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The California Form REG 262, also known as the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form, plays a crucial role when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel in California. This form is not the certificate of ownership; instead, it must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title. When it comes to filling out the REG 262, accuracy is key, as it contains several critical sections. The first section requires details about the vehicle or vessel itself, such as the make, model, and identification number. Next, the bill of sale section provides room for both the seller and buyer to specify the selling price or the value of the gift, alongside the date of transfer. There's also an odometer disclosure statement that legally binds the seller to report the actual mileage at the time of transfer. Errors or alterations in this section can lead to significant legal repercussions. The buyer and seller must provide their printed names and signatures to affirm the transaction. Additionally, if someone is acting on behalf of the owner, a power of attorney section allows them to finalize the transfer effectively. Understanding this form helps ensure that all parties are informed and protected throughout the vehicle transfer process, making it safer and more efficient.

Form Sample

VEHICLE/VESSEL TRANSFER AND REASSIGNMENT FORM

A Public Service Agency

INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE SIDE - ALL SIGNATURES MUST BE IN INK - PHOTOCOPIES NOT ACCEPTED

This form is not the ownership certificate. It must accompany the titling document or Application for Duplicate Title. For Car Buyer's Bill of Rights, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

ACQUISITION NUMBER (DISMANTLER ONLY)

BILL OF SALE VEHICLE/VESSEL ID

ODOMETER

BUYER

SELLER

POWER OF ATTORNEY

SECTION 1 - VEHICLE/VESSEL DESCRIPTION

 

 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

YEAR MODEL

 

MAKE

 

 

LICENSE PLATE/CF NO.

MOTORCYCLE ENGINE NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2 - BILL OF SALE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I/We

 

 

 

 

 

 

sell,

transfer, and

deliver the above

vehicle/vessel

PRINT SELLER'S NAME(S)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to

GEICO

 

on

 

 

 

 

for the amount of

$

N/A

 

 

PRINT BUYER'S NAME(S)

 

 

MO

DAY

YEAR

 

(SELLING PRICE)

If this was a gift, indicate relationship:

 

 

 

 

(e.g., parents, spouse, friend, etc.)

$

(GIFT VALUE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 3 - ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (Void if Mileage is Altered or Erased)

Federal and State Law requires that you state the mileage upon transfer of ownership. Failure to complete or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment.

The odometer now reads

,

ths (no tenths) miles, and to the best of my knowledge

 

 

10

 

reflects the ACTUAL mileage unless one of the following statements is checked.

 

WARNING - ODOMETER DISCREPANCY

Odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage

Mileage EXCEEDS the odometer mechanical limits

Explain odometer discrepancy:

 

 

 

SECTION 4 - BUYER AND SELLER (MUST hand print his or her name, date and sign this section.)

BUYER'S SECTION

I acknowledge the odometer reading and the facts of the transfer. I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

PRINT BUYER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

DATE

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

x

 

 

 

PRINT BUYER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

DATE

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

x

 

 

 

PRINT BUYER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

DATE

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

x

 

 

 

BUYER'S MAILING ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO

 

 

 

 

 

SELLER'S SECTION

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

PRINT SELLER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

 

DATE

 

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

PRINT SELLER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

 

DATE

 

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

PRINT SELLER'S NAME

SIGNATURE

 

 

DATE

 

DL/ID OR DEALER/DISM #

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

SELLER'S MAILING ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 5 - POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I/We

 

 

appoint

 

 

GEICO

 

PRINT NAME(S)

 

 

 

 

PRINT NAME(S)

as my attorney in fact, to complete all necessary documents, as needed, to transfer ownership as required by law.

