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The DMV Reg 256 form is an essential document for California residents involved in the transfer of vehicle ownership. This form serves multiple purposes, allowing individuals to claim exemptions from use tax and smog certification, as well as facilitating title transfers and changes in vehicle specifications. It contains several sections that need to be completed accurately, including vehicle identification details and the current market value. For those transferring vehicles between family members or as gifts, the form provides specific options to declare these exemptions. Additionally, if a vehicle has undergone body changes or if there is a need to correct a name, appropriate statements must be filled out. The form also includes a section for individuals with disabilities to apply for a window decal for wheelchair lifts or carriers. Completing the DMV Reg 256 form correctly is crucial, as it helps ensure a smooth and compliant transfer process while adhering to California's motor vehicle regulations.
Common mistakes
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Incomplete Vehicle Description: Failing to provide a complete vehicle description can lead to delays. Ensure you fill in all relevant fields, including the vehicle make, model, and identification number.
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Incorrect Use Tax Exemption Selection: Selecting the wrong exemption category can result in processing issues. Carefully read the options and choose the one that accurately reflects your situation.
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Missing Signatures: Not signing Section H is a common oversight. Your signature is essential to validate the form, so double-check that you have signed before submission.
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Neglecting to Provide Current Market Value: Leaving the market value field blank can lead to complications. Always include the current market value of the vehicle or vessel as required.
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Key takeaways
Filling out the DMV Reg 256 form correctly is essential for a smooth vehicle transfer process. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Complete All Sections: Make sure to fill out the appropriate sections in full. This includes providing a detailed vehicle description and signing Section H.
- Use Tax Exemption: If applicable, indicate the reason for the use tax exemption. This could be due to family transfers, gifts, or court orders, among others.
- Smog Certification: Check if your vehicle is exempt from smog certification based on specific criteria, such as recent certification or the type of fuel used.
- Transfer Only or Title Only: If you are applying for a transfer only or title only, ensure that you confirm the vehicle has not been used or parked on California public highways.
- Window Decal Information: If you need a window decal for a wheelchair lift or carrier, include the necessary license plate or placard number in the designated section.
- Name Corrections: If your name is misspelled or you are changing your name, provide the correct information in the Name Statement section.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your DMV Reg 256 form is completed accurately and efficiently, allowing for a successful vehicle transfer.
Dmv Reg 256 Example
_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 |
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A. STATEMENT FOR USE TAX EXEMPTION |
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This transfer is exempt from use tax because it is a: |
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Family transfer sold between a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, or siblings (if both are minors related by blood or adoption).
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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:
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The last smog certification was obtained within the last 90 days. |
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It is powered by: |
□ electricity |
□ diesel |
□ Other ___________________________. |
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It is located outside the State of California. (Exception: Nevada and Mexico) |
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It is being transferred from/between: |
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The parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, spouse, or domestic partner (as defined in |
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Family Code §297) of the transferee.* |
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A sole proprietorship to the proprietor as owner.* |
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Companies whose principal business is leasing vehicles. There is no change in lessee or operator.* |
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Lessor and lessee of vehicle, and no change in the lessee or operator of the vehicle.* |
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Lessor and person who has been lessee’s operator of the vehicle for at least one year.* |
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□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
□ 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
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 |
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REG 256 (REV. 8/2008) WWW |
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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 |
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E. STATEMENT FOR VEHICLE BODY CHANGE (OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE REQUIRED) |
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The current market value of the vehicle or vessel is: $________________ . |
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Changes were made at a cost of $________________ on this date ________________ . |
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This is what I changed: Check all that apply: |
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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 |
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I, _______________________________ and _______________________________ are one and the same person. |
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My name is misspelled. Please correct it to: _________________________________________________________ |
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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
Understanding Dmv Reg 256
What is the DMV REG 256 form used for?
The DMV REG 256 form, also known as the Statement of Facts, is utilized in California to document specific circumstances related to vehicle transfers. This form allows individuals to claim exemptions from use tax, smog certification, and to communicate various changes regarding vehicle ownership. It is essential for ensuring that the transfer process complies with state regulations and is properly recorded by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Who can use the DMV REG 256 form for tax exemption?
Individuals transferring a vehicle may qualify for a use tax exemption if the transfer falls under specific categories. These include:
- Family transfers between parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, spouses, domestic partners, or siblings (if both are minors).
- Addition or deletion of family members as registered owners.
- Gifts, provided there is no exchange of valuable consideration.
- Transfers due to court orders or inheritance.
However, it is important to note that this exemption cannot be claimed if the vehicle was purchased from a qualifying relative engaged in the business of selling such vehicles.
What are the requirements for a smog exemption on the DMV REG 256 form?
A vehicle may be exempt from smog certification during ownership transfer under certain conditions. These include:
- The last smog certification was obtained within the past 90 days.
- The vehicle is powered by electricity, diesel, or falls under other specified categories.
- The vehicle is located outside of California (with exceptions for Nevada and Mexico).
- The transfer occurs between family members, a sole proprietorship and its proprietor, or involves leasing companies without changes in lessee or operator.
In cases where a biennial smog certification is required, the exemption may not apply.
Can I use the DMV REG 256 form for a title-only transfer?
Yes, the DMV REG 256 form can be used for a title-only transfer. In this case, the applicant must indicate that the vehicle has not been used or parked on public highways and is not currently registered. It is essential to affirm that the vehicle has not incurred registration fees and will obtain appropriate registration before operation.
What information is needed to complete the DMV REG 256 form?
To complete the DMV REG 256 form, individuals should provide the following information:
- Vehicle description, including license plate number and vehicle ID number.
- Current market value of the vehicle.
- Details relevant to the specific exemption being claimed, such as family relationships or smog certification status.
- Signature of the applicant, along with printed name and contact information.
Completing all sections accurately is crucial for the form to be processed without delays.
Is there a fee associated with submitting the DMV REG 256 form?
There is no fee specifically associated with submitting the DMV REG 256 form itself. However, it is important to remember that other fees may apply during the vehicle registration process, depending on the circumstances of the transfer. These fees can include registration fees, title fees, and any applicable taxes that may not be exempted through the form.
Where should I send the completed DMV REG 256 form?
Once the DMV REG 256 form is completed, it should be submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The form can typically be mailed to the address provided on the form or submitted in person at a local DMV office. It is advisable to check the DMV website or contact the office directly for any specific submission guidelines or additional requirements.
How to Use Dmv Reg 256
Once you have gathered all necessary information, you are ready to fill out the DMV Reg 256 form. This process involves providing specific details about the vehicle and the nature of the transfer. Ensure that you have the required documentation on hand, as you will need to refer to it while completing the form.
- Begin by filling in the License Plate/CF Number, Vehicle/Vessel ID Number, and Year/Make of the vehicle at the top of the form.
- Choose the appropriate section based on your situation. There are several options, such as Statement for Use Tax Exemption, Statement for Smog Exemption, and others. Mark the relevant box(es) to indicate your claim.
- If applicable, provide the current market value of the vehicle or vessel in the designated space.
- For the Statement for Vehicle Body Change, if changes were made, indicate the cost and date of those changes. Check all relevant boxes that apply to the modifications.
- If you are correcting your name or stating a name change, clearly print your name and any new name in the Name Statement section.
- In the Statement of Facts section, read the declaration carefully, and ensure you understand it before proceeding.
- Finally, in Section H, provide your printed name, daytime phone number, and sign the form. Make sure to include the date of signing.
After completing the form, review it for accuracy before submitting it to the DMV. Ensure all sections are filled out correctly to avoid any delays in processing your request.