REG 119 Form – The REG 119 Form, officially known as the Certificate of Repossession, is a critical California DMV document used by legal owners (such as banks, finance companies, or lienholders) to certify the lawful repossession of a vehicle or vessel. This form enables smooth title transfer and registration after default on a loan or lease, without requiring the original registered owner’s signature.
If you’re searching for the REG 119 Form Certificate of Repossession Download PDF, you’ve come to the right place. Below is the most current, official information from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including direct download access, step-by-step instructions, and compliance details as of 2026. Using the authentic form ensures your repossession process complies with California Vehicle Code, Civil Code, and Commercial Code requirements.
What Is the REG 119 Form: Certificate of Repossession?
The REG 119 is a one-page official DMV form titled Certificate of Repossession. It serves as legal proof that a vehicle (including trailers) or vessel was repossessed in good faith, in a commercially reasonable manner, and in full compliance with California law after the debtor defaulted on a conditional sale contract or security interest agreement.
Key purposes include:
- Releasing the legal owner’s lien on the title.
- Allowing the new owner or dealer to register the repossessed asset at the DMV.
- Documenting the entire repossession and disposition process for audit and compliance.
The form applies to both California-registered vehicles/vessels and certain nonresident cases. It is not for general title transfers—only repossessions.
Revision note: The current version is REG 119 (REV. 1/2019), and it remains the active form used by the DMV with no newer revisions issued as of April 2026.
Why Do You Need the REG 119 Certificate of Repossession?
Lenders and repossessors need this form to complete the chain of ownership when a vehicle or vessel is repossessed. Without it:
- The DMV will not release the lien or issue a new title/registration.
- Dealers cannot sell or register repossessed inventory.
- Buyers may face delays in titling the vehicle.
It is specifically required for:
- Repossessions of California-registered vehicles (Vehicle Code §5909).
- New vehicles repossessed from dealers (Commercial Code §9503).
- Repossessed vessels.
- Certain nonresident vehicle repossessions.
The form also confirms proper notifications to the debtor (15–20 days’ notice under Civil Code §2983.2 for conditional sale contracts or Commercial Code §§9611–9614 for security agreements) and compliance with military service member protections.
Who Should File the REG 119 Form?
Only the legal owner (lienholder) or their authorized agent can complete and sign the REG 119 under penalty of perjury. Typical filers include:
- Banks and finance companies.
- Auto lenders.
- Licensed repossession agencies (when acting on behalf of the legal owner).
- Individuals holding a valid lien.
The registered owner (debtor) does not sign this form. Instead, the DMV accepts “REPO” written on the title in place of the registered owner’s signature.
If the legal owner is not listed on DMV records, attach the original or certified copy of the conditional sale contract or security interest agreement.
How to Download the Official REG 119 PDF (Free & Direct Link)?
Download the official REG 119 Form Certificate of Repossession PDF here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/REG-119-R1-2019-ASB-WWW-1.pdf
This is the exact file hosted directly on the California DMV website. Always download from this official source to avoid outdated or altered versions. The PDF is printable on standard letter-size paper and ready for completion by hand or with PDF editing software.
Pro tip: Bookmark the official DMV form page at dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/certificate-of-repossession-reg-119/ for future reference and updates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the REG 119 Form
Follow these instructions exactly to avoid rejection by the DMV:
Section 1 – Vehicle/Vessel Information
- Enter license plate (vehicle) or CF number (vessel).
- VIN or Hull Identification Number (HIN).
- Year, model, make, and builder (if applicable).
Section 2 – Repossession Information
- Legal owner’s full name, address, city, state, ZIP.
- Check lien type: Conditional Sale Contract or Security Interest Agreement.
- Date contract/agreement was signed/executed.
- Date of repossession.
- Method of repossession (check one):
- By licensed repossession agency (B&PC §7500.2).
- Voluntary surrender by debtor.
- By legal owner or bona fide employee.
- Other (explain).
- Reason(s) for repossession (Failure to Pay or Other – explain).
- Address where possession was taken, plus debtor’s name and address.
Disposition details:
- Check how the vehicle/vessel was handled (delivered to auction, sold at public/private sale, leased, retained, etc.).
- Disposition date and buyer/auction/lessee information.
Section 3 – Certification
- The authorized agent must certify under penalty of perjury that all statements are true.
- Include printed name, title, daytime phone, signature, and date.
- Additional certifications cover proper debtor notification and military/veterans protections.
Important note: Odometer disclosure is required on the title or a separate statement for vehicles.
Print clearly, use black ink, and ensure all checkboxes and signatures are complete.
Where to Submit the Completed REG 119 Form?
Submit the original REG 119 (plus any required attachments) to a California DMV office or authorized dealer/agent when:
- Applying for title transfer or registration of the repossessed vehicle/vessel.
- Filing with an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).
- Paying applicable repossession and transfer fees.
Required supporting documents often include:
- Bill of sale (if sold).
- Smog certification (if applicable).
- Fees (repossession fee is typically $15, plus transfer fees).
Dealers and lienholders should consult the DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual for specific transaction types.
Important Legal Requirements and Compliance Tips
- The repossession must follow California statutes exactly (good faith, commercially reasonable).
- Proper notice to all liable parties is mandatory.
- Military service members receive additional protections under state and federal law.
- Filing false information is perjury and may result in penalties.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Missing attachments when the lienholder isn’t on DMV records.
- Incomplete disposition details.
- Forgetting odometer disclosure.
- Using photocopies instead of the original signed form.
Frequently Asked Questions About REG 119 Form
Can I fill out REG 119 online?
No editable online version is provided by the DMV. Download the PDF, print, and complete by hand or use a secure PDF editor, then print and sign in ink.
Is the form free?
Yes – direct download from the DMV is always free.
Does it expire?
No expiration date, but always use the latest revision (currently REV. 1/2019).
What if the vehicle was voluntarily surrendered?
Voluntary surrender is a valid method—simply check the appropriate box in Section 2.
For the most current procedures, always refer to the official California DMV website. The REG 119 Form is your key to compliant, efficient repossession title transfers in California.
Official Download Link (PDF): REG 119 Certificate of Repossession
Save this guide for quick reference whenever you need the REG 119 Form Certificate of Repossession Download PDF.