Homepage Official California Fotm Reg 262 Form in PDF
Content Navigation

The California Form REG 262, known as the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form, is an essential document for anyone involved in the buying or selling of vehicles and vessels in the Golden State. This form serves multiple purposes, primarily facilitating the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It is important to note that the REG 262 is not a certificate of ownership; rather, it must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title. The form includes several sections that require detailed information about the vehicle or vessel, including its identification number, year, make, model, and odometer reading at the time of sale. Additionally, it outlines the terms of the sale or gift, capturing the names of both the seller and buyer, the purchase price or gift value, and the date of the transaction. An odometer disclosure statement is also included, which is crucial for complying with federal and state laws regarding mileage reporting. This section ensures that the buyer is aware of the actual mileage at the time of transfer, protecting both parties from potential fraud. Lastly, the REG 262 provides an option for individuals to appoint a power of attorney, allowing someone else to act on their behalf in completing the necessary paperwork. Understanding the nuances of this form can significantly streamline the process of transferring vehicle or vessel ownership, making it a vital resource for both buyers and sellers.

Steps to Using California Fotm Reg 262

Filling out the California Form REG 262 is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to complete it accurately to ensure a smooth transfer of vehicle or vessel ownership. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Obtain the REG 262 form from the DMV website or your local DMV office.
  2. In Section 1, provide the vehicle or vessel identification details, including the identification number, year, model, make, and license plate number.
  3. Move to Section 2. The seller should print their name and the buyer's name. If the vehicle is a gift, indicate the relationship.
  4. Fill in the date of sale and the selling price. If it’s a gift, include the gift value.
  5. In Section 3, disclose the odometer reading. Ensure it’s accurate, as any alterations will void this section.
  6. If there’s an odometer discrepancy, check the appropriate box and provide an explanation.
  7. In Section 4, both the buyer and seller must print their names, sign, and date the form. Include the driver's license or dealer number.
  8. Complete the mailing addresses and daytime telephone numbers for both the buyer and seller.
  9. If appointing someone to act on your behalf, fill out Section 5 with the name of the appointed person and sign it.
  10. Review the entire form for accuracy before submitting it with the necessary documents to the DMV.

Once you have completed the form, ensure that you submit it along with the title or application for a duplicate title. Keep a copy for your records. This will help you track the transfer process and provide proof of the transaction if needed.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the California Form REG 262 is an important step when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Not a Title: Remember, the REG 262 form is not a title. It must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title.
  • Original Signatures Required: All signatures on the form must be in ink. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Complete All Sections: Ensure that every section of the form is filled out accurately. This includes vehicle identification, bill of sale, and odometer disclosure.
  • Odometer Disclosure: The odometer reading must be reported accurately. Any alterations to this section will void it, requiring a new statement.
  • Buyer and Seller Information: Both the buyer and seller must provide their names, addresses, and signatures. This confirms the transfer of ownership.
  • Power of Attorney: If someone is acting on your behalf, you must complete the Power of Attorney section. This allows them to sign necessary documents for the transfer.
  • Keep Copies: It’s a good idea to keep copies of the completed REG 262 for your records, even though the original must be submitted.
  • Know Your Rights: Before signing, familiarize yourself with your rights as a buyer or seller. Resources like the Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights are available online.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth transfer process for your vehicle or vessel in California.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California Form REG 262 is crucial for anyone involved in vehicle or vessel transfers. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

  • This form is the ownership certificate. Many believe that the REG 262 serves as the official ownership document. In reality, it is not. This form must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title.
  • Photocopies of the REG 262 are acceptable. Some individuals think they can submit photocopies of the form. However, only the original form is valid; photocopies are not accepted.
  • Odometer readings can be altered. It is a misconception that minor changes to odometer readings are permissible. Any alteration will void the odometer disclosure section, necessitating a new statement.
  • Any signature can be used on the form. People often assume that any signature will suffice. In fact, all signatures must be in ink, and electronic signatures are not acceptable.
  • Only the seller needs to fill out the form. Some think that only the seller's information is required. Both the buyer and seller must provide their details, including signatures and addresses.
  • The form is only for sales transactions. There is a belief that the REG 262 is exclusively for sales. It can also be used for gift transfers, as long as the relationship and gift value are documented.
  • Power of attorney can complete the odometer disclosure. Many believe that a person with power of attorney can fill out the odometer section. This is incorrect; the odometer disclosure must be completed by the seller directly.
  • All co-owners can sign without restrictions. Some assume that any co-owner can sign for the group. However, if co-owners are joined by "AND," all must sign. If they are joined by "OR," at least one signature is required.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother transaction process and compliance with California's vehicle transfer laws.

Preview - California Fotm Reg 262 Form

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 Specs

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The California Form REG 262 is used for transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel.
Not Ownership Certificate This form does not serve as the ownership certificate; it must accompany the title or application for a duplicate title.
Odometer Disclosure The seller must disclose the odometer reading at the time of sale, and any alterations to this section will void it.
Governing Law The form is governed by California Vehicle Code Sections 5901-5903.
Signature Requirement All signatures on the form must be in ink; photocopies are not accepted.
Bill of Sale The seller must complete the bill of sale section, detailing the buyer, selling price, and date of transfer.
Power of Attorney A section allows appointing someone as an attorney-in-fact to handle necessary documents for ownership transfer.
Record Retention Dealers must keep a photocopy of the odometer disclosure for five years.
Buyer and Seller Acknowledgment Both parties must acknowledge the odometer reading and facts of the transfer under penalty of perjury.