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.
What is Form 227-PDF used for?
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.
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.
Time, difficulty & who this form is for
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 do I need before I start?
- 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.
What happens after I complete it?
Answer the questions, review your document, then follow its official signing and delivery instructions. Downloading does not submit the form.
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