A California Certificate of Title is a crucial legal document that proves your vehicle ownership. Keeping it accurate and up-to-date is essential, especially when you need to add a name to your car title. Whether you’re adding a co-owner, or correcting a name, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your title reflects the correct information.
Situations for Adding a Name to Your Car Title
There are several common scenarios where you might need to add a name to your car title:
- Adding a Co-owner: If you are sharing ownership of your vehicle with a spouse, family member, or partner, you’ll need to add their name to the title. This ensures both parties are legally recognized as owners.
- Name Correction: If your name is misspelled on your current title, you’ll need to correct it to match your legal identification.
- Legal Name Change: Following marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, updating your car title is necessary to reflect your current legal name.
How to Officially Add a Name
Adding a name to your California Certificate of Title typically involves correcting or changing the registered owner information. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Correcting or Changing a Name on the Title
To formally change or correct a name on your title, you will need to follow these steps and submit the required documents to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Required Documents:
- California Certificate of Title: Locate your current California Certificate of Title. You will need to write or type your correct name in the “New Registered Owner” section on the title itself.
- Statement of Facts (REG 256) Form: Complete a Name Statement in Section F of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) form. This form provides the DMV with a formal declaration of the name change or correction.
Submitting Your Application:
You can submit these documents either in person or by mail:
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In Person: Visit any DMV office to submit your application. You can find the nearest DMV office and make an appointment to avoid wait times on the official DMV website.
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By Mail: Mail your documents to the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
2. Ordering a Replacement Title (If Necessary)
In some cases, you might need to order a replacement title, especially if your original title is lost, damaged, or illegible during the process of adding a name.
When to Order a Replacement Title:
- Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Title: If you cannot locate your original title or it’s in poor condition.
- Incorrect Information on Existing Title: If there are significant errors on your current title that need correction in conjunction with adding a name.
How to Order a Replacement Title:
To request a replacement California Certificate of Title, you will need to provide the following:
- Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) Form: Complete and submit the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) form.
- Original Title (if available): Include the original title if you have it, even if it’s damaged.
- Valid Photo ID: If applying in person, provide a valid California photo driver license or identification card.
- Replacement Title Fee: Pay the required replacement title fee. Check the DMV website for the current fee amount.
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (in specific cases): If a replacement title has been issued within the last 90 days and your registered owner information doesn’t match DMV records, you might need a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form completed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Submitting Your Replacement Title Request:
- In Person: Submit your application at a DMV office. Making an appointment is highly recommended. Note: If your registered owner information doesn’t match DMV records (excluding minor typos), you must apply in person with proof of ownership and photo ID.
- By Mail: Mail your application to the Sacramento address mentioned previously.
- Online: For added convenience, you may be able to request a replacement title online through the DMV Virtual Office. Check the DMV website to see if your situation qualifies for online submission.
Receiving Your Updated Title:
After submitting your application, allow 15-30 calendar days to receive your updated title by mail from the DMV.
Conclusion
Adding a name to your car title is a straightforward process when you understand the required steps and documentation. By correctly filling out the necessary forms, providing accurate information, and submitting your application through the appropriate channels, you can ensure your California Certificate of Title accurately reflects all vehicle owners. Always refer to the official California DMV website for the most up-to-date information and any changes in procedures or fees.