SIGNATURE REQUIRED BY PERSON APPOINTING POWER OF ATIORNEY

 

 

 

DATE

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE REQUIRED BY PERSON APPOINTING POWER OF ATIORNEY

 

 

 

DATE

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REG 262 (REV. 10/2011)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose This form is used to transfer ownership of a vehicle or vessel in California.
Law Governing It is governed by California Vehicle Code Sections 5600-5610.
Odometer Disclosure Sellers must disclose the vehicle's mileage accurately. Alterations may void the section.
Bill of Sale The seller is required to provide a bill of sale, including buyer's details and sale price.
Power of Attorney A section allows individuals to appoint someone else to act on their behalf for the transfer.
Signature Requirements All signatures on the form must be in ink. Photocopies are not accepted for submission.

Steps to Filling Out California Fotm Reg 262

Completing the California Form REG 262 is a necessary step in transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel. Following these instructions meticulously ensures that the form is filled out correctly, thereby preventing potential delays or complications in the registration process.

  1. Begin by entering the Vehicle/Vessel Identification Number at the top of the form.
  2. In Section 1, provide details about the vehicle or vessel, including its year, make, model, and license plate number. If applicable, enter the motorcycle engine number.
  3. Proceed to Section 2, which is the Bill of Sale. Here, the seller must print their name and the buyer's name. Include a statement indicating the relationship if it's a gift, the date of sale, and the selling price or gift value.
  4. Move to Section 3, the Odometer Disclosure Statement. The seller must indicate the current odometer reading and check any discrepancies. Ensure that no alterations are made, as this will void the disclosure.
  5. In Section 4, both buyer and seller must print their names, date, and sign the form. Each party must provide their mailing address and daytime telephone number. Include an authorized representative’s signature if a business is involved.
  6. Finally, if applicable, complete Section 5 for Power of Attorney. Clearly print the names of the individuals appointed, and ensure that they sign and date this section.

After filling out the form, retain a photocopy for your records. Remember, this form must accompany the title document when submitted to the appropriate agency for processing. Be thorough in checking each section before submission to avoid any issues.

More About California Fotm Reg 262

What is the California Form REG 262?

The California Form REG 262, or Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form, is an essential document used in the transfer of ownership for vehicles and vessels in the state of California. This form must accompany the applicable title or an application for a duplicate title. It is important to note that this form does not serve as the ownership certificate itself. Instead, it facilitates the legal transfer of ownership between the seller and the buyer and addresses the odometer disclosure requirements mandated by federal and state law.

Who needs to fill out the REG 262 form?

The REG 262 form needs to be filled out by both the seller and the buyer involved in the transfer of a vehicle or vessel. In particular, the seller must complete the bill of sale section, which includes important information such as the purchase price or gift value, and the date of the transaction. The buyer must provide their details, acknowledge the odometer reading, and accept ownership. If a power of attorney is involved, that person must also sign the relevant sections to confirm their authority to act on behalf of the seller or buyer.

What happens if the odometer reading is incorrect?

If the odometer reading reported on the REG 262 form is incorrect or if there is any alteration to the mileage, the form is considered void. This means that both the seller and buyer will need to complete a new odometer disclosure statement, which must include the signatures of both parties. Failure to accurately disclose the odometer reading can result in fines and potential legal consequences as it violates federal and state regulations.

Can the REG 262 form be photocopied?

No, photocopies of the REG 262 form cannot be accepted for the transaction. The original document must be completed in ink, and all required signatures must be authentic. While individuals can retain photocopies of the REG 262 form for their records, the official submission to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must include the original document. This ensures that the transactions are properly documented and simplifies verification for the DMV.

Is there any fee associated with submitting the REG 262 form?

While there is no fee specifically for submitting the REG 262 form itself, there may be fees associated with the title transfer or registration process that follows the completion of the form. These fees vary based on the type of vehicle or vessel and its value. It's advisable to check with the California DMV for a detailed breakdown of any applicable fees related to the transaction.

Common mistakes

  1. Forgetting to complete all sections. Each section must be filled out completely. Missing information may delay the process.

  2. Not providing accurate odometer readings. Ensure the odometer statement is true. Incorrect information can lead to legal consequences.

