# Lost Keys and Lost Title or Registration in California

Source: https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/lost-title-or-registration-california-motorcycle-key/

Business: The Motorcycle Locksmith, mobile motorcycle locksmith. Phone and text: (619) 775-1858 (San Diego side).

> If the registration and title are gone along with the keys, replace the paperwork first. California DMV issues a replacement registration card through its online form, a kiosk, by mail or at an office using form REG 156, and a replacement title through form REG 227. A locksmith needs photo ID plus a registration or title that matches you and the VIN before originating a key, so the registration card is usually the quickest document to get back.

## Why can't a locksmith just make the key?

California Penal Code 466.6 and Business and Professions Code 6980.55 require a locksmith who makes a vehicle key by any method other than copying an existing key to record your identity and ID number, the vehicle's registration details and VIN, and your signature, on a work order that is kept for two years. Our proof of ownership guide lists the full record. With no paperwork at all there is nothing to record and nothing that links you to the bike, which is exactly the situation the law is written to stop.

Before you start on forms, check the obvious places. Many riders keep the registration card under the seat or in a top case, and a locksmith can usually open that compartment first and check the card against your ID before any key is made.

## Replacing a lost registration card

DMV states that if your registration card has been lost, stolen or mutilated you may get a replacement for a fee. For a rider who needs a key, this is normally the shorter route, because it does not involve the title at all.

- Online: DMV has an online replacement application
- DMV kiosk: bring your license plate number and the last 5 digits of the VIN
- By mail: send the Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) with the fee to DMV in Sacramento
- In person: hand in the REG 156 and fee at a field office, where DMV suggests making an appointment
- If your address has changed, DMV asks you to complete a change of address as well

## Replacing a lost title

The form is the Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227), which DMV says to submit in person or by mail. For a replacement only, the registered owner completes sections 1 to 3. DMV's title page says titles usually arrive by mail within 15 to 30 days, so this is not the fast option if the bike is stranded.

- The form carries a warning that issuing a replacement title cancels the original, so an old title that turns up later is no longer valid
- If your address differs from DMV's records, the form calls for filing in person with proof of ownership, such as a registration card or renewal notice, and your driver's license or ID card
- If the title was already replaced within the last 90 days, the form says a CHP vehicle verification is required
- If the bike has a legal owner or lienholder, DMV says section 5 of the form must be notarized; with no lienholder on the registration, notarization is not required
- If the registration card reads Nontransferable/No California Title Issued, DMV says a REG 227 cannot be used and the title must come from the state where the bike was last titled

**Rather have us handle it?** Call or text with your year, make, model and location. Call or text (619) 775-1858.

## Which document should you chase first?

It depends on why the paperwork is missing. The table sets out the common cases. DMV lists a replacement fee for each of these documents on its registration fees page, and notes that fees can change, so check the current amount there. This is general information, not legal advice.

| Your situation | DMV route | For the key visit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bike is registered to you, card lost | Replacement registration card, REG 156 or online or kiosk | Bring the new card and photo ID |
| Card and title both lost, bike registered to you | Replace the card now, apply for the title with REG 227 | The registration card is enough with photo ID |
| You bought the bike and the seller never gave you a title | REG 227 used as a transfer: seller completes sections 1 to 4, you complete the new owner side | Bring the completed REG 227, a bill of sale and photo ID |
| Wallet and license went missing with the keys | Replacement driver's license or ID through DMV | Any current government photo ID in the same name as the registration |

## What we can accept, and what helps on the phone

What we ask for is photo ID plus the registration or title, with a name that matches and a VIN that matches the frame. For a bike you just bought, a signed title or a completed REG 227 with a bill of sale takes the place of a registration in your name.

Other papers are useful for sorting things out before we travel, even though they do not replace the registration or title: an insurance card, a registration renewal notice, a loan statement or a photo of the old registration on your phone all show the VIN and help us confirm the key type. If the registered owner is someone else, such as a spouse or parent, the simplest fix is for that person to be there with their ID.

## Quick questions

### Do I need the title to get a motorcycle key made?

No. A current registration card in your name with matching photo ID is enough. The title matters mainly when the bike is not registered to you yet.

### How long does a replacement California title take?

DMV's title page says titles usually arrive by mail within 15 to 30 days. That is why replacing the registration card is the usual first step when you need a key soon.

### My license was stolen along with the keys. What do I use for ID?

DMV replaces a lost or stolen driver's license or ID card, and says the request is not complete until you visit an office. Another government photo ID in the same name works for the key visit in the meantime.

### Can I use a photo of my registration?

A photo is helpful when you call, since it gives us the VIN and plate. For the key itself, plan on having the actual card, a replacement card or the title in hand.

## Services that can help

- [Lost Motorcycle Key, No Spare](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/lost-motorcycle-key/): No key at all? We make a working key at the bike.
- [Motorcycle Key Replacement](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-replacement/): New keys cut by code or from the lock, for all major makes.
- [Gas Cap, Seat, Steering and Saddlebag Locks](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-lock-repair/): Gas cap, seat, steering, helmet and saddlebag locks.

## Keep reading

- [Proof of Ownership for a Motorcycle Key in California](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/proof-of-ownership-for-motorcycle-key-replacement/): A legitimate California locksmith will ask for photo ID plus the motorcycle's registration or title before making a key, because state law requires locksmiths to record your ID, the bike's VIN and registration details, and your signature for every vehicle key they originate.
- [Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to Do](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/bought-used-motorcycle-no-key/): A used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
- [Motorcycle Keys Stolen but the Bike Is Still There?](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/motorcycle-keys-stolen-what-to-do/): If your motorcycle keys were stolen and the bike is still there, assume the thief may come back for it.
- [Can a Locksmith Make a Motorcycle Key From the VIN?](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/can-a-locksmith-make-a-motorcycle-key-from-vin/): Sometimes, but not directly.
- [Rekey Motorcycle Locks or Just Cut a New Key?](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/rekey-motorcycle-locks-after-theft-or-lost-keys/): Cutting a new key replaces the key you lost, while rekeying changes the locks so the old key no longer works.

## Where we work

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