REG 227 Form – The REG 227 form, officially titled Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title, is a key California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document. California residents use it to request a duplicate (replacement) vehicle or vessel title when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, mutilated, illegible, or not received. It also facilitates transferring ownership when the original title is unavailable.
This form applies to both vehicles and vessels (boats). It cannot release a lien on an Electronic Lien Title (ELT) vehicle. The current revision (REV. 9/2024) is available directly from the official DMV website.
Note: The PDF link you provided (REG-195-A) is for a different form (likely related to disabled person placards). Always download the latest REG 227 from the official source: dmv.ca.gov/portal/form/application-for-duplicate-or-transfer-of-title-reg-227 or the direct PDF at dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/06/REG227.pdf.
When Do You Need the REG 227 Form?
You must use the REG 227 in these common situations:
- Replacement (Duplicate) Title — Original title is lost, stolen, damaged, mutilated, or never received from the prior owner or DMV.
- Transfer of Title Without Original — Selling or transferring ownership when the physical title is missing.
- Paperless Title Certification — For vehicles with electronic titles.
- Lienholder Release — When a bank or finance company must release interest (Section 5 requires notarization in most cases).
Important: For vehicles two model years old or newer with a lienholder, the legal owner (lienholder) must submit the REG 227 — a simple lien release form like REG 166 is not accepted.
If your address on file with the DMV differs from what you provide, or if a replacement title was issued in the last 90 days, additional verification (such as a CHP vehicle inspection via REG 31) may be required.
How to Fill Out the REG 227 Form Step-by-Step?
The form is straightforward but requires accuracy to avoid rejection. Here’s how to complete it:
For Replacement Title Only (Duplicate Title)
- Complete Sections 1–3 only.
- Section 1: Registered owner(s) full legal name, DL/ID number, physical and mailing address.
- Section 2: Legal owner/lienholder information (if any).
- Section 3: Check the reason (Lost, Stolen, Illegible/Mutilated — attach old title if applicable, Not Received). Sign the indemnity statement under penalty of perjury.
For Transfer of Title (Seller Side)
- Seller completes Sections 1–4 (and Section 5 if a lienholder release is needed).
- Section 4: Registered owner(s) must release interest and sign (all co-owners if joined by “AND”).
For New Owner (Buyer Side)
- New owner completes Sections 6 and 7 (new registered owner info and any new legal owner/lienholder).
Key Rules:
- All signatures must match DMV records exactly.
- Business or company signatures require printed company name + authorized representative countersignature.
- Section 5 (lienholder release) must be notarized.
- Include vehicle license plate, VIN/HIN, year/make.
How to Submit the REG 227 Form?
You have several options:
- In Person — At any DMV office (appointment recommended). Bring your DL/ID and proof of ownership (registration card or renewal notice photocopy is often acceptable).
- By Mail — Send the completed REG 227 + fee to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 - Online (Limited) — Use the DMV Virtual Office for simple replacement title requests when no transfer or lien issues exist. Gather your DL/ID, last 5 digits of VIN, and plate number.
Processing Time: Replacement titles typically arrive by mail within 15–30 days. A temporary operating permit may be issued in some cases.
Fees for REG 227 Replacement or Transfer Title
- Replacement Title Fee: $28 (as of 2026, per VC §9265).
- Additional fees may apply for transfer ($15 base transfer fee + possible penalties) or rush service ($15).
- No renewal fees or parking ticket clearances are required for a title-only replacement.
Always use the official DMV Fee Calculator for your specific situation, as fees can change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with REG 227
- Submitting an outdated form version.
- Forgetting to notarize Section 5 for lien releases.
- Mismatched name/address (triggers in-person requirement or REG 5065 notarized certification).
- Not attaching a mutilated title.
- Using the form for ELT lien releases (not allowed).
Pro Tip: Double-check your information against your current registration card before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About REG 227
Does the REG 227 need to be notarized?
Only Section 5 (legal owner/lienholder release) requires notarization in most cases.
Can I use REG 227 for a vehicle with an electronic title?
Yes, for paperless title certification or transfer, but not to release an ELT lien.
What if I just sold the vehicle and the buyer needs the title?
The seller completes the REG 227 to request a replacement and transfer it simultaneously.
Is there an online option instead of REG 227?
The DMV Virtual Office offers a faster replacement title process for eligible cases without transfers or complications.
Why You Should Act Quickly on Your REG 227 Application?
A valid California Certificate of Title proves ownership and is required for selling, insuring, or registering your vehicle. Delaying a replacement or transfer can lead to complications with sales, loans, or legal issues.
For the most current instructions, always refer to the official California DMV website. Download the latest REG 227 form and check the DMV Virtual Office for faster processing options.
Need help with other DMV forms? Visit dmv.ca.gov for the full library of vehicle registration and title documents.
This guide is based on official California DMV sources as of April 2026. Laws and fees can change — verify details directly with the DMV before submitting your application.