §§ 17, 19, 5751)

DMV Policy on Signatures

• Accept the usual signature of the registered or legal owner with omissions or additions to the printed name. See signature examples in the Name Statement Requirement section of this chapter.
• Individual’s usual signature with omissions or additions to the printed name is on documents. Signatures can be:
  • Handwritten.
  • A form of script or printing by hand unique to that individual. A REG 256 (PDF) may be required stating this is the person’s usual signature.
  • A stamped signature of the individual’s usual signature. A stamped signature does not have to be countersigned. Acceptance of a stamped signature applies only to DMV documents; other documents may still require an actual signature.

Individuals Doing Business As (DBA)—The endorsement for an individual doing business as a company/business must include the individual’s signature. Example: If John Jones dba Jones Cooler Service is shown on the title, the signature as: John Jones, John Jones dba Jones Cooler Service, or John Jones dba Jones Cooler Service by John Jones are all acceptable.

Company and/or Business Names—The endorsement for a company or business name, including a leasing company, must include the company/business name and an authorized representative’s countersignature or initials. DMV does not require proof that the person is an authorized representative of the company/business.

Countersignatures—A signature or initials only as the countersignature for a company or business on any document is acceptable. DMV does not require proof that the person is an authorized representative of the company/business.

Signature by Mark—A witnessed “signature by mark” is acceptable on a certificate of title from an applicant who cannot write. The witness must print the applicant’s name and sign their name next to the applicant’s mark. For release of ownership, the signatures of two witnesses are required next to the mark or on a sworn statement, such as a REG 256.

When an individual cannot place a mark due to the loss or loss of the use of his/her hands, verify the person’s identity (identification [ID] card, passport, etc.) and make the certification on the application.

Include a REG 256 with the application explaining why the individual’s mark is not present and the form of ID verified.

Trusts—Endorsements must show the name of the trust and be countersigned by:

• One trustee, if the vehicle is being put into the name of the trust.
• All trustees shown on the title, if being transferred out of the name of the trust.
• At least one trustee, if no trustees are shown on the title. A REG 256 must accompany the application indicating that the trustee signing was appointed as a trustee.
• At least one trustee for a release of a vehicle not registered in a trust. Ownership is determined by the decedent’s will as contained in the trust. Copies of the trust, a REG 256 and bill(s) of sale may be required.

1.130 Signature by Relative of a Military Owner (VC §1651)

The registration application for a nonresident vehicle being registered to an owner who is in the U.S. Armed Forces may be signed by the owner’s spouse or other close relative. The procedure in such cases is:

• The individual’s signature must be countersigned by the relative and must indicate the relationship to the individual. Example: Mark Johnson by Mary Johnson, wife.
• Mark the application “Owner Member of Armed Forces”.

This procedure is applicable for the signature on the Nonresident Military Exemption Statement (REG 5045) (PDF) form.

1.125 Signature by Power of Attorney (POA) (VC §1652)

A POA is a written document whereby one person (the principal) conveys to another the right to act for that person as attorney-in-fact. A POA may be used to release ownership on a title or bill of sale.

As referenced in this manual, a POA generally refers to a DMV form which is limited to vehicle/vessel transactions. However, the DMV also accepts a restricted POA (limited to a specific type of transaction, such as transfer of ownership) or a general POA (conveys the right to transact unlimited types of transactions).

For convenience, a Power of Attorney section was included on the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), but this does not prevent the use of the Power of Attorney (REG 260) (PDF) form, which is available on the DMV website only.

Note A photocopy or fax copy of a general POA, including the REG 260 is acceptable. However, copies of the REG 262, a secure document that includes a Power of Attorney section, are not acceptable.

A POA must:

• Contain the vehicle/vessel identification number (VIN/HIN).

Exception: A general POA will not contain a VIN/HIN.

• Contain the name of the designated attorney-in-fact.
• Be signed by the principal.
• Accompany applications signed by the attorney-in-fact.

Note When a business entity is the attorney-in-fact, the business name must be included in the countersignature. Example: Jim Smith by Uome Loan Company by John Brown as POA.

Unacceptable Use of a POA—A POA cannot be used to:

• Sign a certification or Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form attesting to the knowledge of the principal, except when the certification is regarding disposition of the original California Certificate of Title on an Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) form.
• Disclose odometer mileage.
• Reassign the right conveyed to the attorney-in-fact by the principal.
• Appoint an attorney-in-fact pursuant to a POA by executors or administrators.
• Assign the duties of a trust to an attorney-in-fact by a trustee. A trustee may assign specific duties to an attorney-in-fact, such as transferring a vehicle or retaining agents to advise and assist in the administration of the trust. A trustee cannot delegate all administrative duties. Therefore, accept only a restricted POA from a trustee, limited to a particular asset of the trust, or to a particular transaction.

1.120 Rush Title Processing (VC §9270)

A “rush title” is the expedited issuance of a California Certificate of Title for an additional fee.

An application will be processed within 72 hours (three business days, not including Saturday, Sunday, and holidays) when:

• A “rush title” is requested.
• A properly completed application for initial registration, transfer of ownership, or replacement title is received in the Special Processing Unit in DMV headquarters.
• All fees due are paid.
• There are no stops or conditions which will prevent issuance of the title.
• A nonrefundable fee is paid for this service, in addition to all other fees due. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.

Mail “rush titles” to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Rush Title Processing, MS D825
2415 1st Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95818