REG 5058 Form – If you own a boat, yacht, or other watercraft in California and lack the standard proof of ownership documents (such as a title or bill of sale), you may need to file the REG 5058 form—the official Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond. This form, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), allows you to register or obtain a certificate of title for an “undocumented vessel” when regular evidence of ownership is unavailable.
In this complete 2026 guide, we cover exactly what the REG 5058 is, who needs it, how much the bond costs, step-by-step instructions, and the official free PDF download link straight from the DMV website. Whether you’re a first-time boat owner, dealer, or registration service, this article will help you navigate the process quickly and correctly.
What Is the REG 5058 Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond?
The REG 5058 (Revised 10/2005) is a specialized surety bond required under California Vehicle Code (CVC) §9923 and California Code of Regulations Title 13, §190.03. It serves as financial protection for the DMV, future buyers, lienholders, and other parties in case any hidden defects, undisclosed liens, or ownership disputes arise with the vessel.
- Principal: The applicant (you or the entity seeking title).
- Surety: An admitted California surety insurance company.
- Obligee: The People of the State of California (via the DMV).
The bond guarantees that the vessel’s title is “clean” and remains in effect even after cancellation for any liabilities that arose before the cancellation date.
Important note: A surety bond is not insurance for you—it protects everyone else if a claim is made. You remain responsible for reimbursing the surety if the bond is paid out.
Who Needs the REG 5058 Form?
You must submit the Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond (REG 5058) when both of these are true:
- You cannot provide the regularly required supporting evidence of ownership.
- At least one of the following conditions exists:
- The vessel’s fair market value is $2,000 or more.
- You cannot obtain a release from the legal owner or lienholder.
- The application is being filed by a dealer, dismantler, or registration service.
This most commonly applies to:
- Homemade or custom-built vessels.
- Boats purchased from private sellers without proper paperwork.
- Vessels from non-titling states or foreign countries.
- Lost or destroyed ownership documents.
- Out-of-state or previously unregistered vessels.
Vessels valued under $2,000 may only need a completed Statement of Facts (REG 256) instead of a bond in some cases.
How Much Does the REG 5058 Bond Cost? (Penal Sum = Fair Market Value)?
The bond amount equals the fair market value of the vessel. You determine this value in one of two DMV-approved ways:
- Written appraisal from a California- or other state-licensed yacht and shipbroker.
- Statement of Facts (REG 256) using a recognized valuation guide (e.g., Kelley Blue Book or NADA). Add the lowest and highest prices, divide by two to get the average.
Example: KBB shows $1,000–$2,000 → ($1,000 + $2,000) ÷ 2 = $1,500 fair market value.
The surety bond premium you actually pay the insurance company is typically a small percentage of the bond amount (often 1–7% depending on your credit). Many companies offer instant issuance online for smaller bonds.
Step-by-Step: How to Get and Submit the REG 5058 Form?
- Determine fair market value (appraisal or REG 256).
- Apply for the bond with an admitted California surety company. Provide vessel details (CF #, Make, HIN, Year) and the exact principal name.
- Have the surety complete and sign REG 5058 (signature must be notarized).
- Complete the vessel registration application:
- BOAT 101 – Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel.
- REG 256 (if used for valuation).
- Any other required documents.
- Submit everything to your local DMV office or authorized vessel registration agent.
The bond protects the DMV and subsequent owners for the full penal sum.
How to Fill Out the REG 5058 Form (Official Instructions)?
The surety company completes the form. Key fields include:
- Principal name and address (exact legal name + any DBA; must match the title applicant exactly).
- Surety company name, address, and state of incorporation.
- Penal sum (fair market value in numbers and words).
- Vessel description: CF #, Make, Hull Identification Number (HIN), Year model/built.
- Signature of the Attorney-in-Fact for the surety (with notary acknowledgment).
Pro tip: The bond is only valid when issued to the true full name of the person or entity applying for the California vessel title.
Official REG 5058 PDF Download
✅ Download the latest official REG 5058 form here (free, direct from California DMV):
Download REG 5058 Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond PDF
Always use the official DMV version. The form is REV. 10/2005 but remains current as of 2026.
Related forms you may need:
- BOAT 101 (vessel registration application)
- REG 256 (Statement of Facts for valuation)
- REG 5057 (alternative Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond with rider)
Alternatives to the REG 5058 Surety Bond
- REG 5057 Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (with vessel rider attached) – acceptable for any vessel.
- Cash or Certificate of Deposit (via REG 5059) deposited with the DMV in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is REG 5058 the same as a vehicle title bond?
A: No. REG 5057 is the standard vehicle bond; REG 5058 is vessel-specific.
Q: How long is the bond valid?
A: It remains in force for liabilities that arose before cancellation (30-day notice required to DMV).
Q: Can I get the bond online?
A: Yes—most licensed surety companies offer instant online quotes and issuance.
Q: What if the vessel is worth less than $2,000?
A: A bond is usually not required; submit REG 256 instead.
Final Tips for Smooth California Vessel Registration
- Use only admitted surety insurers authorized by the California Department of Insurance.
- Double-check all vessel identifiers (HIN, CF #, etc.) match exactly.
- Submit the original bond with your BOAT 101 application.
By following this guide and using the official REG 5058 PDF, you can successfully title and register your undocumented vessel in California without unnecessary delays.
Need the form right now?
Download REG 5058 PDF Now
For the most current requirements, always visit the official California DMV website or consult your local DMV vessel registration office.
Last updated: April 2026 – All information sourced directly from California DMV handbooks, CVC §9923, and official forms.