State guide
California
California DMV requires a physical vehicle verification for many nonresident vehicles and uses REG 31 as the standard VIN verification form. California also routes revived salvage/junk and specially constructed vehicle cases to DMV employees or CHP, and licensed private vehicle verifiers are excluded from several of those categories.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- When a VIN verification is required
- California requires vehicle verification for vehicles last registered out of state, revived junk or salvage vehicles, and specially constructed vehicle cases; DMV also uses REG 31 in some no-record and ownership situations.
- Who can do it
- REG 31 may be completed by authorized DMV employees, authorized Auto Club employees, California licensed vehicle verifiers, CHP, and other peace officers, but revived salvage/junk and SPCNS cases are limited to authorized DMV employees or CHP referrals.
- Official form
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31); CHP Certificate of Inspection (CHP 97C) may substitute in revived junk/salvage cases; REG 124 may be required for assigned VIN situations.
- Fee
- $50 junk and salvage vehicle inspection fee published by DMV; DMV says out-of-state transfer totals are calculated at filing.
- Official instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in California
DMV handbook page explaining when California requires vehicle verification and who may perform it.
Official DMV checklist for bringing an out-of-state titled vehicle into California; it says a physical inspection is mandatory.
Official California VIN verification form showing the approved verifying agencies.
Official DMV instructions for revived junk and salvage vehicles, including the inspection form options.
Official DMV instructions for specially constructed or modified vehicles.
Key facts for California
- California uses REG 31 for vehicle verification unless REG 124 is required.
- A vehicle last registered out of state generally requires California vehicle verification.
- Any authorized California vehicle verifier, including a peace officer, can complete REG 31 for an out-of-state California resident case.
- Licensed vehicle verifiers cannot inspect revived salvage, revived junk, or SPCNS vehicles.
- Revived junk or salvage vehicles must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee or referred to CHP.
- California publishes a $50 total loss salvage/dismantled vehicles inspection fee.
Official VIN inspection locations in California
| Location | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| California DMV Locations | Not published* | Not published* | DMV’s location search includes Vehicle Verification (REG 31) as a service filter. |
| California Highway Patrol - Find an Office | Not published* | Not published* | CHP’s locator covers Area Offices and Inspection Facilities statewide for cases DMV refers to CHP. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- For an out-of-state title transfer, bring the vehicle for an in-person DMV inspection and have the REG 31 completed on the official form.
- If the vehicle is salvage, junk, or specially constructed, expect DMV to direct you to an authorized DMV employee or CHP rather than a private verifier.
- Use the DMV locations search for offices offering Vehicle Verification (REG 31), and use CHP’s office finder if DMV refers you to CHP.
Not seeing your location or county?
Not every location publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from California's population center, for comparison only):
- Nevada DMV Las Vegas - North Decatur VIN Station, Nevada · about 225 miles
- Nevada DMV Las Vegas - East Sahara VIN Station, Nevada · about 225 miles
- Nevada DMV Las Vegas - West Flamingo VIN Station, Nevada · about 225 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
Website →Phone: (370) 996-1119 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the California page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.