Ask The DMV

Do you have questions about general drivingrelated requirements, such as registration or insurance? Are you unclear about the laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers the following answers in this column and at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q: How do I change my last name on my car registration? Can I do this online or does it have to be done through the mail?

A: You can do both. To change or correct a name on a vehicle/ vessel's DMV record, submit the Certificate of Title with the correct name printed or typed in the "New Registered Owner" section. Complete the Name Statement on a Statement of Facts form (REG 256) indicating the reason for the change and sign the bottom.

Save time by filling out and printing the Statement of Facts form online at www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/.

Once the form is properly filled out, take it to the nearest DMV office in person, or mail it to: Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.

Q: How do I reassign a license plate to another vehicle?

A: To reassign a license plate to another vehicle, complete a Special Interest License Plate Application online (REG 17) indicating the need to reassign the plates to another vehicle.

Once the form is filled out, enclose the appropriate fees and either take them to the nearest DMV field office or mail them to the address above.

Q: When is it legal to make a U-turn?

A: A Uturn may be made legally:

•Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal.

•In a residential district if no vehicle approaching is closer than 200 feet.

•Whenever a traffic sign or signal give protection from approaching vehicles.

•At an intersection on a green light or green arrow unless a "No U-turn" sign is posted.

•On a divided highway only if an opening is provided in the center divider.

Q: I heard the DMV has a MySpace page. Is this true? Where can I find it?

A: The DMV MySpace.com page is at www.myspace.com/ californiadmv.

The page offers useful information, including additional "Ask George" questions and links to specific areas of the DMV's website for faster service.

Readers are invited to submit their DMV-related questions to askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.