By Helen Wardale|2018-08-21T17:38:40+00:00August 4th, 2017|Documents, Notarizations|20 Comments
The California Department of Motor Vehicle form REG 227 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title) serves two purposes. It may be used to request a duplicate vehicle title if the original has been lost, stolen or mutilated and it may also be used to transfer vehicle ownership when the title isn’t available.
Often people mistakenly believe REG 227 needs to be notarized before it is processed by the DMV. While it is true that the REG 227 has a notarization certificate at the bottom of the first page, it isn’t meant for most requests. It applies specifically to Section 5which states:LEGAL OWNER OF RECORD RELEASE OF OWNERSHIP AND/OR INTEREST—Must be notarized.
Section 5 pertains to Lien-holders (Banks and Finance companies), not private sellers. When a vehicle has been financed, the lien-holder has financial interest in the vehicle until the debt has been satisfied. When the loan has been paid off, Section 5 allows the lien-holder to release interest and when that release is entered, it needs to be notarized.
When using the REG 227 to request a duplicate title, the vehicle owner checks the Duplicate Title box and completes Section 1 and 3. Section 2 is included for a lien-holder or title holder, if applicable.
When using REG 227 to transfer the title when a title isn’t available, the vehicle owner will check Transfer of Title with Duplicate and complete Section 1, 3 and 4. Section 2 is included for a lien-holder or title holder, if applicable. Disregard Section 5. The new owner will complete the back.
Whether you are using the REG 227 to request a duplicate title or a private seller transfering the title of a vehicle when the title is not available, neither requires notarization.
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20 Comments
Gregory Robert SimonJanuary 16, 2019 at 3:56 am - Reply
Thank you!
John NavarroDecember 8, 2019 at 12:55 am - Reply
When filling out the duplicate or loss of title form. I am using it to buy a car. If the owner fills it out does he need to go to the DMV also with me or can I go with the paperwork filled out and process the form
Helen WardaleDecember 8, 2019 at 1:37 am - Reply
The owner does not need to go to the DMV with you, but make sure Section 1 reflects the registered owner’s current information on file with the DMV. The owner must sign Section 3 and Section 4.
If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, the DMV will also require an odometer disclosure. The form for that is a Reg262. It is printed on security paper and is only available through the DMV and other industry partners, like Registration Services.
patricia hackneyDecember 18, 2020 at 9:17 pm - Reply
is this all states?
Helen WardaleDecember 18, 2020 at 9:24 pm - Reply
The Reg227 is a California specific DMV form to request a Duplicate Title or to transfer a title when the original title has been lost. It is not for use in other states. Each state will have a state specific form for this purpose.
Rafael VelazcoMay 28, 2021 at 9:15 am - Reply
I recently purchased a vehicle with a lost pink slip and a letter from GECU bank stating the release of ownership/lien from the bank. The paper work for title transfer form/ bill of sale/and a notorized reg 227 form got rejected and sent back to me stating incomplete and needs a bank notary. Does the actual release of lien from the bank neee to be notarized?
Helen WardaleJuly 14, 2021 at 10:39 pm - Reply
If the title has been lost, the Reg227 can be used to request a Duplicate Title with or without Transfer. If a lien-holder is on the DMV record and the Reg227 is used to request a Duplicate Title, Section 5 of the Reg227 would need to be completed by the lien holder and it does require notarization.
KathyJanuary 18, 2022 at 11:28 pm - Reply
Hi, If somehow I got put as the lien-holder on the DMV record and I am using Reg227 to request a duplicate title, do I need section 5 to be notarized? Thanks!
Helen WardaleJanuary 18, 2022 at 11:54 pm - Reply
Yes, if you are the lienholder, you will need to notarize your signature on the Reg227 lien release
KathyJanuary 18, 2022 at 11:58 pm - Reply
Thanks so much, Helen!
MoanaFebruary 1, 2022 at 9:23 pm - Reply
If I have a Lien Release form, REG166, does that replace the need to complete section 5? I simply include this when I mail in my request for duplicate title, with sections 1,2, and 3 completed?
Thank you so much, it’s so hard to interpret these darned forms!
Helen WardaleFebruary 1, 2022 at 9:31 pm - Reply
Yes, the lien release form Reg166, can be submitted as an alternative to completing Section 5 of the Reg227.
MichelleApril 12, 2022 at 5:35 am - Reply
Hello, I am a new notary and have been requested to notarize a Reg 227 form for transfer of title. There is no lien holder, only registered owner. Can I inform the client that my notarization is not required by the CA DMV? (I know we are not supposed to give advice) If they insist, is it ok to notarize the form even though it isn’t necessary?
Helen WardaleApril 12, 2022 at 6:34 am - Reply
Even though Section 5 is specifically for a lienholder release of interest (not a registered owner), some people misinterpret it and may request that their signature be notarized as a form of fraud deterrence.
The notary is not responsible for the content of the document, only the identification of the signer and the witnessing of their signature. If the customer insists, it does no harm to comply. Refusal to do so could be interpreted as an unlawful refusal, which is best avoided from a notary perspective.
AkshayJune 2, 2022 at 2:51 am - Reply
Hello,
Need some clarification.
My car loan is completely paid off. However I mistakenly trashed the title notice sent to me.
My question is do i need to notarize the REG 227 formHelen WardaleJune 2, 2022 at 6:41 am - Reply
If the system still shows a lien holder, you will need to have your previous lender sign a release on the Reg227 and notarize it. Oftentimes, the bank will mail the customer the title when the loan is paid off, but the DMV still has them showing as legal owner until the customer requests the removal and shows proof the loan has been satisfied with either a payoff letter or the release on the title.
AkshayJune 2, 2022 at 6:28 pm - Reply
Thanks Helen for your response. I have the Loan pay off letter with me from the bank.
So can i carry the filled form and bank letter to DMV. Will that be sufficient ?Thanks again.
Helen WardaleJune 2, 2022 at 6:37 pm - Reply
It should be sufficient, but it wouldn’t hurt to verify with the DMV. Their number is (800) 777-0133. If the automated system offers a call back, they do return the call promptly.
Jesse MaciasNovember 4, 2022 at 3:17 am - Reply
I was denied a title duplicate by DMV, however they requested i send form 166 to lien holder, car was paid off in 2001, received title but apparently they didn’t release lien. Form 166 section 4, has to be filled by my notary or by finance company?
Helen WardaleNovember 6, 2022 at 12:40 am - Reply
The lienholder is notarized when they sign the release of interest. The notarization is not for you.
