FO 31 Form – The FO 31 form, officially titled Industry Holdout/Correction Request Fax Transmission Sheet, is a specialized California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document designed exclusively for licensed vehicle industry businesses. It serves as a faxable or drop-off transmission sheet to request either a “holdout” or a “correction” on previously submitted vehicle registration applications.
First introduced in August 2016 (and still current as of 2025), this form streamlines communication between DMV industry partners and field offices when issues arise during processing.
Purpose of the FO 31 Industry Holdout/Correction Request
The primary purpose of the FO 31 form is to allow industry customers to formally request intervention on applications that the DMV has flagged or that contain errors.
- Holdout: Used when additional documentation is required to complete the application.
- Correction: Used for simple modifications to the registered owner’s name/address, driver’s license/ID number, or legal owner name/address without needing extra paperwork.
Only transactions with errors that align with DMV policies qualify. The form ensures quick resolution while maintaining accurate vehicle records across California.
Who Should Use the FO 31 Form?
The FO 31 is strictly for industry customers—businesses that hold a valid Occupational Licensing (OL) number from the DMV. This typically includes:
- Auto dealerships
- Registration services
- Fleet operators
- Other authorized vehicle industry partners submitting bulk or counter applications
Individual vehicle owners cannot use this form. It must be completed by an authorized representative of the licensed business.
Key Differences Between Holdout and Correction Requests
Understanding the distinction is critical for accurate submission:
| Request Type | Requires Additional Documentation? | Affects Registration Card? | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holdout | Yes | No (application held until docs provided) | Missing paperwork or verification needed |
| Correction | No | Yes (updated card issued) | Simple name/address or DL/ID fixes |
For corrections only, you must specify whether the corrected registration card should be held for pickup or mailed directly to the owner.
How to Download the Official FO 31 PDF?
You can download the most current version of the FO 31 form directly from the California DMV website here:
Download FO 31 Form PDF
This is the official, fillable fax transmission sheet (NEW 8/2016). Always use the latest PDF from the DMV to ensure compliance—no updates have been issued since its original release.
The form is also listed under Vehicle Industry Services Resources & Links on the DMV portal.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling Out the FO 31 Form
Follow these instructions exactly as printed on the back of the form:
- Section 1 – Recipient Information: Enter the DMV office name, fax number, today’s date, and time.
- Section 2 – Request Type: Check “Holdout” or “Correction.”
- Section 3 – Corrected Registration Card (corrections only): Choose “Hold for pick-up” or “Mail to Owner.”
- Section 4 – Industry Customer Information: Provide your business name, OL number, representative name, and phone number.
- Section 5 – Vehicle Information (required): Registered owner name, plate/TIN, and last 3 digits of VIN.
- Section 6 or 7 – Application Information: Use Section 6 for counter items (date issued, sequence number, tech ID) or Section 7 for mail/drop-off bundles.
- Section 8 – Reason for Holdout/Correction Request: Clearly list the specific error or correction needed.
Print or type all information legibly. Attach the completed FO 31 to your Industry Customer Holdout/Correction Request Log.
How to Submit Your FO 31 Form?
Submit the FO 31 via fax or drop-off to the same DMV office that received your original application.
Deadline: By 10:00 a.m. on the business day following your original submission.
Approved holdouts require additional documentation within five business days. The DMV processes requests within 48 hours.
Processing Time and Important Deadlines
- Submission window: Strict 10:00 a.m. next-business-day cutoff
- Processing: Allow 48 hours
- Holdout follow-up: Additional docs due within 5 business days
- Pickup deadline (for corrected cards): 5 business days or the card will be mailed to the registered owner
Missing these deadlines may result in denial or automatic mailing of documents.
Common Errors to Avoid with FO 31 Submissions
- Submitting without a valid OL number
- Failing to include last 3 digits of VIN in Section 5
- Using the form for non-error transactions
- Missing the attachment to the Holdout/Correction Request Log
- Submitting after the 10:00 a.m. deadline
Only DMV-approved errors qualify—transactions without policy violations will be denied.
FAQs About the California DMV FO 31 Form
Is the FO 31 form free?
Yes, it is a free official DMV form.
Can I email the FO 31 form?
No—only fax or in-person drop-off is accepted.
What is an OL number?
Your business’s Occupational Licensing number issued by the DMV for industry partners.
Has the form changed since 2016?
No. The current version (NEW 8/2016) remains in use.
Where can I find the Industry Customer Holdout/Correction Request Log?
Contact your local DMV industry services office or check the Vehicle Industry Services Resources page.
Official Resources for Vehicle Industry Services
For the latest information, visit:
Always refer to the official California DMV website for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on the FO 31 form and related vehicle industry procedures.