CALIFORNIA DMV

California Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)

Replace a lost or damaged California title — and transfer the vehicle at the same time — in plain language.

REG 227 is the California DMV form to replace a missing or damaged vehicle or vessel title and, when needed, transfer the vehicle to a new owner. Docgle walks through the vehicle, owners, lienholder, and transfer details so the application matches the title record.

Start the walkthrough View the official source

Average time

15-25 minutes to complete, plus signature and any notary time

Difficulty

moderate

Best for

California vehicle or vessel owners replacing a missing or damaged title, and buyers taking a vehicle whose title is missing.

What this form stands for

Get the filer to a correct, submittable REG 227 for their exact situation without asking questions their answers rule out.

A wrong reason, a missed 10-day transfer deadline, or a skipped notary on a lienholder release delays or blocks the new title.

What you'll need

Vehicle license plate or vessel CF number, VIN or hull number, and year and make
Each owner's true full legal name and driver license or ID number
Whether a lender or lienholder is on the current title
For a transfer: the sale date, price paid or market value, and the new owner's details

How the walkthrough is organized

What you need

Gather the vehicle, owner, and (for a sale) transfer details before you start.

Replacement or transfer

Choose whether you only need a new title or are also transferring the vehicle.

Owners and lienholder

Confirm the current owners and any lender on the title.

Transfer details

Enter the new owner, how the vehicle changed hands, and any new lender.

Review and submit

Review, sign, and submit by mail or in person.

Ready to start?

Docgle asks calm, plain-English questions and keeps the official source attached for review.

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