REG 227: California Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title

If your California vehicle title is lost, stolen, damaged, illegible, or still in paperless form, you'll need REG 227 — the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title — to get a physical duplicate. The same form also works if you're buying or selling a vehicle and the seller doesn't have the original title on hand. You can download it using this link.

What is REG 227?

REG 227 is DMV's combined form for two related situations: getting a duplicate California Certificate of Title, and transferring ownership of a vehicle when the original title isn't available. It's authorized under California Vehicle Code §§ 4457, 4458, 4459, and 4466, with notarization rules coming from § 5752.

When you need it

• Your title is lost or stolen
• Your title is damaged, illegible, or mutilated
• Your vehicle has a paperless title and you need a printed copy
• You're buying or selling a vehicle and the seller's title isn't available

Who has to sign it

If your vehicle is two model years old or newer, the legal owner or lienholder on record has to apply — not the registered owner. If there's no lienholder on record, the registered owner applies instead. A REG 166 (Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release) or any other type of lien release doesn't work as a substitute for vehicles two model years old or newer; the lienholder has to apply for the duplicate directly.

If a lienholder is releasing their interest on the REG 227 itself, that signature generally has to be notarized. Check with your lienholder and a notary before you file — the exact requirements can depend on your specific situation.

What you'll need

• Your name, address, and driver's license or ID number, matching DMV's records
• The vehicle's license plate number and VIN
• A completed Missing Title Statement — Section 3 of the form — explaining what happened to the title
• If you're also transferring ownership: the buyer's signature and information too

If the address on your REG 227 doesn't match what DMV has on file, you can't file by mail — you'll need to go in person with proof of ownership (like your registration card or a renewal notice) and your driver's license or ID card.

How to file

Mail your completed REG 227, along with the applicable fee, to DMV, Vehicle Registration Operations, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269. You can also submit it in person at a DMV office. Fees vary depending on your situation, so check DMV's fee calculator for the exact amount rather than relying on a number you saw somewhere else — it changes.

If you're transferring ownership as part of this, remember DMV requires any change of ownership to be reported within 10 days of the sale.

One important warning

Issuing a duplicate title cancels the original — permanently. If you find your old title after DMV issues the replacement, it's void; don't try to use it or hand it to a buyer.

Skip the trip to DMV — USACarTags can help you get your duplicate title without the paperwork guesswork.