Yes! You can use AI to fill out California DMV Form REG 230, Motorized Bicycle (Moped) Instructions/Application
REG 230 is a California Department of Motor Vehicles form for motorized bicycles (mopeds) that supports three main transactions: an original application for a moped license plate and ID card, requesting a duplicate ID card and/or substitute plate, and transferring ownership. It collects key vehicle identifiers (VIN, engine number, make/model) and owner information, and includes a qualification checklist to confirm the vehicle meets the California Vehicle Code definition of a motorized bicycle. The form is important because it helps ensure the correct type of registration/credential is issued and provides a formal record for ownership changes and replacement credentials. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
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Form specifications
| Form name: | California DMV Form REG 230, Motorized Bicycle (Moped) Instructions/Application |
| Number of pages: | 1 |
| Filled form examples: | Form REG 230 Examples |
| Language: | English |
| Categories: | DMV forms, California DMV forms, California state forms |
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How to Fill Out REG 230 Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a REG 230 form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your REG 230 form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your REG 230 form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Go to Instafill.ai and upload the REG 230 PDF (or select REG 230 from the form library).
- 2 Choose the purpose of your filing (original application, duplicate ID card/substitute plate, or ownership transfer) so the AI focuses on the correct sections (1+2+5, 1+3+5, or 1+4+5).
- 3 Enter vehicle information in Section 1 (VIN, engine number, make, model, plate number if any, and distinctive marks/features).
- 4 If filing an original application, answer the four moped qualification questions in Section 2 and provide the owner name(s), driver license/ID number, and address details (including AND/OR ownership selection).
- 5 If requesting replacements, complete Section 3 by selecting substitute plate and/or duplicate ID card and the reason (lost/stolen, destroyed, not received, etc.).
- 6 If transferring ownership, complete Section 4 (seller release signature/date and new owner information), then complete Section 5 certification with date, signature(s), and daytime phone number(s).
- 7 Review the AI validation checks for missing fields and formatting, then download/print the completed form and follow the DMV mailing and fee instructions shown on the form.
Our AI-powered system ensures each field is filled out correctly, reducing errors and saving you time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Form REG 230
REG 230 is used for California motorized bicycles (mopeds) to apply for an original license plate and ID card, request a duplicate ID card and/or substitute plate, or transfer ownership.
Use REG 230 if your vehicle qualifies as a California âmotorized bicycle (moped)â and you need an original plate/ID card, a replacement plate/ID card, or an ownership transfer. If your vehicle does not meet the moped definition, youâll generally need a different registration form (see the next FAQ).
In Section 2, you must answer âYesâ to all four questions (2- or 3-wheels, pedals or electric-only, automatic transmission and under 4 gross brake horsepower, and max speed 30 mph on level ground). If any answer is âNo,â the vehicle is not a moped under CVC §406 for this form.
If you answer âNoâ to any question, do not use REG 230 for registration as a moped. The form instructs you to complete Application for Registration (REG 343) to apply for the appropriate registration instead.
For an original application (the vehicle has never been licensed in California and has no CA plate or ID card), complete Sections 1, 2, and 5. Be sure to check the box in Section 1 indicating itâs an original application.
To request a duplicate ID card and/or substitute plate, complete Sections 1, 3, and 5. In Section 3, check whether you want a substitute plate or duplicate ID card and indicate the reason (lost, destroyed, not received, etc.).
For an ownership transfer, complete Sections 1, 4, and 5. The seller signs the Release of Ownership in Section 4, and the new owner(s) provide their information and sign in Section 5.
Section 1 asks for key identifiers such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine number, make, model, and any distinctive marks/features. If the moped already has a California license plate, include that number as well.
âANDâ generally indicates joint ownership where all listed owners must act together, while âORâ generally allows either owner to act independently. Choose the option that matches how you want the ownership recorded.
The form states the ID card is the transfer document; if itâs lost, complete Section 3 and have the seller sign the Release of Ownership in Section 4. Then the new owner completes their information and signs in Section 5.
Mail the completed application and applicable fees (check or money orderâdo not send cash) to: Department of Motor Vehicles, Special Processing Unit - MS D238, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA 94232-3450.
The instructions specify paying by check or money order and explicitly say not to send cash. Make sure your payment is included when you mail the application.
Yes. The form notes that a moped retail seller must include a Statement of Facts indicating that they are a retail seller of mopeds with the application.
Yes. AI form-filling services like Instafill.ai can help auto-fill fields from your provided information, reduce typos, and save timeâespecially for repeated entries like names, addresses, VIN/engine numbers, and contact details.
You can upload the REG 230 PDF to Instafill.ai, provide your details (or connect a source document), and let it map and auto-fill the form fields for you before you download and sign. If your copy is a flat/non-fillable PDF, Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive fillable form so you can complete it digitally.
Compliance REG 230
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Application Type Selection Is Exactly One
Validates that exactly one of the three application type checkboxes is selected: original application, duplicate/substitute, or ownership transfer. This is critical because it determines which sections are required and which business rules apply. If none or multiple are selected, the submission should be rejected and the applicant prompted to choose a single application type.
