What Is California DMV Form 1824 Used For?
Learn the official process for replacing or correcting a California vehicle title or registration card. This guide details the function of DMV Form 1824.
Vehicle owners in California who need to replace or amend ownership documents use specific Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) forms. While searches might lead to incorrect numbers, the primary forms for these tasks are the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) and the Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156). REG 227 is used for the vehicle’s title, the legal document proving ownership, while REG 156 covers the registration card, license plate stickers, and the license plates themselves.
When to Use These Forms
The most frequent reason to file for replacement documents is the loss or theft of a vehicle title or registration card. If these documents are misplaced or stolen, filing the appropriate form is the only way to obtain a legal replacement and maintain proof of ownership and valid registration. Without a current registration card in the vehicle, a driver can face penalties during a traffic stop.
Another circumstance for using these forms is when an original document becomes damaged, mutilated, or is otherwise illegible. A title or registration card that cannot be read clearly may not be considered valid by law enforcement or during a transaction, such as selling the vehicle. Filing for a replacement ensures that the owner has a clean, readable, and legally compliant document.
These applications are also used to correct erroneous information on a title or registration card. Errors can include misspelled names, incorrect addresses, or mistakes in the vehicle’s details, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or model year. In many cases, correcting information requires providing the DMV with supporting evidence that proves the original document was incorrect, such as a birth certificate for a name correction or a verified inspection for a VIN correction.
Information Required to Complete the Forms
To complete either a REG 227 or REG 156, the applicant must have specific details about the vehicle and its owner. This includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the license plate number, and the vehicle’s make and year. The full name and address of the registered owner as it appears on the current DMV record are also required, along with the owner’s driver license number.
For a duplicate title using REG 227, the owner will fill out Section 1 with vehicle information and Section 3 with the reason for the replacement, such as if the original was lost, stolen, or mutilated. The applicant must sign the form under penalty of perjury. If there is a lienholder on the vehicle, their signature and a notarized lien satisfied notice may be required to issue a new title without the lien listed.
For corrections, a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form may need to accompany the primary application. This form allows the owner to explain the error and the requested correction in detail. For example, a legal name change would require the REG 227 or REG 156, the REG 256 explaining the reason, and a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate proving the name change.
The Submission Process
Applicants have two primary methods for filing: in person at a DMV field office or by mail. Submitting in person is often faster for immediate processing and allows for on-the-spot correction of any errors on the application. An appointment is recommended to reduce wait times at a physical office location.
Mailing the application is an alternative for those who do not need immediate processing or prefer not to visit a DMV office. The completed forms should be sent to the specific address provided by the DMV for these types of transactions, which can be found on the DMV’s official website.
A fee is required for processing these applications, and applicants should verify the current amount on the DMV website before submitting. For in-person transactions, payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or debit card. For mail-in applications, payment must be made by check or money order payable to the DMV. After submission, processing times can vary, but applicants can expect to receive their new document in the mail within a few weeks.