  3. Failing to sign with ink. Signatures must be in ink. Digital signatures or photocopies are not acceptable, and this can result in an invalid form.

  4. Neglecting to indicate if the sale was a gift. If applicable, specify the relationship between the buyer and seller in the gift section. Omission can raise questions later.

  5. Overlooking the need for the buyer's signature. Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names in Section 4. Incomplete signatures can void the transaction.

  6. Not keeping copies of the form. Always retain a photocopy for your records. This can protect you in case of disputes.

Documents used along the form

The California Form REG 262 is a significant document in the process of transferring vehicle or vessel ownership. It serves as a vital component, but there are other forms and documents often used alongside it to ensure a smooth transaction. The following is a list of commonly associated documents that help buyers and sellers navigate the transfer process more efficiently.

  • Bill of Sale: This document records the transaction details, including the names of the buyer and seller, the purchase price, and any relevant dates. It serves as proof of the sale and can provide legal protection for both parties.
  • Application for Title (REG 227): Completed to apply for a new title in the buyer’s name, this form ensures that the title reflects the current ownership after the sale is finalized.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required by federal and state law, this statement documents the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. It needs to be completed by the seller and signed by both parties to prevent fraud.
  • Power of Attorney (REG 261): If someone other than the owner is signing documents on their behalf, this form allows a designated person to act as the owner's representative in the transfer process.
  • Vehicle/Vessel Identification Report (REG 31): This form is often used to verify the identification of the vehicle or vessel being transferred, especially if the ownership is in question or there are discrepancies in registration.
  • Verification of Vehicle/Vessel (REG 343): Used to authenticate the vehicle or vessel's VIN or HIN, this document is particularly useful for those purchasing vehicles or vessels from out of state to ensure everything is in order.
  • California Highway Patrol (CHP) Inspection: For certain vehicles and vessels, especially if there is a significant change in ownership, a CHP inspection may be needed. This inspection verifies identification numbers and ensures the vehicle meets safety standards.
  • Release of Liability (REG 138): After the sale is complete, this form informs the DMV that the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle. It is crucial for protection against any future liabilities related to the vehicle.
  • Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL): Similar to the Release of Liability, this document informs the DMV about the transfer of ownership and releases the previous owner from any responsibilities related to the vehicle.

Each of these forms serves a specific purpose that complements the California Form REG 262 in facilitating the transfer of vehicle or vessel ownership. Ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and correctly filed helps protect the rights of all parties involved in the transaction.

Similar forms

The California Form REG 262 is similar to the Bill of Sale, which is an essential document in any vehicle transaction. A Bill of Sale serves as proof that a sale has occurred between the buyer and seller. It outlines critical details such as the purchase price, vehicle description, and the identities of both parties. Like the REG 262, the Bill of Sale protects both the buyer and seller from disputes regarding the transaction. This document can be required for registration, making it a vital component of the vehicle transfer process.

Another document similar to the REG 262 is the Odometer Disclosure Statement. This statement is a legal requirement that discloses the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. Federal and state laws mandate the accurate reporting of the odometer reading to prevent fraud. This document is often integrated into the REG 262 form, ensuring compliance with regulations. Both documents need to be signed by the buyer and seller, reinforcing their validity in the transaction.

The Application for Duplicate Title is another critical document related to the REG 262. When an owner loses the original title, this application is necessary to obtain a replacement. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the vehicle's ownership is documented even when the title is missing. Both the REG 262 form and the Application for Duplicate Title serve as essential documents during vehicle transactions, ensuring that ownership can be established and transferred without complications.

Additionally, the Power of Attorney form has similarities with the REG 262. This document allows one person to act on behalf of another in legal matters, including the transfer of a vehicle. Like the REG 262, the Power of Attorney must be completed with care and requires the signatures of both parties. The power granted through this form is crucial when one party cannot attend the title transfer but still wishes to authorize someone else to complete the transaction.

