Fillable Form Reg 343 Application for Title or Registration

What is Form Reg-343?

Form Reg-343, Application for Title or Registration, is a standardized form used to apply for a vehicle title, registration, or both. This form is typically required during vehicle purchases, transfers of ownership, or updates to existing title and registration information. It ensures that the vehicle’s legal ownership and registration details are properly documented in compliance with state and local regulations.

Form Reg-343 serves as a comprehensive registration form that caters to various situations, allowing individuals to apply for a vehicle title, registration, or both. In addition to its primary purpose, this form also serves as a duplicate title form when needed. To complete the application process successfully, certain documents and requirements may be necessary, such as a valid smog certificate if applicable.

It's important to note that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides options for registration online, streamlining the process for added convenience. Once the completed application and supporting documents are submitted, the suggested clip end is for the DMV to process the request and issue the appropriate title or registration documentation. Whether you're a new car owner in need of a California application or an existing vehicle owner seeking to re-register, Form Reg-343 and other associated forms are essential tools to ensure that your vehicle's legal status is updated accurately and efficiently.

Remember to provide complete and accurate information, including your current address, to avoid any delays or complications. The California DMV is committed to assisting you throughout the registration process, ensuring a seamless experience for both new and existing vehicle owners.

How do I fill out Form Reg-343?

A fillable template for the Reg-343 form can be accessed through this link.

Section 1 - Vehicle Information

Vehicle Identification Number

Enter the vehicle’s ID number.

Vehicle Make

Enter the make of the vehicle.

Year Model

Enter the year model of the vehicle.

Fuel Type

Enter the type of fuel the vehicle uses.

California License Plate Number

Enter the California license plate number of the vehicle.

Model or Series

Enter the model or series of the vehicle.

Body Type Model

Enter the model of the vehicle’s body type.

Type of Vehicle

Check the appropriate box that indicates what type of vehicle you are registering. You may choose from the following:

• Auto
• Commercial (this includes trucks and pickups)
• Motorcycle
• Off Highway
• Trailer Coach

Motorcycle Engine Number

If you are registering a motorcycle, enter its engine number.

For Trailer Coaches Only - Dimensions

Enter the Length and Width of the trailer coach in inches.

Vehicle use for Transportation of Persons for Hire, Compensation or Profit

Check “Yes” if the vehicle will be used for transporting persons for hire, compensation or profit (such as in the case of a limousine, bus, taxi, and etc.). Otherwise, check “No”.

Commercial Vehicle Weight

If the vehicle is a commercial vehicle that operates at 10,001 Ibs. or more, is a pickup exceeding 8,001 Ibs unladen, or has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating equal to or more than 11,499 Ibs, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.

If you checked Yes for either of the boxes, you must fulfill some extra requirements as outlined in the California DMV website.

Commercial Vehicles Only - Axles and Unladen Weight

Enter the number of Axles and the weight of the vehicle when unladen. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the weight you enter is the actual weight or an estimated one (for vehicles over 10,001 Ibs).

Section 2 - Owner Information

Note that, once registered, co-owners of the vehicle joined by “AND” will require the signature of each owner, and co-owners joined by “OR” only require the signature of one owner.

Full Name of Owner (Last, First Middle, Suffix), Business Name, or Lessor

Enter the full legal name of the vehicle’s owner.

Owner, Business, or Lessor Driver License/ID Card Number and State

Enter the vehicle owner’s driver license or ID card number and the state they live in.

Co-owner information

Check only one of the boxes labeled “AND” or “OR” for each co-owner.

Enter the co-owners’ full legal name, driver license or ID card number, and the state they live in.

Physical Residence or Business Address

Enter the following address information of the owner in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• Apartment Number, Space, or Street Number
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

County of Residence or County where Vehicle or Vessel is Principally Garaged

Enter the county that the owner(s) reside in, or otherwise where the vehicle is garaged.

Equipment Number (Optional)

Enter the equipment number here, if the vehicle was part of a fleet.

Mailing Address

If the mailing address of the owner is different from their physical residence or business address, enter their mailing address here by providing the following information in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• Apartment Number, Space, or Street Number
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

Lessee Address

If the Lessee’s address is different from the above address(es), enter their main address by providing the following information in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• Apartment Number, Space, or Street Number
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

Trailer Coach Address

If the vehicle is a trailer coach, enter its address here if it is different from the physical address written above. Provide the following information in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

Section 3 - Legal Owner (Lien Holder/Title Holder)

For Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) holders, the ELT name and address and ELT number must be entered exactly as shown in the ELT listing.

If there is no lien or title holder, simply write None and skip this section.

Name of Individual or Bank/Finance Company

Enter the full legal name of the vehicle’s lien or title owner.

Electronic Lienholder ID Number

Enter the lienholder’s Electronic Lienholder ID number.

