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Homepage Fill Out a Valid California Fotm Reg 262 Template

Form Specs

Fact Name Fact Description
Purpose of Form The California REG 262 form is used for the transfer and reassignment of ownership of a vehicle or vessel. It must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title.
Odometer Disclosure Requirement Federal and state laws mandate that the odometer reading be disclosed at the time of ownership transfer. Failure to provide accurate information can lead to penalties.
Signature Requirement All signatures on the REG 262 must be made in ink. Photocopies of the form are not accepted for the transfer process.
Governing Law This form is governed by California Vehicle Code Sections 5901-5903, which outline the requirements for vehicle ownership transfer and odometer disclosure.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Form REG 262, there are important guidelines to follow. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do ensure all signatures are in ink. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Do complete all required sections, especially the vehicle/vessel identification and odometer disclosure.
  • Do provide accurate mileage. Any alterations will void the odometer disclosure.
  • Do indicate the relationship if the vehicle is a gift.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank. Incomplete forms can lead to delays.
  • Don’t use power of attorney to complete the odometer disclosure section.

Common mistakes

  1. Not Completing All Required Sections: Each section of the REG 262 form must be filled out completely. Missing information can delay the transfer process.

  2. Using Photocopies: Photocopies of the REG 262 form are not accepted. Ensure you are using the original form when submitting.

  3. Failing to Sign in Ink: All signatures must be in ink. Using pencil or digital signatures will invalidate the form.

  4. Incorrect Odometer Disclosure: The odometer reading must be accurate. Any alterations or discrepancies can void the odometer disclosure.

  5. Not Including the Date: Dates are essential for the sale and odometer disclosure. Omitting them can lead to complications.

  6. Neglecting to Provide Buyer and Seller Information: Both parties must provide their names, addresses, and contact information. Incomplete details can cause delays.

  7. Ignoring Power of Attorney Requirements: If using a power of attorney, ensure that the person appointed is clearly identified and that their signature is included.

  8. Not Acknowledging Co-Owners: If there are multiple owners, ensure that the correct signatures are obtained based on how ownership is recorded.

  9. Misunderstanding Gift Transfer Rules: If the vehicle is a gift, clearly state the relationship between the giver and receiver. Failing to do so may create issues.

  10. Forgetting to Check Odometer Statements: Be sure to check the appropriate boxes regarding the odometer reading. This step is crucial for compliance with federal and state laws.

Documents used along the form

When transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel in California, several documents often accompany the California Form REG 262. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose in the transaction process, ensuring that all necessary information is documented and legally binding.

  • Bill of Sale: This document acts as a receipt for the transaction. It includes details such as the names of the buyer and seller, the purchase price, and the date of sale. It can also indicate if the vehicle was a gift.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required by federal and state law, this statement provides the odometer reading at the time of sale. It ensures that the mileage is accurately reported and protects against potential fraud.
  • Application for Duplicate Title: If the original title is lost or damaged, this application is used to request a replacement title. It is essential for proving ownership and completing the transfer process.
  • Power of Attorney: This form allows one person to authorize another to act on their behalf in signing documents related to the vehicle transfer. It is particularly useful if the owner cannot be present during the transaction.
  • Vehicle/Vessel Title: This is the official document that proves ownership of the vehicle or vessel. It must be signed over to the new owner as part of the transfer process.

