Fill Out Your Reg 166 Form

What is the Reg 166 form?

The Reg 166 form is used in California to release a lien on a vehicle or vessel. It confirms that the lien on the vehicle has been fully satisfied by the legal owner. This form is essential for transferring ownership or obtaining a salvage certificate.

Who needs to fill out the Reg 166 form?

Typically, the form is filled out by the lienholder or legal owner of a vehicle. If you have paid off your vehicle loan or lien, the financial institution or individual who held the lien must complete this form to clear the ownership record.

Do I need a notary for the Reg 166 form?

Yes, the Reg 166 form must be notarized unless it is being submitted by an insurance company for a salvage certificate. This is necessary to verify the identity of the person who signed the document.

Can I use the Reg 166 form for a vehicle that is two model years old or newer?

No, the Reg 166 form cannot be used for vehicles that are two model years old or newer. For those vehicles, a Certificate of Title must be used to release ownership or legal interest.

What information do I need to provide on the Reg 166 form?

You need to provide details about the vehicle or vessel, such as the license plate number, make, model, year, and VIN. You also need to include information about the registered owner and the lienholder or legal owner of record.

What happens if the lien is not satisfied?

If the lien has not been satisfied, the lienholder cannot sign and complete the Reg 166 form. It is important to ensure that all financial obligations have been paid off before proceeding with this form.

Where do I submit the completed Reg 166 form?

The completed Reg 166 form should be submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with any other required documents to clear the vehicle's title.

Is there a fee associated with filing the Reg 166 form?

There is typically no fee specifically for filing the Reg 166 form alone, but there may be fees associated with other DMV services related to title transfer or registration. It's best to check the DMV’s website for any applicable charges.

What is the purpose of notarization for the Reg 166 form?

Notarization serves to verify the identity of the signer and ensures that they are authorized to release the lien. It adds an extra layer of security and validity to the document.

What should I do if I have more questions about the Reg 166 form?

If you have additional questions, you can contact the California DMV directly or visit their website. They provide resources and assistance for any inquiries regarding vehicle title and ownership issues.

Filling out the Reg 166 form accurately is crucial for ensuring that vehicle ownership can be properly transferred or released. However, many people make common mistakes that may delay this process. One prevalent error is providing incomplete vehicle information. It is essential to include the make, model, and identification number of the vehicle. Failing to fill out any of these sections can result in the form being rejected or processed improperly.

Another mistake often encountered is unclear or incorrect personal details in the registered owner information section. The last name, first name, and middle name must be written exactly as they appear on the title or registration. If there are discrepancies, such as misspelled names or the omission of a middle name, it can complicate the verification process and lead to delays.

People also frequently overlook the necessity of having the form notarized, unless it is being submitted by an insurance company for a Salvage Certificate. Neglecting to obtain a notary's signature means that the document will not be legally valid, and the request will not be processed. This step is often seen as an afterthought but is critical to the form’s acceptance.

Finally, submitting the form without reviewing the section for the authorized agent’s signature can be a significant error. If a company is releasing the lien, the signature of an authorized agent is necessary. Without this signature, the form is incomplete, and ownership transfer remains unrecognized by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The REG 166 form is essential for releasing the lien on a vehicle or vessel in California. Along with this form, several other documents often come into play. Each serves a unique purpose in facilitating the process of ownership transfer or lien satisfaction.

• Certificate of Title: This document proves ownership of the vehicle. It is crucial when a vehicle is two model years old or newer and must be presented for a lien release, as the REG 166 cannot be used for those vehicles.
• Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343): This form is used to apply for a new title or to register a vehicle. It helps ensure that the customer has the proper documentation for ownership and registration.
• Bill of Sale: A bill of sale outlines the transaction terms when a vehicle is sold. It includes details about the buyer, seller, and vehicle, providing proof of the sale and transfer of ownership.
• Power of Attorney (Form REG 260): In situations where the legal owner cannot be present to sign documents, a power of attorney grants authority to another person to act on their behalf in matters related to the vehicle.
• Notarized Affidavit of Lien Satisfaction: While the REG 166 includes a notary section, a separate notarized affidavit may be necessary in some cases to further confirm that a lien has been satisfied and provide additional legal backing.