The Vehicle/Vessel Title Application also bears a resemblance to REG 262. This application is submitted when an individual wishes to title a newly purchased vehicle. The application process requires various details, such as identification numbers, owner information, and sometimes even odometer disclosures, similar to what is found in REG 262. Both documents work together to establish legal ownership and facilitate the registration process.

Lastly, the DMV Registration Renewal form parallels the REG 262 in its purpose of maintaining accurate vehicle records with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Renewing the registration verifies that the vehicle's ownership is current and legally recognized. Both documents focus on transferring or confirming ownership, ensuring that all vehicle owners comply with the necessary legal requirements in California.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Form REG 262, keep these tips in mind:

  • Always use black or blue ink to ensure clarity.
  • Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting the form.
  • Make sure all required sections are completed, especially the odometer disclosure.
  • Sign the form in ink; electronic signatures are not accepted.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Do not submit photocopies of this form; originals are required.
  • Avoid altering any information after it has been written. This can void the document.
  • Do not forget to include the date next to your signatures.
  • Never leave sections blank; if a section does not apply, write "N/A."

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the California Form REG 262 can lead to confusion when transferring vehicle ownership. It is important to address these misunderstandings to ensure a smooth transaction.

  • This form is the ownership certificate. Many people mistakenly believe that the REG 262 form serves as the vehicle's ownership certificate. In reality, it is a necessary document that must accompany the title or application for a duplicate title.
  • Photocopies of this form are acceptable. Some assume that photocopies can be submitted or retained for official purposes. However, it's important to note that only original signatures are accepted, and while copies can be kept for personal records, they cannot replace the original in the transfer process.
  • The Odometer Disclosure Statement can be altered. A common misconception is that minor changes to the odometer reading are permissible. Any alteration, including write-overs or cross-outs, will void the odometer disclosure, necessitating a new statement.
  • The form can be filled out by anyone involved in the transaction. While it may seem convenient, the form must be filled out by the seller for the Bill of Sale section and signed by both the buyer and seller for the odometer disclosure. This ensures accountability and clarity in the transaction.
  • All co-owners must sign. Many believe that all co-owners must sign regardless of the ownership type. However, for co-owners listed by "AND," each owner is required to sign. In contrast, those joined by "OR" only need at least one owner’s signature.
  • The Power of Attorney can be used for odometer disclosure. Some think that the power of attorney allows someone else to disclose the odometer reading. Unfortunately, the odometer disclosure statement must be completed by the actual seller.
  • The vehicle description section can be left blank. There is a misconception that it is acceptable to submit the form without completing the vehicle description section. This section is mandatory and must include details such as the vehicle identification number, make, and model to ensure proper identification.
  • This form is only for used vehicles. While commonly associated with used vehicle transactions, the REG 262 form can also be used for a variety of transfers, including gifts and certain types of sales for new vehicles depending on the circumstances.
  • Submitting this form guarantees a successful transfer. It is vital to understand that while completing the REG 262 correctly is important for the transfer process, it does not guarantee successful registration. Proper documentation must be accompanied by adherence to all applicable state and federal laws.

Understanding the truth behind these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the vehicle transfer process more effectively. Always consult with appropriate resources or professionals if further clarification is needed.

Key takeaways

Here are some key takeaways about filling out and using the California Form Reg 262:

  • Not a Ownership Certificate: This form is not your ownership certificate. It must be used alongside the titling document or an application for a duplicate title.
  • Complete All Sections: Ensure that all necessary sections of the form are filled out. Omitting information can delay the transfer process.
  • Handwritten Signatures: All signatures must be done in ink. Photocopies are not accepted, so make sure to fill it out completely by hand.
  • Odometer Disclosure: Be aware that you need to accurately report the vehicle’s mileage. Any mistakes or alterations on this section can void its validity.
  • Power of Attorney: If you need someone else to handle the transfer, a Power of Attorney section must be filled out. This allows them to act on your behalf but does not cover the odometer disclosure.