No, you generally cannot get car tags in California without the vehicle's title. The certificate of title is the primary document the DMV uses to prove ownership, which is required for registration. However, there are specific, limited exceptions to this rule. If you've lost the title, you must apply for a duplicate. If you never received one, you'll need to follow the DMV's prescribed process to establish legal ownership before tags can be issued.
The most common scenario is applying for a duplicate title. You'll need to complete Form REG 227, pay the required fee, and submit it to the DMV. If the vehicle is still under a loan with a lienholder, the lienholder holds the title. In this case, you can register the car with a registration card from the lienholder and other documents.
For situations where obtaining a title is complex, such as with an inherited vehicle or one from a private sale where the seller is unavailable, California offers a bonded title process. This involves purchasing a surety bond for 1.5 times the vehicle's value, which protects the state and any potential true owners from a claim. After three years with no challenges, you can apply for a standard title.
Here are some alternative documents the DMV might accept in lieu of a title, depending on the specific circumstances:
| Acceptable Alternative Documents (Scenario Dependent) | Primary Use Case |
|---|
| Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227) | Replacing a lost or damaged title. |
| Lienholder's Registration Card | Vehicle is still under a financed loan. |
| Certified Copy of Title from Another State | Out-of-state vehicle registration. |
| Bill of Sale (Must be Detailed) | Private party sale (often insufficient alone). |
| Vehicle Verification (Form REG 31) | Verifying VIN when title is missing. |
| Surety Bond Documentation | For the bonded title process. |
| Court Order for Ownership | Resolving ownership disputes legally. |
The best first step is always to contact the DMV directly or visit their website with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to understand which specific path applies to your situation. Attempting to register a vehicle without proper proof of ownership can lead to significant delays and legal complications.
