Register Your Vehicle By Mail Without the Wait
Skip the DMV lines. Complete your California vehicle registration entirely by mail with professional mobile VIN verification service.
Step 1
Schedule mobile VIN verification
Step 2
Assemble your registration packet
Step 3
Mail to DMV & receive plates
Common Transations Requiring a REG 31
Most standard vehicle registrations can be completed by mail. If your transaction requires a REG 31 VIN Verification, Get Vin Verification offers convenient mobile service throughout the Greater Sacramento Area.
Eligible for Mail-In Registration
Common transactions requiring REG 31 VIN Verification:
- ✓ Out-of-State Transfer/Purchase — Moved to California or purchased a vehicle from another state
- ✓ Unavailable Records — Previously registered in California but no longer in the system
Requires DMV/CHP Inspection
These vehicles need California DMV/CHP verification:
- ✕ Vehicle with Salvage or Junk issued certificate
- ✕ Grey Market Vehicles (Imported vehicles)
- ✕ Motorcycles with Engine Swaps
- ✕ Revived Junk Vehicles
Construct Your Registration Packet
Choose your scenario below and follow the steps then check the provided links to the DMV website and make sure you don't require anything else.
Moved to California with Your Vehicle
You relocated to California and brought your vehicle with you. You still own the vehicle and have the out-of-state title or registration.
Application Form (REG 343)
Complete this form to apply for Title or Registration Note: If a vehicle is brought to California within 12 months of purchase, use tax may be due. If you paid sales/use tax to another state, you may receive credit toward California use tax not to exceed the California tax. For information, contact CDTFA at www.cdtfa.ca.gov.
Download PDFVIN Verification (REG 31)
Required for out-of-state vehicles. Get Vin Verification provides convenient mobile service — we come to you!
Book AppointmentOut-of-State Title
Submit your Original Out-of-State Title with your name as owner. If financed, submit your current out-of-state Registration Card.
Smog Certificate
Required for most 1976+ gasoline vehicles. Find a certified smog station using the BAR Locator.
Weight Certificate
Pickups/Commercial Only: If your title or registration doesn't show an "Unladen Weight/Empty/Tare" of 6,000 lbs or less, get a certificate from a public scale.
Title Transfers (Purchase or Unavailable Records)
You purchased a vehicle from out of state OR your California vehicle no longer appears in the DMV database (unavailable records).
Application Form (REG 343)
Complete with purchase price and date the vehicle entered California (or date of purchase for unavailable records). Note: If the title is missing you must complete Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) first, with the buyer and seller/lienholder signatures. (If using a REG 227 you may need verification by DMV unless you have your Registration Card or an RDF from DMV showing Reason #5)
Download PDFVIN Verification (REG 31)
Required for all out-of-state and unavailable records title transfers. Get Vin Verification provides convenient mobile service — we come to you!
Book AppointmentTitle & Bill of Sale
Original Title signed by seller. Include a Bill of Sale with purchase price and date. If financed, submit current Registration Card.
Smog Certificate
Required for most 1976+ gasoline vehicles. Find a certified smog station using the BAR Locator.
Weight Certificate
Pickups/Commercial Only: If your title or registration doesn't show an "Unladen Weight/Empty/Tare" of 6,000 lbs or less, get a certificate from a public scale.
Payment + Use Tax
Check or money order including use tax on purchase price. Use the DMV Fee Calculator.
💻 Official DMV Resources
Visit these DMV pages for complete requirements and detailed instructions. If the information you need is not found at these links please search the DMV website for your situation.
💡 Tip: Review both resources thoroughly before assembling your packet to ensure you have all required documents.
Common Scenarios
Here are some examples of how others have successfully registered their vehicles by mail using a mobile VIN verification service.
preverification. Verify your vehicle before mailing your packet to DMV
The Busy Professional
Mrs. Onclock relocated from Oregon to Sacramento for a new job opportunity. With 8 months remaining on her out-of-state registration, she wasn't rushed — but her 9-to-5 schedule made visiting the Broadway DMV office impossible.
The Solution: She scheduled a lunch-break appointment with Get Vin Verification. We completed the VIN verification in her office parking lot in just 15 minutes. She mailed her packet via FedEx with tracking, and her California plates arrived 6 weeks later — all without missing a single work meeting.
protect your classic car — avoid driving to the DMV
The Classic Car Enthusiast
Mr. Chevy purchased a pristine 1969 Camaro. The car ran beautifully but wasn't yet registered or insured. He was hesitant to drive it to the DMV, worried about potential tickets or parking lot damage to his investment.
The Solution: Mr. Chevy called Get Vin Verification on a Sunday. We came to his garage in that morning, completed the VIN verification on-site, and provided him with the certified REG 31 form. He mailed his paperwork and the car stayed safely covered in his garage until the new plates arrived.
Where to Mail Your Packet
Send your documents directly to DMV Registration Operations in Sacramento for the fastest processing times.
Standard Mail (USPS)
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
FedEx / UPS (Recommended)
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
2415 1st Ave, Mail Station C271
Sacramento, CA 95818
✓ Includes tracking & signature confirmation
Double-check everything before mailing. A missing signature or incorrect fee amount (even by a few dollars) will result in your entire packet being returned, adding weeks to the process. Verify your check matches the DMV Fee Calculator exactly. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Questions? Visit DMV.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133