A physical inspection matching the metal to the paperwork. It is required for a vehicle coming into California from another state, for a rebuilt or specially constructed vehicle, and where a title has been replaced within the last 90 days.
Written against REG 31 (Rev 5/2025), issued under California Vehicle Code 4150 and 4453. The vehicle may still be subject to a separate verification by the California Highway Patrol, and the form says so. A CHP appointment is not same-day in most of the state.
Two documents, and they are not the same thing. Take the blank REG 31 from the dmv.ca.gov copy so you get the revision that is current today.
| On the form | What to put in it |
|---|---|
| Who fills it in | Not you. It says so across the top: NOT TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT. It has to be completed in full by an authorised DMV representative, a California licensed vehicle verifier, an authorised auto club employee, or a peace officer trained to perform verifications - while physically inspecting the complete, assembled vehicle. |
| Licence plates on vehicle | None, dealer, or temporary permit, with plate number, state, expiry, number of axles and motive power. |
| Vehicle identification number | Recorded off the car, with separate boxes for the 8th and 10th VIN characters. |
| Category | Automobile, commercial, permanent trailer ID, trailer coach, motorcycle, off-highway. One box. |
| Sections 1 to 9 | Every numbered section needs at least one box ticked. Anything that does not apply is marked N/A rather than left empty. |
Every line here was read off REG 31 (Rev 5/2025) itself — the PDF is here — and off the California Department of Motor Vehicles pages. This is plain-language help with a form, not legal advice, and where our wording and the agency's differ, theirs governs.
Back to all California seller paperwork, or what selling a car in California involves.