CA DMV Form REG 31. Verification of Vehicle

The REG 31 Verification of Vehicle form is used only by authorized DMV and Auto Club employees, DMV licensed vehicle verifiers, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and other peace officers, when performing a physical inspection of a vehicle or trailer vehicle identification number (VIN) and other vehicle characteristics. It is intended to verify the accuracy of the vehicle's manufacturer’s statement of origin and other ownership documents.

The REG 31 form consists of 6 sections: Vehicle Identification, Vehicle Characteristics, Odometer Disclosure Statement (if applicable), Seller/Seller Agent Information, Buyer/Recipient Information, and Authorizing/Submitting Party Information.

In the Vehicle Identification section, the following information must be provided: vehicle vehicle identification number (VIN), owner's name and address, odometer reading (if applicable), date of sale or transfer, year and make of vehicle, type (salvage, homemade, or factory-made) and vehicle license plate/ sticker number.

In the Vehicle Characteristics section, additional information is provided about the vehicle, including engine size, color, height and length, GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), seating capacity, body style, and special features.

In the Odometer Disclosure Statement (if applicable), the odometer's reading at the time of sale is provided, as well as a certification that the odometer reading is accurate and complete. This is an optional section and is only filled in by the seller if the vehicle is being sold to a buyer.

In the Seller/Seller Agent Information section, the seller/seller agents' name and address is provided, as well as the make, model, Vin and plate/tags of the vehicle being sold.

In the Buyer/Recipient Information section, the name and address of the buyer/recipient is provided.

In the Authorizing/Submitting Party Information section, the authorizing/submitting person’s name and address is provided, as well as the date the form is being submitted.

The form also requires the signature of the seller (or seller agent), buyer (or recipient), authorized DMV and Auto Club employees, DMV licensed vehicle verifiers, peace officers, and others who are authorized to inspect and complete the form.

When submitting this form, it is important to ensure that the information provided on the form is accurate and complete. It should also be noted that the form must be filled out at the time of sale and is not valid for more than 30 days after submission.

The benefits of submitting this form include increased accuracy in the transfer of ownership, better record keeping and traceability, and improved vehicle safety. In addition, the form serves as proof that the buyer/recipient took possession of the vehicle from the seller/seller agent and it can be used to settle any disputes over ownership or sale.

Some challenges associated with submitting this form include ensuring all required information is provided, as well as obtaining the proper signatures and a notarized statement of odometer reading (if applicable). In addition, if the vehicle is registered in another state, the buyers/recipients may need to obtain additional documents.

The risks associated with this form include having to pay additional fees or penalties for incorrect or incomplete information, or for submitting a form with an inaccurate signature.

There are other forms related to the REG 31, such as the REG 50 (Report Of Sale) which is used to report the transfer of ownership of a vehicle, the REG 343 (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title) which is used to replace a stolen, lost, or mutilated vehicle title document, and the REG 512 (General Affidavit) which is used to declare the facts about a vehicle transaction.

The DL 44 Application for a Driver License or Identification Card is an alternative form to the REG 31. Whereas the REG 31 is used only by authorized DMV and Auto Club employees, DMV licensed vehicle verifiers, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and other peace officers, when performing a physical inspection of a vehicle or trailer vehicle identification number (VIN) and other vehicle characteristics, the DL 44 is used to apply for a driver license or identification card.

The REG 31 is submitted to the DMV and stored in their records. When the form is submitted properly and all required documents are included, the applicant will receive a registration and/or certificate of title showing proof that the transfer in ownership was valid and legal.