REG 31 Form DMV – California VIN Verification Form PDF
The CA DMV REG 31, officially known as the Verification of Vehicle, is California’s official vehicle verification form. It must be completed by an authorized verifier who physically inspects a vehicle to confirm its VIN, body type, model year, odometer, and emission compliance. Vehicle owners cannot complete the California VIN inspection form themselves. It is exclusively a verifier’s document required to establish or update a California vehicle record.
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Form Number REG 31 |
Revision Date May 2025 |
Completed By Authorized Verifier |
Self-Completion Not Permitted |
What Is the Verification of Vehicle Form?
The REG 31, officially titled Verification of Vehicle, is a California DMV form used to document a physical inspection of a motor vehicle by a qualified and authorized verifier. The purpose of the Reg31 VIN verification is to confirm that the vehicle’s identification number, make, model year, body type, odometer reading, and emission and safety labels are all consistent with the supporting ownership documents presented at the time of inspection.
This California VIN inspection form is most commonly required when a vehicle is being registered in California for the first time and no California DMV record exists. This typically applies to vehicles transferred from another state, nonresident vehicles establishing California residency, or vehicles purchased without a prior California title. It is also used in certain ownership transfer situations and for vehicles that have been flagged as needing a CHP inspection referral.
Any alteration, erasure, cross-out, or missing section on this form, even one that has been initialed, voids the entire document. A fresh inspection and a completely new form must then be completed. All nine numbered sections must have at least one box checked, and non-applicable fields must be marked N/A rather than left blank.
Who Can Complete the CA DMV REG 31?
California law limits who may conduct a vehicle inspection and submit the Ca DMV Form REG 31. The verifier must have been properly trained and must physically inspect the full, assembled vehicle at the time of verification. Remote inspections are not acceptable.
🏛️ Authorized DMV Representative
DMV employees authorized to conduct verifications can complete the form for the broadest range of vehicle types, including those that require CHP referral.
🔎 CA-Licensed Vehicle Verifier (VV)
Private verifiers licensed by California. They may verify nonresident vehicles and vehicles with no CA record that have valid supporting ownership documents and a VIN that appears okay. Certain vehicle types are prohibited.
🚗 Authorized Auto Club Employee
Employees of recognized auto clubs authorized by the DMV to perform vehicle verifications within defined parameters.
👮 Trained Peace Officer
A peace officer who has completed the DMV-required training to perform VIN verifications for vehicle verification purposes.
How the California VIN Inspection Form Is Completed
Each of the nine numbered sections of this form captures a specific aspect of the vehicle inspection. Every section must be completed or marked N/A, and no section may be left blank.
Vehicle Identification & License Plate Information
Before the nine numbered sections, the verifier records the license plate(s) currently on the vehicle (or checks “None” or “Dealer Temporary Permit”), the state and expiration date of those plates, number of axles, and motive power fuel code. The VIN is then entered in full, with the 8th and 10th digits noted separately for check-digit and model year purposes.
VIN Location, Attachment Method, and Type
Section 1 identifies where on the vehicle the VIN plate or label is located (windshield, driver-side body, engine compartment, door frame, etc.). Section 2 records how the VIN is physically attached, whether by rosette rivets, adhesive, screws, stamped, or not visible. Section 3 specifies the type of VIN: metal plate, label, stamped on body, or stamped on frame. All three sections require at least one box to be checked.
VIN / Engine Number Condition and Model Year Determination
Section 4 records whether the VIN and engine number (for motorcycles) appear okay, are altered or tampered, illegible or damaged, missing, cannot be located, were assigned by a field office, or belong to a newly built vehicle with no VIN. Any asterisked condition triggers a CHP referral. Section 5 documents how the verifier determined the model year, most commonly from the 10th digit of the VIN for 1980 and newer vehicles.
US Federal Certification Label
Section 6 addresses the US Federal Certification Label (also called the Safety Label) required on 1970 and newer vehicles, except OHVs. The verifier checks whether the label agrees with the VIN, disagrees, is illegible, tampered, or missing. The label must also indicate what safety standards the vehicle meets. Any discrepancy with the VIN triggers a CHP referral and disqualifies licensed vehicle verifiers from completing the form.
Odometer, Ownership Document, and Emission Label
Section 7 records the odometer mileage exactly as shown, specifying whether the odometer is 5-digit, 6-digit, or digital, and whether the reading is in miles or kilometers. OHVs and low-speed vehicles are exempt. Section 8 requires the verifier to compare the VIN on the vehicle against the VIN on the supporting ownership document such as a title, MSO, or salvage certificate, and to record whether they agree. Section 9 captures what the vehicle’s emission label indicates, including US EPA compliance, California compliance, OHV compliance, or exemption status.
Verifier Certification and Execution
The verifier must sign by hand, as stamped or typed signatures are not accepted. The verifier’s printed name, title, ID or badge number, business address, daytime telephone, and the city and state where the form was executed are all required. A stamped or typed verifier signature voids the entire document. If there is an ID number or engine number discrepancy between the vehicle and the title, the vehicle owner must also sign the Statement of Facts section at the bottom of the form.
Documents You Need for the REG 31
What you need to bring depends on your vehicle’s situation. Here is a complete breakdown.
📄 Certificate of Title or MSO
The primary ownership document for the vehicle. Out-of-state titles must be the original — photocopies are not accepted by the verifier or the DMV.
🪪 Government-Issued Photo ID
Driver’s license, passport, or other valid state or federal photo identification for the registered owner presenting the vehicle for inspection.
📋 Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Submitted to the DMV alongside the completed VIN form to open the California title and registration process for the vehicle.
🚗 The Physical Vehicle — Fully Assembled
The verifier must inspect the actual vehicle in person. Inspections cannot be done remotely, from photos, or from a partially disassembled vehicle.
What Happens After You Submit the REG 31
Getting the REG 31 completed is only one step. Here is the full sequence from inspection to receiving your California title and registration, along with realistic timeframes for each stage.
Vehicle Inspection and REG 31 Completion
An authorized verifier physically inspects the assembled vehicle, completes all nine sections of the form, and signs by hand. The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on vehicle type.
Step 2 — Submit the Completed Form to the California DMV
The vehicle owner submits the completed form together with the REG 343 (Application for Title or Registration), proof of ownership, smog certificate, and applicable fees to a California DMV office or by mail.
Step 3 — DMV Reviews and Processes the Application
The California DMV reviews all submitted documents for completeness, verifies the information, and processes the vehicle into the California system. If anything is missing or inconsistent, they will mail a deficiency notice requesting the missing item.
Step 4 — California Title Issued
Once the DMV approves the application, a California Certificate of Title is issued in the owner’s name and mailed to the address on file. License plates and registration stickers are also mailed separately if the vehicle did not already carry California plates.
Step 5 — Vehicle Legally Registered in California
Once you receive the title and registration documents, the vehicle is fully registered in California. Keep the title in a secure location and the registration card in the vehicle at all times as required by California law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download This Form
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Form Number |
CA REG 31 |
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Issuing Agency |
CA DMV |
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Completed By |
Verifier Only |
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State |
California |
🔎 Check Registration Status
Already submitted your VIN form and paperwork? Use the California DMV’s official online tool to check whether your registration has been processed.
When to check
- 2 to 3 weeks after submitting
- After receiving a deficiency notice
- If your title or plates have not arrived