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The DMV Reg 256 form serves as a critical document for individuals navigating the complexities of vehicle ownership transfers in California. This form encompasses various statements that allow for the declaration of facts necessary for processing transfers, exemptions, and changes related to vehicles and vessels. Notably, it includes sections for use tax exemptions, which can apply in situations such as family transfers or gifts. Additionally, the form addresses smog certification exemptions, detailing circumstances under which a vehicle may be transferred without the need for a smog check. For those seeking to transfer ownership or obtain a title only, specific declarations regarding the vehicle's usage and registration status must be made. The form also accommodates requests for window decals for wheelchair lifts or carriers, ensuring accessibility for disabled individuals. Furthermore, it provides a section for reporting any changes made to the vehicle's body or name corrections, all of which require careful completion to ensure compliance with California regulations. By thoroughly understanding the components of the DMV Reg 256 form, individuals can facilitate smoother transactions and uphold the legal requirements associated with vehicle ownership in the state.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DMV Reg 256 form, follow these guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance.

  • Do complete all required sections fully, including vehicle description.
  • Do sign Section H to certify the information provided is correct.
  • Do check the appropriate boxes for tax exemptions that apply to your situation.
  • Do provide accurate market value for the vehicle or vessel when required.
  • Don't leave any sections blank that are necessary for your specific claim.
  • Don't submit the form without verifying that all information is correct.
  • Don't forget to include your contact information for any follow-up.
  • Don't attempt to claim exemptions that do not apply to your transfer.

Document Attributes

Fact Name Details
Purpose The DMV Reg 256 form is used to declare facts related to vehicle transfers, including use tax exemptions and smog exemptions.
Use Tax Exemption Transfers may qualify for a use tax exemption if they involve family members, gifts, court orders, or inheritances, among other criteria.
Smog Certification Vehicles may be exempt from smog certification if certain conditions are met, such as being powered by electricity or being transferred between family members.
Transfer Only Option The form allows for a transfer only or title only application for vehicles that have not been registered or operated on California public highways.
Governing Law The use of this form is governed by California Vehicle Code and Family Code §297, which outlines the conditions for exemptions.

Key takeaways

  • Complete the appropriate sections: Make sure to fill out all relevant parts of the DMV Reg 256 form, including vehicle details and the specific statements that apply to your situation.
  • Use Tax Exemption: If applicable, select the reason for your use tax exemption, such as family transfer or gift. Note that vehicles purchased from qualifying relatives in the business of selling are not eligible.
  • Smog Certification: Check if your vehicle is exempt from smog certification based on criteria like the last certification date or the vehicle's power source.
  • Transfer Only or Title Only: If your vehicle has not been used or registered, indicate whether you are applying for a transfer only or title only.
  • Window Decal: If you need a window decal for a wheelchair lift or carrier, provide the relevant license plate or placard number.
  • Vehicle Body Change: If you've made changes to the vehicle, document the current market value and costs associated with those changes.
  • Signature Requirement: Don’t forget to sign Section H of the form. Your signature certifies that the information provided is true and correct.

Example - Dmv Reg 256 Form

_STATE.,,OF.CALIFORNIA,,..,

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Department of Motor Vehicles

STATEMENT OF FACTS

Complete the appropriate section(s) in full (including vehicle description) and sign Section H.

LICENSE PLATE/CF NUMBER

VEHICLE/VESSEL ID NUMBER

YEAR/MAKE

 

 

 

A. STATEMENT FOR USE TAX EXEMPTION

 

This transfer is exempt from use tax because it is a:

 

Family transfer sold between a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, or siblings (if both are minors related by blood or adoption).

Addition or deletion of family member (spouse, domestic partner, parent[s], son/daughter, grandparents, grandchildren). Gift (does not include vehicles traded between individuals, transfer of contracts or other valuable consideration).

Court Order

Inheritance

NOTE: The Use Tax Exemption cannot be claimed if the vehicle/vessel being transferred was purchased from an otherwise qualifying relative who is engaged in the business of selling the same type of vehicle/vessel.

The current market value is: $________________ .

B. STATEMENT FOR SMOG EXEMPTION

The vehicle does not require a smog certification for transfer of ownership because:

The last smog certification was obtained within the last 90 days.

It is powered by:

electricity

diesel

Other ___________________________.

It is located outside the State of California. (Exception: Nevada and Mexico)

It is being transferred from/between:

 

 

 

The parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, spouse, or domestic partner (as defined in

 

 

Family Code §297) of the transferee.*

 

 

A sole proprietorship to the proprietor as owner.*

 

Companies whose principal business is leasing vehicles. There is no change in lessee or operator.*

 

Lessor and lessee of vehicle, and no change in the lessee or operator of the vehicle.*

 

Lessor and person who has been lessee’s operator of the vehicle for at least one year.*

Individual(s) being added as registered owner(s).*

*Does not require smog certification unless Biennial Smog is required.

