Reg 166 Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Updated: Nov 2, 2026

The Reg 166 form, governed by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles®, is crucial for acknowledging the satisfaction of a lien against a vehicle or vessel by its legal owner or title holder. This form plays a pivotal role in the release of ownership interest for vehicles, ensuring that the lienholder's claim has been fully settled and ownership can be properly transferred. For vehicles two model years or newer, or those with paperless titles, alternative documentation is required. If you're ready to declare a lien satisfied and transfer ownership legally, click the button below to complete your Reg 166 form effectively.

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Reg 166 Form PDF Details

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a variety of forms to manage the vast array of transactions required by vehicle and vessel owners. Among these forms, the Reg 166, known as the Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release form, serves an essential function in the vehicle ownership lifecycle. This document is specifically designed for individuals or entities that have had a lien on a vehicle or vessel and are now releasing their interest in said property due to the satisfaction of the lien. The form must be notarized to verify the identity of the signatory unless it is being submitted by an insurance company for the purpose of obtaining a Salvage Certificate, in accordance with California Vehicle Code §5752. It is important to note that the Reg 166 form cannot be employed for vehicles with paperless titles or for those vehicles that are two model years or newer; such scenarios require the use of a Certificate of Title to release the legal owner's interest. The form itself is straightforward, requesting detailed information about the vehicle or vessel, registered owner information, and the details of the lienholder releasing ownership. Completing this form is a critical step in ensuring that the records at the DMV accurately reflect the current legal ownership of the vehicle or vessel, further facilitating any future transactions or registrations that may be necessary. Due to the legal implications and the role of this document in the transfer of ownership, understanding its use and requirements is vital for individuals navigating the post-lien landscape.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Reg 166 Form
Form Length	1 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	15 sec
Other names	california reg166, ca reg 166, reg 166, lien satisfied form

How to Fill Out Reg 166

Reg 166 at a glance

What it is: This is the Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release of the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Notary: This form must be notarized unless submitted by an insurance company to obtain a Salvage Certificate (California Vehicle Code §5752).

A filled-in Reg 166 example: a bank agent releases a paid-off car loan

Reg 166 example filled out, example: a bank agent releases a paid-off car loan — Dana Lee, an agent of Sample Bank, fills out the lien release. Sam Q. Sample's loan on a 2012 car is paid off, so the lien is released. The picture shows the filled form, and its names and figures are sample values. The car has no paperless title. Mailing Address is left blank because it matches the business address. A notary completes Section 4 after Dana signs.

How to fill out Reg 166, box by box

Section 1 Vehicle/Vessel Information

In Section 1, Vehicle/Vessel Information, enter the Vehicle License Plate/CF Number, the Make/Builder, the Year Model and the Vehicle/Vessel Identification Number.

Section 2 Registered Owner Information

In Section 2, Registered Owner Information, print the Last Name, First Name and Middle Name as it appears on the Title/Registration or Contract.

Section 3 Lienholder/Title Holder/Legal Owner of Record Release

Section 3 certifies that the lien in the name of the Registered Owner shown above, against the described vehicle/vessel has been fully satisfied and has not been assigned to any other party. The undersigned lienholder (legal owner of record) certifies release of interest in the vehicle/vessel.

Enter the name of the bank, finance company, or individual(s) having a lien on this vehicle.

Business or Residence Address

Enter the business or residence address, the Apt./Space/Ste. No., the city, the state and the zip code.

Mailing Address (if different from above address)

In Section 3, enter the Mailing Address (if different from above address), with the Apt./Space/Ste. No., the city, the state and the zip code.

Signature of Legal Owner

The signature of the legal owner is the company name and the authorized agent's signature.

Enter the date and the daytime telephone number, the printed name of the authorized agent and the title of the authorized agent signing for company.

Common questions about Reg 166

Does it need a notary?

This form must be notarized unless submitted by an insurance company to obtain a Salvage Certificate (California Vehicle Code §5752). In Section 4, Notary Use Only, a notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

When is this form not the right one?

This form cannot be used for a vehicle with paperless title or a vehicle that is two model years or newer. The legal owner interest for a vehicle two model years or newer can only be released using a Certificate of Title.

Sources

[1] Reg 166, Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release, State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).