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Temporary license plates (AB 516)

• DMV's electronic report-of-sale system produces a temporary license plate (TLP) for vehicles that don't already display plates. It became operational by January 1, 2019.
• The TLP shows the report-of-sale number and expiration date. If the vehicle has no DMV-issued plates, the dealer must attach TLPs.
• The car can be driven on the TLP until plates and card arrive, or 90 days from the date of sale, whichever comes first
• Print on special paper from an authorized eROS/TLP provider; attach two (one for motorcycles/trailers) using all four corners, not in the window. If a customer refuses a front TLP, get a signed waiver. (DMV Dealer FAQ; check with your provider for later changes)

The 20/30-day deadlines to submit a sale

The dealer must submit the application with all fees and penalties within 30 days of the date of sale for a used vehicle and 20 days for a new vehicle. Penalties for missing that deadline are paid by the dealer and can't be charged to the buyer (VC 4456(a)(2)).

• Report the sale to DMV electronically by the end of the 5th calendar day after the sale (VC 5901(a))
• If DMV returns an application that first arrived on time, resubmit within 50 days of sale (used) / 40 days (new), or 30 days (used) / 20 days (new) from the first return, whichever is later
• Non-new-car dealers also send the sales tax with the application, within 30 days of sale
• Dealer penalties (administrative service fees): $5 per violation of 4456(a)(1), (2) or (7); $25 per violation of (a)(4), (5) or (6) (VC 4456.1). A first application 50+ days after sale (used) / 40+ (new) can also be grounds for discipline.

Report of sale: REG 51

California dealers must report the retail sale of every used vehicle on the REG 51 (not for wholesale sales or vessels). It's a controlled form issued through DMV Occupational Licensing, ordered by mail on the OL 395U; there's no public PDF. It needs the buyer's DL/ID number and address, dealer name and authorized signature, dealer and salesperson numbers, the buyer's signature and the odometer reading. Physical "wet" signatures are required unless filed through an approved eROS digital-signature provider.

What BPA means

Business Partner Automation is DMV's program that lets qualified partners process registration and titling transactions from their own locations. Dealers who sell new vehicles must participate in BPA. DMV charges a $7 transaction fee for each BPA transaction, which may be passed on to the customer. (DMV BPA)

Forms

• REG 51 Report of Sale – Used Vehicle (controlled; issued through Occupational Licensing)
• REG 397 Application for Registration of New Vehicle
• REG 262 Transfer and Reassignment, when dealer reassignment space runs out (no PDF)
• FO 247 Transmittal of Registration Applications

Each used-car deal needs

• The title with the dealer endorsement and each dealer's name and countersignature on reassignments, or a REG 262 if there isn't room
• The REG 51
• Everything on the basic transfer list: signatures, odometer, smog, fees

First-month mistakes

• Missing date of sale, report-of-sale number, buyer name/address, dealer number/signature or salesperson number
• New lienholder section left blank
• No room for reassignments and no REG 262
• Electronic signatures on a paper report of sale
• Charging the buyer for the dealer's late penalties

Where we fit

We check each deal against our checklist, file it with the department, and send status updates. The department makes the final call.

Still getting licensed?

Still getting licensed? The department's Vehicle Dealer License page walks you through the application, the dealer education course, and the test. Come back once you have your license.

Questions people ask