REG 343 Form PDF – California Application for Title or Registration
The REG 343 is the primary California DMV form for applying for an original vehicle title and registration. If you have purchased a new car, brought a vehicle into California from another state, or need to establish a California title for the first time, this is the form you will need to complete and submit to the CA DMV.
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Form Number REG 343 |
Revision Date Dec 2022 |
Submission In-Person / Mail |
Online Filing Not Available |
What Is the REG 343 Form?
The REG 343, officially titled the Application for Title or Registration, is a two-page document issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It is the foundational form for establishing a vehicle’s California title and registration record with the state. When the CA DMV processes a completed application, it creates the legal record showing who owns the vehicle, where it is registered, and whether any lienholder holds a financial interest in it.
Most people encounter the form in one of three situations: they have bought a brand-new vehicle and the dealer did not handle the paperwork; they have moved to California and need to register an out-of-state vehicle; or they have purchased a used vehicle and need to transfer ownership into their name while establishing a California title at the same time. In all of these cases, this REG 343 CA DMV form is the starting point for the entire registration process.
The Application for Title or Registration form covers nine distinct sections across two pages. The front page captures vehicle information, owner details, lienholder information, and the odometer reading. The back page handles date information, cost and acquisition details, out-of-state vehicle specifics, military service status, and finally the owner certifications and signatures. Every section must be completed accurately. The DMV will return incomplete or inconsistent forms, which adds weeks to the process.
When Do You Need to File This Form?
You need to complete and submit the DMV REG343 any time you are establishing a new California title or registering a vehicle that has not previously been titled in the state. The most common situations are listed below.
Newly Purchased Vehicle from a Dealer
Most California dealerships handle title and registration paperwork on behalf of the buyer. If you purchased from a dealer who did not process the paperwork, you will need to submit the form yourself within the required timeframe.
Out-of-state vehicle registration
If you move to California or purchase a vehicle registered in another state, you are required to register it here, typically within 20 days of becoming a California resident or bringing the vehicle into the state.
Private party purchase of a used vehicle
When you buy a used car from a private seller and the existing title needs to be transferred into your name simultaneously with establishing a California registration, you need this form along with the signed-over title.
New vehicles purchased outside California:
If you bought a new vehicle in another state and are now registering it in California, you will need to complete this form along with the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Documents and Information You Will Need
Gathering everything before you start will save you multiple trips to the DMV. The specific documents required vary depending on your situation. Required items are marked with a red left border; conditionally required items depend on your specific circumstances. If you have questions, the CA DMV reg 343 instructions on the back of the form provide additional guidance.
📋 Proof of Ownership
Original signed vehicle title, or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO/MSO) for new vehicles. The title must be signed over to you by the seller.
🪪 Driver License or ID
Your California driver license number or state ID number is required in Section 2. All registered owners listed must provide their DL/ID number.
🛡️ Proof of Insurance
Original signed vehicle title, or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO/MSO) for new vehicles. The title must be signed over to you by the seller.
💳 Payment for Fees
Registration fees, title fees, and any applicable use tax must be paid at time of submission. Fee amounts vary based on vehicle value, weight, and county.
🔍 Smog Certificate
Required for most gasoline-powered vehicles four years old or older. Exempt: electric vehicles, diesel vehicles under 14,001 lbs. manufactured before 1998, and vehicles under four years old.
📬 Proof of Ownership (Address Change Only)
If your address has changed since your last DMV record, bring the original or a copy of your registration card or registration renewal notice to prove ownership when applying in person.
🚓 CHP Vehicle Verification (Recent Replacement)
If your title was already replaced within the last 90 days, a California Highway Patrol VIN verification is required before the DMV will process another one. Not a common situation, but worth knowing.
🔢 VIN Verification (REG 31 or CHP 97)
Required for out-of-state vehicles and vehicles that have never been registered in California. A licensed VIN verifier or law enforcement officer must inspect and verify the VIN.
📋 Statement of Facts (REG 256)
Required if you acquired the vehicle as a gift, if there is a name discrepancy between forms, or if you are claiming a use tax exemption.
⚖️ Weight Certificate (REG 4008)
Required if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle operating at 10,001 lbs. or more, or a pickup exceeding 8,001 lbs. unladen.
How to Complete the REG 343 Form
The REG343 contains two pages and nine numbered sections. Print legibly in blue or black ink throughout. The CA DMV will return forms that are illegible or altered with correction fluid. Work through each section in order and do not skip any fields.
Vehicle Information
Enter the VIN, make, year, model, fuel type, body type, and check the vehicle type box. Double-check the VIN character by character. A single wrong digit will cause the form to be rejected.
Owner Information
Enter every registered owner’s full legal name (Last, First, Middle), driver license number, and physical address. If listing two co-owners, choose “AND” (both must sign future transfers) or “OR” (either can sign alone).
Legal Owner / Lienholder
Enter your lender’s full name and address if you financed the vehicle. If you own it outright, write “None”. Never leave this field blank or the application will be returned.
Odometer Reading
Record the mileage at time of purchase, or today’s reading if there is no ownership change. Enter whole miles only. If the odometer is broken or has rolled over, check the warning box and provide an explanation.
Date Information
Fill in four dates: when the vehicle entered California, when it was first driven here, when you became a CA resident, and when you purchased it. Also check New or Used, and Inside CA or Outside CA, as these affect your tax calculation and fees.
Cost Information
Check exactly one box (Purchase, Gift, or Trade) and enter the vehicle’s value in U.S. dollars, including trade-in value and permanently attached accessories. If the vehicle was gifted, also complete REG 256.
Out-of-State Vehicles
Skip this section if the vehicle has always been registered in California. If you paid sales tax to another state on a recent purchase, enter that amount for a California use tax credit. Indicate what you will do with your out-of-state plates.
Military Service
Answer Yes or No to both questions. If you or your spouse are currently on active duty in the U.S. Uniformed Services, you may qualify for a Vehicle License Fee exemption. Complete REG 5045 to claim it.
Certifications & Signatures
Every registered owner listed in Section 2 must sign, print their name, and add the date. Businesses must include both the company name and an authorized representative’s countersignature. Sign in blue or black ink only.
How and Where to Submit REG 343 Form
Once you have completed both pages and gathered all supporting documents, you are ready to file. Unlike many DMV transactions that can be handled online, registering a vehicle through the form REG 343 California process requires either an in-person visit or a mail-in submission. There is no online submission option for original title and registration applications.
In-person at a CA DMV field office
The fastest option. Bring your completed application, all supporting documents, and payment to any of California’s 170+ DMV field offices. Appointments are strongly recommended at dmv.ca.gov, as walk-in wait times at busy offices can exceed two hours.
By mail
Mail the completed form with all required documents and a check or money order to your local CA DMV field office. Mail submissions typically take three to six weeks to process. Any errors or missing documents will result in the form being returned, adding further delays.
Through a Licensed Registration Service
Licensed California vehicle dealers are authorized to process registration applications on behalf of buyers. Some independent vehicle registration services are also licensed. These can save you a trip to the DMV office, though service fees may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download This Form
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Source |
Official CA DMV |
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Format |
PDF (2 pages) |
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Revision |
December 2022 |
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Cost |
Free |
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Language |
English |
Form Details
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Form Number |
CA REG 343 |
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Issuing Agency |
CA DMV |
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State |
California |
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Sections |
9 |
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Signatures Req. |
Yes (all owners) |
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Online Submit |
No |
Other CA DMV Forms
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REG 262 – Transfer Form |
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SR 1 – Accident Report |
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REG 135 – Bill of Sale |
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DL 44 – Driver License App |