DMV Form REG 256 at a glance
What it is: REG 256 is the STATE OF CALIFORNIA Department of Motor Vehicles STATEMENT OF FACTS.
Who signs: The applicant signs Section H, APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE, and enters the SIGNATURE DATE.
A filled-in DMV Form REG 256 example: a parent sells a car to a daughter
How to fill out DMV Form REG 256, box by box
License plate or CF number, vehicle or vessel ID number and year or make
Enter the LICENSE PLATE/CF NUMBER, VEHICLE/VESSEL ID NUMBER and YEAR/MAKE.
A. Statement for use tax exemption
This transfer is exempt from use tax because it is a: Family transfer sold between a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, or siblings (if both are minors related by blood or adoption).
Addition or deletion of family member (spouse, domestic partner, parent[s], son/daughter, grandparents, grandchildren). Gift (does not include vehicles traded between individuals, transfer of contracts or other valuable consideration). Court Order Inheritance NOTE: The Use Tax Exemption cannot be claimed if the vehicle/vessel being transferred was purchased from an otherwise qualifying relative who is engaged in the business of selling the same type of vehicle/vessel.
Enter the current market value.
B. Statement for smog exemption, C. Statement for transfer only or title only
The vehicle does not require a smog certification for transfer of ownership because: The last smog certification was obtained within the last 90 days. It is powered by: electricity diesel Other, and enter the Other on the line. It is located outside the State of California. (Exception: Nevada and Mexico) It is being transferred from/between:
The parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, spouse, or domestic partner (as defined in Family Code §297) of the transferee.* A sole proprietorship to the proprietor as owner.* Companies whose principal business is leasing vehicles. There is no change in lessee or operator.* Lessor and lessee of vehicle, and no change in the lessee or operator of the vehicle.* Lessor and person who has been lessee's operator of the vehicle for at least one year.* Individual(s) being added as registered owner(s).* * Does not require smog certification unless Biennial Smog is required. C. STATEMENT FOR TRANSFER ONLY OR TITLE ONLY This vehicle has not been used or parked on a street or highway or off-highway. I am applying for a:
Transfer Only Title Only The vehicle is not currently registered. It has not been driven, moved, towed, or left standing on any California public highway to cause registration fees to become due. It was not transported over any California public highway or operated within California to cause off-highway fees to become due. Appropriate registration will be obtained before the vehicle is operated.
D. Window decal for wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier
Enter your Disabled Person License Plate, or Disabled Veteran License Plate, or Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard number in Section D.
The vehicle to which my Window Decal will be affixed is: enter the LICENSE NUMBER, VEHICLE MAKE and VEHICLE ID NUMBER.
Mail to: enter the NAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE and ZIP.
E. Statement for vehicle body change
STATEMENT FOR VEHICLE BODY CHANGE (OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE REQUIRED)
The current market value of the vehicle or vessel is: enter it.
Enter the cost and the date: Changes were made at a cost of on this date.
This is what I changed: Check all that apply: Unladen Weight changed because: write it in (Public Weighmaster Certificate is required. Exception: Trailers)
Motive Power changed from: enter the old and the new.
Body Type changed from: enter the old and the new.
Number of Axles changed from: enter the old and the new.
F. Name statement
NAME STATEMENT (OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE REQUIRED) Please print
I, and are one and the same person.
My name is misspelled. Please correct it to:
I am changing my name from to
G. Statement of facts
Write the statement of facts after: I, the undersigned, state:
H. Applicant's signature
H. APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: By signing you certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that this form is true and correct.
Enter the printed last name, first name, middle name and daytime phone number.
Common questions about DMV Form REG 256
What is a DMV reg 256 form?
REG 256 is the STATE OF CALIFORNIA Department of Motor Vehicles STATEMENT OF FACTS. On the STATEMENT OF FACTS, complete the appropriate section(s) in full (including vehicle description) and sign Section H.
Where do I file it?
Submit at a DMV office or mail to: DMV PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269[2]
Sources
[1] DMV Form REG 256 (REV. 8/2008), Statement of Facts, California Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).
[2] dmv.ca.gov, submission_method (dmv.ca.gov). Accessed October 20, 2026.
