California Annual Mileage And Odometer Certification Form Guide

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As a vehicle owner in California, you may have come across the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form, also known as the REG 256 form. This form is a crucial document that serves as proof of your vehicle's mileage and odometer reading. In this article, we will delve into the world of this form, exploring its importance, how to fill it out, and the requirements for submitting it.

What is the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form?

The California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form, also known as the REG 256 form, is a document required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to verify the mileage and odometer reading of a vehicle. This form is typically required when selling, buying, or transferring ownership of a vehicle. The form ensures that the odometer reading is accurate and helps prevent odometer tampering.

Why is the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form important?

The California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form is important for several reasons:

• It provides proof of the vehicle's mileage and odometer reading, which is essential for determining the vehicle's value and history.
• It helps prevent odometer tampering and ensures that the vehicle's mileage is accurately represented.
• It is required by the California DMV for certain vehicle transactions, such as sales, purchases, and transfers of ownership.

How to Fill Out the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form

Filling out the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain the form: You can download the REG 256 form from the California DMV website or pick one up from your local DMV office.
2. Gather required information: You will need to provide the following information:
   • Vehicle's make, model, and year
   • Vehicle's license plate number
   • Odometer reading
   • Mileage
   • Date of certification
3. Fill out the form: Fill out the form using black ink and ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
4. Sign the form: The form must be signed by the owner or seller of the vehicle.
5. Get the form notarized: The form must be notarized by a California notary public.

Requirements for Submitting the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form

When submitting the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form, you must meet the following requirements:

• Original signature: The form must be signed by the owner or seller of the vehicle.
• Notarization: The form must be notarized by a California notary public.
• Accurate information: All information on the form must be accurate and complete.
• Submission: The form must be submitted to the California DMV within the required timeframe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form

When filling out the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

• Inaccurate information: Ensure that all information on the form is accurate and complete.
• Incomplete form: Ensure that all sections of the form are completed.
• ** Unsigned form**: The form must be signed by the owner or seller of the vehicle.
• Unnotarized form: The form must be notarized by a California notary public.

Penalties for Failure to Submit the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form

Failure to submit the California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form can result in penalties, including:

• Fines: You may be fined for failure to submit the form.
• Vehicle registration suspension: Your vehicle registration may be suspended.
• Loss of vehicle ownership: You may lose ownership of your vehicle.

Conclusion

The California Annual Mileage and Odometer Certification Form is a crucial document that serves as proof of your vehicle's mileage and odometer reading. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you fill out the form correctly and avoid common mistakes. Remember to submit the form on time and avoid penalties for failure to do so.