Last Update: September 16, 2026

Change Information on Vehicle Registration in California

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains vehicle registration and certificate of title records for all vehicles operated on state roadways. Updating those records becomes necessary when an owner moves, legally changes a name, discovers an error on a registration card or title, buys or sells a vehicle, establishes residency, or transfers a license plate.

California Vehicle Registration Changes that Commonly Require Action

Several situations typically prompt an update of registration or title records:

• A physical or mailing address changes, requiring a change of address filing with the DMV.
• A legal name change requires correction of the registered owner's name on both the registration card and the certificate of title.
• A vehicle is purchased, and ownership must be transferred within 10 days of the date of sale for private party sales; dealer-sold vehicles have a different timeline, with penalties beginning after 30 days.
• A vehicle is sold, and the seller must notify the DMV within 5 days through a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
• A person becomes a resident of California, which starts the 20-day registration requirement for vehicles brought into the state.
• A license plate owned for a vehicle is retained, reassigned to another registered vehicle, or exchanged for a different special-interest configuration.
• A registration card, plate, sticker, or title is lost, stolen, or damaged, requiring a replacement.
• A vehicle is registered for continued operation or placed into planned nonoperation status.

Where to File a California Vehicle Registration Change

Registration and title matters are handled by the DMV at the state level, and the filing point is the same for routine changes and for title corrections. Three channels are available:

• Online through the DMV portal, including address changes, registration renewal, replacement registration cards, replacement license plates, and replacement titles.
• In person at a DMV field office; certain name change filings that require identity verification must be submitted in person.
• By mail to Vehicle Registration Operations, Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.

A separate distinction applies to dealer transactions. Licensed dealers may transfer titles and issue temporary registrations on the department's behalf, and a buyer who completes an in-house dealer transaction does not file directly with the DMV. When a dealer does not provide registration services, the purchaser registers the vehicle themselves through the DMV.

California Address Changes on Vehicle Registration

Address changes do not require an in-person visit. The owner may use the online change of address system, which takes up to 3 days to process, or send the DMV 14 form, obtained by calling the department, through the mail. Updating the address before renewing online ensures that renewal notices and registration documents are mailed to the correct address.

Because the address on file affects both registration and driver records, the change should also be reported for the driver license or identification card. A new registration card is issued once the updated address is recorded.

California Name Changes and Title-Linked Corrections

A legal name change in California affects both the registration card and the certificate of title, since the registered owner's name on each document must match. When the owner possesses the title, the correct or changed name is written directly on the title above the name being updated, and Section F of the Statement of Facts form (REG 256) is completed and signed. The documents are then submitted at a field office or mailed to the Vehicle Registration Operations address.

When the title is held by a lienholder, the completed REG 256 is given to the lienholder, who submits it with the title. When the title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) is filed with evidence of ownership and the duplicate title fee; a correction of the name on the registration may be mailed, whereas a change of name requires an in-person submission with a secondary identity document. The DMV notes that a hyphenated or multi-word last name appears as a single word on the certificate of title and registration card, which is not an error and needs no correction.

Correcting Incorrect Information on a California Registration Record

Whether an error is corrected on the registration record or on the title record determines the required procedure.

Registration items are corrected through the replacement registration card service, which issues a new card showing the corrected information for a $28.00 fee. Lost, stolen, or illegible license plates and registration stickers are replaced using the replacement plates and stickers procedure, with a $28.00 fee for substitute plates, stickers, or cards; the standard replacement month sticker is issued at no cost.

Errors in the title itself require a duplicate or replacement title application. An owner of record may apply for a replacement title online using the last 5 digits of the VIN and paying the $28.00 duplicate fee or submit a REG 227 application in person or by mail. When ownership or lienholder information changes, the change must be reported to the DMV within 10 days and the title updated accordingly.

California Deadlines for Vehicle Registration Changes

• A resident must register an out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of becoming a resident or accepting employment in California, consistent with Vehicle Code § 4152.5.
• A buyer has 10 days to transfer vehicle ownership into their name after purchase in a private party sale; for dealer-sold vehicles, late penalties begin after 30 days.
• A seller must notify the DMV within 5 days of sale using a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
• Annual registration fees carry no grace period; payment after the expiration date shown on the registration card accrues penalties.
• A Planned Non-Operation (PNO) filing may be submitted up to 90 days after the registration expiration date for a vehicle not operated, though applicable late penalties remain due.
• Renewal billing notices are mailed about 60 days before expiration; a notice that does not arrive should be reported to DMV customer service.

How Much Does It Cost To Change Vehicle Registration Details in California?

California vehicle registration and title records are administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which sets flat fees for replacement documents, titles, and transfers in its published fee schedule. The current amounts for the most common changes are listed in the table below.

Contact Information

California Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: Department of Motor Vehicles