Using the REG 166 form and these accompanying documents together helps streamline the process of vehicle ownership transfer and lien release. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that all legal requirements are met, making the transition as smooth as possible for all parties involved.

• Certificate of Title: Similar to the Reg 166 form, a Certificate of Title serves as proof of vehicle ownership. It records both the vehicle's legal owner and any liens against it, providing a comprehensive history of ownership and financial interests.
• Notice of Lien Release: This document is used to formally notify relevant parties that a lien on a vehicle has been released. Like the Reg 166 form, it must be completed by the lienholder, ensuring that there are no outstanding claims against the vehicle.
• DMV Lien Satisfied Notification: This notification serves a similar purpose to the Reg 166 form. It informs the DMV that a lien has been paid off and that the legal ownership interest has changed, allowing the owner to transfer the title without one encumbering lien.
• Title Application/Transfer Form: This form is used when applying for or transferring the title of a vehicle. It requires information about the vehicle and the owners, paralleling the Reg 166 form's structure, which also identifies involved parties and the vehicle details.
• Sales Agreement for a Vehicle: A sales agreement outlines the terms of buying or selling a vehicle, detailing both the buyer's and seller's information. Similar to the Reg 166 form, it captures essential identifiers and ensures that the transaction is clear and agreed upon by both parties.

When filling out the Reg 166 form, here are some important do's and don'ts:

• Always provide accurate information in all sections.
• Ensure the form is notarized, unless you are an insurance company submitting for a Salvage Certificate.
• Double-check the vehicle identification number (VIN) for correctness.
• Include your daytime telephone number for contact purposes.

• Do not use this form for vehicles that have a paperless title.
• Avoid leaving any sections blank; complete all necessary fields.
• Don’t forget to sign the form where indicated.
• Ensure it is not used for a vehicle that is two model years or newer without a Certificate of Title.

Misconceptions about the Reg 166 form can lead to confusion and delays in processing. Here’s a look at some common misunderstandings and the truth behind them:

• Notarization is optional. Many believe notarization isn't necessary for the Reg 166 form. In fact, it must be notarized unless an insurance company submits it to obtain a Salvage Certificate.
• The form applies to all vehicles. Some think the Reg 166 form can be used for any vehicle. However, it cannot be used for vehicles with paperless titles or those that are two model years or newer.
• One form is sufficient for multiple vehicles. People might assume that one Reg 166 form covers multiple vehicles. Each vehicle requires its own separate form for processing.
• The registered owner must sign only once. It's a common misconception that the registered owner only needs to sign once. The form must also include the signature of the legal owner or lienholder releasing their interest.
• Any notary can complete the form. Some individuals believe that any notary can certify the Reg 166 form. While it can be notarized by any qualified notary public, they must adhere to the specific purposes outlined in the document.
• It’s only for sale transactions. Many think this form is only needed for sales. However, it is also used for lien satisfaction and transferring ownership without a sale.
• This form guarantees ownership transfer. There’s a misconception that filing the Reg 166 form automatically transfers ownership. It does not guarantee transfer; other requirements must also be fulfilled.
• It’s a local document. Some people believe the Reg 166 form is a local document. In reality, it is a state-level requirement regulated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Filling it out is straightforward with no pitfalls. Finally, many think that filling out the form is easy and has no pitfalls. Mistakes or omissions can lead to rejection, so careful attention to detail is essential.

Understanding these misconceptions helps ensure a smoother process when dealing with vehicle ownership and liens in California.

When filling out and using the Reg 166 form, consider the following key takeaways:

• Notarization Requirement: This form must be notarized unless it is being submitted by an insurance company to obtain a Salvage Certificate.
• Eligibility Limitations: The Reg 166 form cannot be used for vehicles with paperless titles or vehicles that are two model years or newer.
• Correct Ownership Information: Ensure that the registered owner's name is printed exactly as it appears on the Title, Registration, or Contract.
• Full Satisfaction of Lien: The form certifies that the lien on the vehicle has been fully satisfied and has not been assigned to another party.
• Signature of Legal Owner: An authorized representative must sign the form, along with providing their title and contact information.
• Separate Notary Section: The notary public only verifies the identity of the signer; they do not validate the accuracy of the information contained within the form.
• Form Submission: Ensure that you submit the completed form to the appropriate department or agency as required for processing.