Understanding these documents is crucial for anyone involved in a vehicle or vessel transfer. They help ensure that the transaction is conducted smoothly and legally, protecting the interests of both the buyer and the seller.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California Form REG 262 can be challenging due to common misconceptions. Here are ten myths clarified:

  1. This form is the ownership certificate. Many believe that the REG 262 serves as the ownership certificate. In reality, it is not. This form must accompany the actual title or an application for a duplicate title.
  2. Photocopies of the REG 262 are acceptable. Some think they can submit photocopies of the form. However, the original must be submitted, as photocopies are not accepted for official purposes.
  3. The odometer disclosure is optional. A common misconception is that the odometer disclosure can be skipped. In fact, it is a legal requirement to disclose the mileage at the time of transfer.
  4. Only the seller needs to sign the form. People often assume that only the seller's signature is required. Both the buyer and seller must sign the form to validate the transaction.
  5. The form can be completed in pencil. Some individuals think they can fill out the form in pencil. All signatures and entries must be in ink for the form to be valid.
  6. It is okay to alter the odometer reading. Some believe they can correct or alter the odometer reading. Any changes made to the reported mileage will void the odometer disclosure section.
  7. Power of attorney can be used for odometer disclosure. There is a misconception that a power of attorney can complete the odometer disclosure. This is incorrect; the actual buyer and seller must complete this section themselves.
  8. All co-owners can sign as one. Many think that if there are co-owners, only one signature is necessary. However, if co-owners are joined by "AND," all must sign. If joined by "OR," at least one signature is required.
  9. The REG 262 is only for vehicles. Some believe this form is exclusively for vehicles. It is also applicable for vessels, making it relevant for boat transfers as well.
  10. Filling out the form incorrectly is not a big deal. Some assume minor mistakes won't matter. However, errors can lead to delays or complications in the transfer process, so accuracy is crucial.

By understanding these misconceptions, individuals can navigate the vehicle and vessel transfer process more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Preview - California Fotm Reg 262 Form

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key takeaways

Filling out the California Form REG 262 is an important step in transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • This form is not a title. It must accompany the title or an application for a duplicate title.
  • All signatures must be in ink. Photocopies of the form are not accepted.
  • Complete Section 1 with accurate vehicle or vessel identification details.
  • Section 2 is the bill of sale. The seller must fill this out to identify the buyer, sale price, and date.
  • In Section 3, the seller must disclose the odometer reading. Be careful; any alterations will void this section.
  • Both buyer and seller must hand print their names, sign, and date in Section 4.
  • Co-owners must sign according to how they are listed—"AND" requires all signatures, while "OR" requires at least one.
  • Use Section 5 to appoint someone as your attorney-in-fact for the transfer process, if needed.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form for your records, as it may be useful in the future.

Understanding these points can help ensure a smooth transfer process. Always double-check your entries to avoid complications.

Similar forms

The California Form REG 262 is a vital document used for the transfer and reassignment of vehicle and vessel ownership. Several other documents serve similar purposes in the realm of vehicle transactions. Here are nine documents that share similarities with the REG 262 form:

  • Bill of Sale: This document outlines the details of the sale, including the buyer and seller's information, purchase price, and vehicle description. Like the REG 262, it serves as proof of the transaction.
  • Application for Title: This form is used to apply for a new title after a vehicle purchase. It often accompanies the REG 262 to officially transfer ownership.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required by federal law, this statement discloses the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. The REG 262 includes this section to ensure compliance with the law.
  • Power of Attorney (POA): This document grants someone the authority to act on behalf of the owner in vehicle transactions. The REG 262 has a section for POA, allowing for a smooth transfer of ownership.
  • Vehicle/Vessel Title: The title is the official document proving ownership of the vehicle or vessel. The REG 262 must accompany the title during the transfer process.
  • Transfer of Title Form: Similar to the REG 262, this form is specifically designed for transferring ownership from one party to another and may be required in certain states.
  • Gift Transfer Form: When a vehicle is given as a gift, this form can be used to document the transfer. The REG 262 includes provisions for indicating gift transactions.
  • Dealer Reassignment Form: Used by dealerships to transfer ownership of a vehicle to a buyer, this form serves a similar function as the REG 262 in facilitating the reassignment process.
  • California DMV Form FFVR 35 (Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights): While not a transfer document, it informs buyers of their rights during vehicle transactions. The REG 262 encourages buyers to be aware of these rights.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the vehicle transfer process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that ownership is properly documented.