If you've been told you need to submit CA DMV Form REG 31 — the Verification of Vehicle form — as part of your vehicle registration, here's exactly what it is, who needs it, and how to get it completed quickly.

What Is Form REG 31?

CA DMV Form REG 31 (Verification of Vehicle) is the official form used to document a physical VIN verification in California. When a licensed verifier inspects your vehicle — checking that the Vehicle Identification Number stamped on the car matches the number on the title documents — they complete and sign Form REG 31 as the official record of that inspection.

You then submit the signed form to the California DMV along with your other registration documents. Without it, the DMV cannot process first-time registration for vehicles that require verification.

Who Issues Form REG 31?

The form itself is a California DMV document. The authorized individuals who can fill out and sign it include:

  • CA DMV Licensed Vehicle Verifiers — private professionals licensed by the DMV specifically to perform this inspection
  • California Highway Patrol officers
  • DMV employees at field offices
  • Licensed California automobile dealers (for vehicles they are actively selling)

For vehicle owners — particularly those registering an out-of-state vehicle, clearing a salvage title, or resolving a title discrepancy — the most practical option is typically a CA DMV Licensed Vehicle Verifier who offers mobile service and comes to your vehicle.

What Information Does the Form Capture?

Form REG 31 documents:

  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as found on the vehicle
  • The location(s) where the VIN was observed (dashboard, door jamb, engine block)
  • The vehicle's make, model, year, and color
  • Any discrepancies between the observed VIN and the documents
  • The name, license number, and signature of the verifier
  • The date and location of the inspection

The form is relatively brief — the inspection itself takes 15 to 30 minutes in most cases.

When Is Form REG 31 Required?

The California DMV requires a completed REG 31 in the following situations:

Out-of-state vehicle registration: Any vehicle being registered in California for the first time that was previously registered in another state requires VIN verification. This is the most common scenario — it applies to anyone who has moved to California from another state, or anyone who has purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state seller.

Salvage or rebuilt title: If a vehicle was issued a salvage title (due to theft recovery, flood damage, or a total-loss insurance claim) and has been repaired for return to road use, a VIN verification is required as part of the title-clearing process.

Title discrepancy: If the DMV's records show a mismatch between the VIN on the vehicle and the number on its title — even due to a simple transcription error — a physical inspection may be required to correct the record.

Certain non-resident vehicles: Some situations involving military personnel, seasonal workers, or part-time California residents may also require verification depending on the specifics.

How to Get Form REG 31 Completed

Option 1: Use a Licensed Mobile Verifier (Recommended)

A CA DMV Licensed Vehicle Verifier comes to your location — home, dealership, storage facility, or anywhere the vehicle is parked — and completes the form on-site. This is the fastest and most convenient option for most vehicle owners. Pricing is set by each provider directly — contact the verifier for their current rates. Many can schedule same-day or next-day appointments.

Find a licensed verifier in your area through the California VIN Verifier Directory.

Option 2: DMV Field Office

You can visit a California DMV field office and request the verification from a DMV employee. This is free, but requires an appointment (often days out), requires you to transport the vehicle to the DMV, and depends on office availability and staffing.

Option 3: California Highway Patrol

Some CHP stations will perform VIN verifications. Contact your local station to ask about availability.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

When meeting with a verifier, bring:

  • The current title (or out-of-state registration if you don't have the title yet)
  • Your government-issued photo ID
  • The vehicle itself — the verifier must physically inspect it

The verifier will complete Form REG 31 at the appointment. After that, you submit it to the DMV along with your Application for Title or Registration (REG 343 or similar), proof of insurance, smog certificate if required, and the applicable fees.

Common Questions

Can I download Form REG 31 myself? You can download a blank copy from the DMV website, but it must be completed and signed by an authorized verifier at the time of inspection. It is not a form you fill out yourself.

Can the form be submitted online? No. Form REG 31 is a physical document that must be signed in person at the time of the inspection and submitted in its original form to the DMV.

What if the VIN on my car doesn't match the title? The verifier will note the discrepancy on the form. Depending on the nature of the mismatch, the DMV may require additional documentation, such as a manufacturer's statement of origin or a letter from a prior owner. This is relatively uncommon but does happen with older vehicles or vehicles that have had significant body work.