Physical Residence

Enter the following address information of the lienholder in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• Apartment Number, Space, or Street Number
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

Mailing Address

If the mailing address of the lienholder is different from their physical residence or business address, enter their mailing address here by providing the following information in the spaces provided:

• Street, Avenue, etc.
• Apartment Number, Space, or Street Number
• City
• State
• ZIP Code

Section 4 - Odometer Reading

Check the relevant box to indicate if the odometer reading given was taken upon the date of purchase in california or as of the current date. Then, enter the odometer reading of the vehicle. Check the box provided if the reading is in kilometers.

Warning - Odometer Discrepancy

Check the relevant box to indicate how the odometer reading is not accurate. Then explain the reason for why the reading provided is inaccurate.

Vehicle Information

Enter the following information about the vehicle.

• Vehicle Identification Number
• Vehicle Make
• Year Model

Section 5 - Date Information

For each of the following, enter the relevant date. Read the instructions for each item and mark the relevant boxes as necessary.

• Date Vehicle Entered or Will Enter California
  • Mark the box provided if you did not own the vehicle at the time of entry
• Date Vehicle First Operated in California
  • You may also enter the date that the vehicle will be operated, if it hasn’t been.
• Date You Went to Work in California, Obtained a CA Driver License, or Became a Resident
  • Enter the date of whichever of the three happened first. If you have been a resident since birth, then enter your birth date. If you are not a resident of California, mark the box provided.
• Date Vehicle Was Purchased or Acquired
  • Was
    • New
    • Used
  • Purchased
    • Inside CA
    • Outside CA

Section 6 - Cost Information

Mark only one of the following, then enter the price asked for.

• Purchase
• Gift
• Trade

Vehicle Purchased or Acquired From

Mark the relevant box to indicate where you purchased or acquired the vehicle from.

• Dealer
• Private Party
• Dismantler
• Immediate Family Member (State your relationship)

For All Vehicles

Mark Yes or No to indicate if you made any alterations of any kind to the vehicle after purchase.

For Revived Junk or Revived Salvage Vehicles

Enter the total cost of the vehicle including labor.

Section 7 - For Out-Of-State or Out-Of-Country Vehicles

Sales Tax to Another State

Check “Yes” if the vehicle entered CA within one year of purchase and sales tax was paid to another state. If no sales tax was paid, check “No”. If none of this applies, check “N/A”.

If “Yes” was checked, enter the amount of tax paid.

Commercial Vehicle Registration

Check the appropriate box that indicates what the commercial vehicle was registered as at the last state of registration. You may choose between:

• Commercial Vehicle
• Non-commercial Automobile

Disposition of Out-of-State Plates

Check the appropriate box corresponding to the disposition of the vehicle’s out-of-state plates. You may choose from the following:

• Expired or will be or were
• Surrendered to CA DMV
• Destroyed
• Retained
• Returned to the Motor Vehicle Department of the state of issuance

Section 8 - Military Service Information

Military Service

If you or your spouse are on active duty as a member of the US Uniformed Services, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.

If you checked yes, you may qualify for an exemption. Refer to the Nonresident Military (NRM) Vehicle License Fee Exemption (REG 5045) form.

Military Service Status at the Time Vehicle was Last Licensed

If you or your spouse was on active duty as a member of the US Uniformed Services when the vehicle was last licensed, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.

If you checked yes, enter the country that you or your spouse was stationed in the space provided.

Section 9 - Certifications

Have the owner and each of the co-owners (if any) enter the following in the spaces provided:

• Printed Name
• Owner or Co-owner’s Signature
• Date signed
• Daytime Telephone Number

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents are usually required with the form?
A bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, and any lienholder documents.

How is the odometer reading used on Form Reg-343?
It verifies the vehicle's mileage at the time of ownership transfer, helping to prevent fraud.

Does the form require notarization?
In many cases, yes, especially for ownership transfers or lienholder updates.

Is proof of insurance mandatory when submitting the form?
Yes, valid proof of insurance is required to complete the registration process.

Can I use the form for motorcycles or recreational vehicles?
Yes, it applies to all types of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, RVs, and trailers.

What fees are associated with Form Reg-343?
Fees depend on the transaction, such as title issuance, registration, or lienholder updates.

Can Form Reg-343 be submitted electronically?
No, it typically must be completed on paper and submitted physically or mailed.

What happens if information on the form is incorrect?
Incorrect information can delay processing or result in rejection, requiring resubmission.

Can I transfer an existing license plate to a new vehicle with this form?
Yes, it includes a section for transferring plates.

Does the form include space for lienholder information?
Yes, it provides sections to list lienholders or update lienholder details.

Can the form be used to apply for a duplicate title?
No, duplicate title requests usually require a separate application form.

What is the purpose of including the VIN on the form?
The VIN uniquely identifies the vehicle and is essential for record-keeping.

How long does it take for Form Reg-343 to be processed?
Processing times vary but can range from a few days to several weeks depending on submission method and volume.

Can Form Reg-343 be used for leased vehicles?
Yes, but additional details about the leasing company or lessor may be required.

Can someone else complete the form on my behalf?
Only authorized representatives can complete the form for someone else, with proper documentation.

Can the form be used for vehicles purchased out of state?
Yes, it is often required to title and register out-of-state vehicles.