Homepage Fill Your California Fotm Reg 262 Form
Jump Links

The California Form REG 262, known as the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form, plays a critical role in the process of transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel in the state. This form is essential for both buyers and sellers, ensuring that all necessary details regarding the transaction are documented accurately. It is important to note that this form does not serve as the ownership certificate; instead, it must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title. The form is divided into several sections, each designed to capture specific information. For instance, the first section requires details about the vehicle or vessel, including its identification number, year, make, and model. The second section functions as a bill of sale, where the seller identifies the buyer and states the selling price or gift value. Additionally, the odometer disclosure statement is a crucial part of the form, mandating that the seller disclose the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale to prevent fraud. The final sections require signatures from both the buyer and seller, confirming their understanding of the transaction and the odometer reading. Completing the REG 262 accurately is vital, as any discrepancies or omissions could lead to complications in the ownership transfer process.

California Fotm Reg 262 Preview

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common mistakes

  1. Neglecting to Complete All Sections: Many people fail to fill out every section of the form. Each part is crucial for a successful transfer.

  2. Using Photocopies: Some individuals mistakenly submit photocopies of the form instead of the original. Remember, only original forms are accepted.

  3. Inaccurate Odometer Reading: Reporting an incorrect odometer reading can lead to serious consequences. Make sure the mileage is accurate and reflects the actual distance traveled.

  4. Not Signing in Ink: Signatures must be in ink. Using a pencil or digital signature can void the form.

  5. Failure to Include the Date: Omitting the date on signatures is a common oversight. This detail is essential for the validity of the document.

  6. Ignoring the Gift Declaration: If the vehicle is a gift, clearly indicate the relationship between the parties. This helps avoid misunderstandings later.

  7. Incorrectly Filling Out Buyer and Seller Information: Ensure that all names and addresses are accurate. Errors here can lead to ownership disputes.

  8. Not Including Power of Attorney Details: If appointing someone to act on your behalf, ensure that the power of attorney section is properly filled out. This step is crucial for a smooth transaction.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Form REG 262, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do: Complete all sections of the form accurately, especially the vehicle identification and odometer disclosure sections.
  • Don't: Use photocopies of the form. Only original forms are accepted.
  • Do: Provide clear and legible signatures in ink. Avoid any alterations or corrections.
  • Don't: Leave any sections blank. Incomplete forms can lead to delays in processing.
  • Do: Retain a copy of the completed form for your records after submission.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your vehicle transfer process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the California Form Reg 262 can lead to confusion during vehicle or vessel transfers. Here are ten common misunderstandings explained:

  1. This form is the ownership certificate. Many people believe the Reg 262 serves as the ownership certificate, but it does not. It must accompany the title or application for a duplicate title.
  2. Photocopies of the form are acceptable. Some assume they can use photocopies of the Reg 262. However, the original must be completed in ink; photocopies are not accepted for submission.
  3. Odometer readings can be altered. There is a misconception that odometer readings can be changed. Any alteration will void the odometer disclosure statement, necessitating a new statement.
  4. All signatures can be electronic. Many think electronic signatures are sufficient. In reality, all signatures must be hand-printed and signed in ink.
  5. Only the seller needs to complete the form. Some believe only the seller's information is necessary. Both the buyer and seller must fill out their respective sections completely.
  6. Power of attorney can be used for odometer disclosure. People often think that if they have power of attorney, they can complete the odometer disclosure. This is incorrect; the disclosure must be signed by the actual buyer and seller.
  7. The form can be filled out after the sale. There is a belief that the Reg 262 can be completed after the sale has occurred. It must be filled out at the time of the transfer.
  8. Only licensed dealers need to use this form. Some think this form is only for dealers. In fact, any private party involved in a vehicle or vessel transfer must use it.
  9. Gift transactions do not require a bill of sale. Many assume that gifts do not need documentation. However, the Reg 262 requires a bill of sale even for gifted vehicles or vessels.
  10. Filling out the form is optional. Some believe that completing the Reg 262 is optional. This is a misconception; it is a necessary part of the transfer process in California.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother transaction when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel in California.

Detailed Guide for Using California Fotm Reg 262

Filling out the California Form REG 262 is an important step when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel. This form ensures that all necessary information is documented correctly, allowing for a smooth transition of ownership. Below are the steps to guide you through the process of completing this form.

  1. Begin with Section 1: Enter the vehicle or vessel identification number, year, model, make, and license plate number. If applicable, include the motorcycle engine number.
  2. Proceed to Section 2: In the bill of sale area, print the seller's name(s) and the buyer's name(s). If the transfer is a gift, indicate the relationship between the parties. Specify the date of transfer and the selling price or gift value.
  3. Move to Section 3: Complete the odometer disclosure statement. Write the current odometer reading, ensuring no alterations are made. If there is a discrepancy, check the appropriate box and provide an explanation.
  4. Next, fill out Section 4: Both the buyer and seller must print their names, sign, and date the form. Include the driver's license or identification number, along with the mailing addresses and daytime telephone numbers for both parties.
  5. If applicable, go to Section 5: If you are appointing someone as your attorney-in-fact, print their name(s) and provide your signature and date. This section is only necessary if someone else will be completing the paperwork on your behalf.

After completing the form, ensure that all signatures are in ink, as photocopies will not be accepted. Retain a copy for your records, and submit the original with the necessary titling documents to finalize the transfer.