2
Section Completeness Based on Application Type
Checks that the correct sections are completed based on the selected application type (Original: Sections 1, 2, 5; Duplicate/Substitute: Sections 1, 3, 5; Transfer: Sections 1, 4, 5). This prevents missing legally required information and avoids processing the wrong transaction. If required fields in the applicable sections are blank, validation fails and the system should highlight the missing fields.
3
VIN Format and Character Set Validation
Ensures the Vehicle Identification Number is present (when required) and matches standard VIN constraints: 17 characters, alphanumeric, excluding I/O/Q, and no illegal symbols or spaces. VIN accuracy is essential for uniquely identifying the vehicle and preventing misregistration. If the VIN fails format checks, the submission should be blocked and the user asked to correct the VIN.
4
Engine Number Presence and Allowed Format
Validates that the engine number is provided (when required) and contains only expected characters (typically letters, numbers, and limited separators like hyphen) within a reasonable length range. Engine numbers are used to verify the power unit and help prevent fraud or mismatched vehicle records. If the engine number is missing or contains invalid characters, the form should be rejected for correction.
5
Make and Model Required and Non-Placeholder
Checks that Make and Model are completed with meaningful values (not blank, not only punctuation, and not generic placeholders like 'N/A' if the field is required by the chosen transaction). These fields support identification and record matching in DMV systems. If invalid or missing, validation fails and the applicant must provide the manufacturer and model.
6
California License Plate Format (If Provided/Required)
Validates the California license plate number when entered (or when required for substitute plate/transfer scenarios), ensuring it matches expected CA plate patterns (alphanumeric, correct length, no special characters). Correct plate format is necessary to locate the existing record and issue replacements accurately. If the plate number is malformed or missing when required, the submission should not proceed.
7
Moped Qualification Questions Must Be Answered Consistently
Ensures each of the four moped qualification questions has exactly one response selected (Yes or No), and that the set of answers is complete. This is required to determine whether the vehicle qualifies as a motorized bicycle under CVC §406 and whether REG 230 is the correct form. If any question is unanswered or both Yes/No are selected for a question, validation fails and the user must correct the responses.
8
Original Application Eligibility: All Four Qualification Answers Must Be 'Yes'
If the applicant selected the 'original application' transaction, validates that all four qualification questions are answered 'Yes' before allowing owner fields in Section 2 to be accepted as a valid REG 230 submission. This prevents using the wrong form for vehicles that do not meet the moped definition. If any answer is 'No', the system should block submission and instruct the applicant to use REG 343 instead.
9
Owner Name(s) Required and Properly Structured
Validates that the owner name field(s) are completed with a plausible full name (at minimum last and first name; middle optional) and do not contain invalid characters (e.g., only numbers or excessive symbols). Accurate legal names are required for titling/registration and to avoid identity mismatches. If the name is missing or fails character/structure checks, the submission should be rejected.
10
Ownership Conjunction (AND/OR) Selection Rules
Checks that when two owners are provided, exactly one of AND or OR is selected, and when only one owner is provided, neither AND nor OR is selected (or the system ignores them). This is important because it determines legal authority for future transactions and signatures. If the conjunction selection is inconsistent with the number of owners, validation fails and the user must correct the ownership designation.
11
Driver License/ID Number Format Validation (Owner and New Owner)
Validates that the driver license/ID card number is present when required and matches expected California DL/ID formats (commonly 1 letter followed by 7 digits for CA DL; allow configurable patterns for ID). This helps ensure the person can be correctly identified and linked to DMV records. If the number is missing or does not match accepted patterns, the submission should be blocked for correction.
12
Address Completeness and State/ZIP Format
Ensures address fields are complete (street, city, state, ZIP) when required, with state as a 2-letter abbreviation and ZIP as 5 digits (optionally ZIP+4 if supported). Accurate addresses are required for mailing plates/ID cards and for jurisdictional processing. If any required address component is missing or malformed, validation fails and the applicant must correct the address.
13
Duplicate/Substitute Request: Item Type and Reason Must Be Selected
If the duplicate/substitute application type is selected, validates that at least one item is chosen (Substitute Plate and/or Duplicate ID Card) and exactly one reason/status is selected (Lost/Stolen, Destroyed/Mutilated, Surrendered to DMV, Not Received from DMV, Not Received from Prior Owner). This ensures the DMV issues the correct replacement and applies the correct handling rules. If item type is missing or multiple reasons are selected, the submission should be rejected.
14
Ownership Transfer: Seller Release Fields and New Owner Fields Required
If transferring ownership, validates that the seller release section is completed (seller signature indicator, printed name, and date) and that the new registered owner information is fully provided (name, DL/ID, address, and AND/OR if multiple owners). This is essential to document the release of interest and establish the new owner of record. If any required transfer element is missing, validation fails and the transfer cannot be processed.
15
All Dates Are Valid and Logically Consistent
Validates that all date fields are real calendar dates (acceptable format, not impossible like 02/30) and are not unreasonably in the future. For transfers, the seller release date should not be after the new owner certification date(s) if both are provided, to maintain a coherent transaction timeline. If date parsing fails or logical ordering is violated, the submission should be rejected and the user prompted to correct the dates.