C. STATEMENT FOR TRANSFER ONLY OR TITLE ONLY

This vehicle has not been used or parked on a street or highway or off-highway. I am applying for a:

Transfer Only

Title Only

The vehicle is not currently registered. It has not been driven, moved, towed, or left standing on any California public highway to cause registration fees to become due. It was not transported over any California public highway or operated within California to cause off-highway fees to become due. Appropriate registration will be obtained before the vehicle is operated.

D. WINDOW DECAL FOR WHEELCHAIR LIFT OR WHEELCHAIR CARRIER

Enter your Disabled Person License Plate, or Disabled Veteran License Plate, or Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard number below:

DISABLED PERSON PLATE

DISABLED VETERAN PLATE

PERMANENT DISABLED PERSON PLACARD

The vehicle to which my Window Decal will be affixed is:

LICENSE NUMBER

VEHICLE MAKE

VEHICLE ID NUMBER

Mail to:

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

REG 256 (REV. 8/2008) WWW

 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS

Complete the appropriate section(s) in full (including vehicle description) and sign Section H.

LICENSE PLATE/CF NUMBER

VEHICLE/VESSEL ID NUMBER

YEAR/MAKE

 

 

 

E. STATEMENT FOR VEHICLE BODY CHANGE (OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE REQUIRED)

The current market value of the vehicle or vessel is: $________________ .

 

Changes were made at a cost of $________________ on this date ________________ .

 

This is what I changed: Check all that apply:

 

Unladen Weight changed because __________________ (Public Weighmaster Certificate is required. Exception: Trailers)

Motive Power changed from ________________ to ________________ .

Body Type changed from ________________ to ________________ .

Number of Axles changed from ________________ to________________ .

F.

NAME STATEMENT (OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE REQUIRED)

Please print

I, _______________________________ and _______________________________ are one and the same person.

My name is misspelled. Please correct it to: _________________________________________________________

I am changing my name from _____________________________ to ___________________________________

G. STATEMENT OF FACTS

I, the undersigned, state:

H. APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

PRINTED LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

MIDDLE NAME

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER

( )

SIGNATURE

DATE

X

REG 256 (REV. 8/2008) WWW

Detailed Instructions for Writing Dmv Reg 256

Filling out the DMV Reg 256 form requires attention to detail and accuracy. This form is used for various statements related to vehicle transfers. After completing the form, you will submit it to the DMV for processing. Make sure to have all necessary information ready before you begin.

  1. Start by entering the license plate or CF number and the vehicle or vessel ID number in the designated fields.
  2. Fill in the year and make of the vehicle.
  3. Choose the appropriate section based on your situation:
    • For the Use Tax Exemption, check the applicable box and provide the current market value.
    • For the Smog Exemption, select the reason why the vehicle does not require smog certification.
    • If applying for Transfer Only or Title Only, indicate your choice and confirm the vehicle's usage status.
    • For the Window Decal, enter the relevant license plate or placard number and vehicle details.
    • For Vehicle Body Change, provide the current market value, cost of changes, and details of the changes made.
    • For the Name Statement, print your name and any corrections or changes needed.
  4. In the Statement of Facts section, provide any additional information as required.
  5. Finally, sign in Section H, print your name, and include your daytime phone number.

Documents used along the form

The DMV Reg 256 form is often accompanied by several other documents that facilitate vehicle registration and ownership transfer processes. Below is a list of common forms and documents that may be required or used alongside the DMV Reg 256 form.

  • Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343): This form is used to apply for a new title or registration for a vehicle. It includes details about the vehicle, the owner, and any lienholders.
  • Bill of Sale: A bill of sale serves as a receipt for the sale of a vehicle. It includes the purchase price, date of sale, and signatures of both the buyer and seller.
  • Statement of Facts (Form REG 256): This form is utilized to provide additional information regarding the vehicle's ownership, including exemptions for use tax or smog certification.
  • Smog Certification: This document certifies that a vehicle meets California's emissions standards. It is typically required for vehicles over a certain age unless exempt.
  • Proof of Insurance: Evidence of valid insurance coverage is required for vehicle registration. This document must show the policyholder's name, vehicle details, and coverage dates.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: This form is necessary for most vehicle transfers to document the mileage on the vehicle at the time of sale, helping to prevent odometer fraud.
  • Quitclaim Deed Form: This legal document is essential when transferring ownership of real property in Texas. For more information and a free template, visit Texas Forms Online.
  • Power of Attorney (Form REG 260): This document allows an individual to authorize another person to act on their behalf in vehicle transactions, such as registration or title transfers.
  • Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (Form REG 262): This form is used for transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel when the title is not available. It includes sections for odometer disclosure and buyer/seller information.
  • Affidavit of Non-Operation (Form REG 102): This affidavit is used when a vehicle has not been operated for a specific period, allowing the owner to avoid registration fees.

Each of these documents plays a critical role in ensuring that vehicle ownership transfers are conducted legally and efficiently. It is essential to gather all necessary paperwork to avoid delays in the registration process.