16
Certification Signatures and Daytime Phone Number Format
Ensures that Section 5 certification is completed: at least one new owner signature line has a date and a signature indicator, and the daytime phone number is valid (3-digit area code plus 7-digit number; digits only after normalization). This is important for legal attestation under penalty of perjury and for contacting the applicant if issues arise. If signatures/dates are missing or the phone number is invalid, validation fails and the form should not be accepted.
Common Mistakes in Completing REG 230
People often miss the instruction that different requests require different sections (Original: 1,2,5; Duplicate/Substitute: 1,3,5; Transfer: 1,4,5). This leads to incomplete packets, processing delays, or the DMV returning the application for missing sections. Before filling anything else, decide your purpose and check only the correct box, then complete only the required sections. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can guide you through the correct path and prevent section-mismatch errors by validating which sections must be completed.
Applicants frequently guess on the four âYes/Noâ questions (pedals/electric-only, automatic transmission, <4 brake horsepower, max 30 mph) or forget to mark one of the Yes/No boxes. If any answer is wrong or missing, the DMV may determine the vehicle is not a moped under CVC §406 and require a different form (REG 343), delaying registration. Verify specs from the manufacturer label/manual and ensure every question has exactly one box checked. Instafill.ai can flag unanswered Yes/No items and help ensure consistent responses.
The form instructs applicants to complete the owner fields in Section 2 only if they answered âYesâ to all four qualification questions. Many people continue filling Section 2 even after a âNo,â which wastes time and can result in submitting the wrong application type. The consequence is typically rejection and a request to file REG 343 instead. Stop immediately if any answer is âNoâ and switch to the correct DMV process; Instafill.ai can prompt you to use the correct form based on your answers.
VINs are commonly mistyped (transposed digits), copied from the wrong location, or entered with invalid characters (often confusing O/0 and I/1). An incorrect VIN can prevent the DMV from matching the vehicle record, causing delays, additional verification requests, or rejection. Copy the VIN directly from the frame/label and double-check each character before mailing. Instafill.ai can help by validating VIN format and catching common character mistakes.
Many applicants either leave the engine number blank or mistakenly repeat the VIN in the engine number field because theyâre unsure where to find it. Missing or incorrect engine numbers can trigger follow-up requests or slow processing, especially when the DMV needs to confirm the vehicle identity. Locate the engine number on the engine casing or manufacturer documentation and enter it exactly as shown. Instafill.ai can reduce this error by prompting for the correct source and checking for suspicious duplicates (e.g., engine number identical to VIN).
Applicants often misunderstand the âCalifornia License Plateâ fieldâoriginal applications typically have no CA plate, while transfers/duplicates usually do. Providing a plate number that belongs to a different vehicle or omitting an existing plate number can cause record mismatches and processing delays. Only enter a CA plate if the moped has already been issued one; otherwise leave it blank for an original application. Instafill.ai can conditionally require or hide fields based on the application type to prevent this mismatch.
People frequently enter nicknames, reverse first/last names, omit middle names/initials, or forget to indicate whether co-owners are âANDâ (joint) or âORâ (either can act). This can create title/ownership issues later, including problems selling the vehicle or obtaining replacements because signatures may be required from all owners under âAND.â Use the legal name as shown on the driver license/ID and explicitly select AND or OR when there are multiple owners. Instafill.ai can standardize name formatting and prompt for the required ownership connector when a second owner is entered.
Applicants often provide an incomplete mailing address, forget the county, use a full state name instead of the 2-letter abbreviation, or enter an old address while expecting items to be mailed to a new one. This can result in returned mail, non-receipt of the ID card/plate, and extra fees/time to request replacements. Enter the full current address, include county, use the 2-letter state code, and verify ZIP accuracy. Instafill.ai can auto-format addresses and validate state/ZIP consistency to reduce delivery problems.
In Section 3, people sometimes check both âSubstitute Plateâ and âDuplicate ID Cardâ without intending to request both, or they mark multiple status reasons (e.g., Lost/Stolen and Destroyed) even though the form says to check one. Conflicting selections can cause the DMV to pause processing to clarify what you want. Choose only the item(s) you truly need and select exactly one reason that best matches the situation. Instafill.ai can enforce single-choice logic and prevent contradictory selections.
Transfers commonly fail because the seller doesnât sign the Release of Ownership, the printed name/date is missing, or the new owner signs but the seller portion is incomplete. Without the seller release and correct signatures, the DMV may not process the transfer, leaving ownership unresolved. Ensure the seller signs and dates the release, and the new owner(s) complete their information and sign in Section 5 with dates. Instafill.ai can highlight required signature/date fields based on whether âTransfer ownershipâ is selected.
Applicants often forget to date the certification, omit the second ownerâs signature when there are two owners, or enter the phone number incorrectly (e.g., putting the full number in the 3-digit area code field). This can lead to rejection or delays because the DMV requires proper certification under penalty of perjury and usable contact information. Enter dates for each signature line used, ensure every listed owner signs, and format the phone number with a 3-digit area code plus the remaining number. Instafill.ai can validate phone formatting and ensure all required signatures/dates are present before submission.
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