The California DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures (VIRP) Manual — commonly known as the Dealer Handbook — is the official reference for vehicle dealers, registration services, dismantlers, and other industry professionals. It provides step-by-step guidance on processing registrations, transfers, bonds, plates, and related transactions. Once distributed as a printed handbook, this resource is now maintained online as a searchable, regularly updated manual.
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Introduction
Orientation to the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures (VIRP) Manual: who uses it (dealers, dismantlers, verifiers, registration services), how it’s updated, and how to quickly find authoritative steps for California title/registration work.
Chapter 1: General Registration Information
Baseline rules that make or break a file: correct ownership and “true full name,” bill of sale acceptability, signatures/POA, VIN verification and plate assignments, branded titles, document legibility/photocopies, mail handling, and common rejection traps.
- Chapter 1 General Registration Information
- 1.005 Adhesive Labels on Documents (VC §§1653. 4150. and 4150.2)
- 1.010 Assignment of Registration Expiration Date (VC §506)
- 1.015 Authority to Grant or Refuse Application
- 1.020 Bill of Sale (VC §1652)
- 1.025 Branded Titles (VC §§4453, 9255.1)
- 1.030 Confidentiality of Home Address (VC §§1808.2, 1808.4, 1808.6, and PC §830)
- 1.035 Co-Owners (VC §§4150.5 and 9852.5)
- 1.040 Definitions for Clearing, Suspense, and Incomplete Applications (RDF)
- 1.045 Designating Legal Ownership (VC §§4150, 4150.2, and 4450)
- 1.050 Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) Program
- 1.055 Highlighters on Documents
- 1.060 Junk or Salvage Vehicle VIN Inspections (VC §§5505 and 11519)
- 1.065 Signature by Relative of Military Owner (VC §1651)
- 1.070 Legibility of Writing or Lettering
- 1.075 License Plates (VC §§4850 and 4850.5)
- 1.080 Lost Mail Applications
- 1.085 Mail Applications (VC §9557)
- 1.090 Name and/or Address Too Long
- 1.095 Name Statement Requirement (VC §1652)
- 1.100 Notary-Expiration Date of Commission on Documents
- 1.105 Photocopy/Fax Copy of Documents (VC §1651)
- 1.110 Q Series License Plate Numbers (VC §4452)
- 1.115 Registration by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (VC §671)
- 1.120 Rush Title Processing (VC §9270)
- 1.125 Signature by Power of Attorney (POA) (VC §1652)
- 1.130 Signature by Relative of a Military Owner (VC §1651)
- 1.135 Signatures and Endorsements (VC §§ 17, 19, 5751)
- 1.140 Statement to Record Ownership/Error or Erasure (VC §1652)
- 1.145 True Full Name (VC §4150)
- 1.150 Unclaimed Certificates, Receipts, License Plates, and Stickers
- 1.155 Vehicles Exempt from Registration
- 1.160 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Assignments (VC §4161)
- 1.165 Vehicle Verifications
- 1.170 VIN Check-Digit Requirements
- 1.175 17-Digit VINs on Vehicles (FMVSS Regulations, Part 565)
Chapter 2: General Information – Licensees
Who can legally do what: definitions and requirements for dealer/autobroker/salesperson, dismantler, manufacturer/distributor/lessor-retailer, transporters and verifiers, plus plate privileges, ROS book controls, and when an occupational license isn’t required.
- 2.000 Introduction
- 2.005 Administrative Service Fees (ASF) (VC §4456)
- 2.010 Autobroker (VC §166)
- 2.015 Business Partner Automation Program
- 2.020 Consignments (VC §266)
- 2.025 Dealer (VC §285)
- 2.030 Dismantler (VC §220)
- 2.035 Distributor (VC §296)
- 2.040 Lemon Law Buybacks and Warranty Returns (VC §§4453 and 11713.12, CCC §§1793.22-25)
- 2.045 Lessor-Retailer (VC §373)
- 2.050 License Required
- 2.055 Manufacturer (VC §672)
- 2.055 Manufacturer (VC §672)
- 2.065 Remanufacturer (VC §507.8)
- 2.065 Remanufacturer (VC §507.8)
- 2.075 Report of Sale Books Issued to Licensees (VC §11714)
- 2.075 Report of Sale Books Issued to Licensees (VC §11714)
- 2.085 Salesperson (VC §§ 675, 11800)
- 2.090 Special Dealer, Manufacturer, Remanufacturer, and Distributor License Plates
- 2.095 Transporter (VC §645)
- 2.100 Van Converter
- 2.105 Vehicles not Requiring an Occupational License
- 2.110 Vehicle Verifier (VC §§675.5, 675.6, and 11300)
- 2.115 Vessel Agent (VC §§9858 and 9858.1)
- 2.120 Wholesale Dealer (VC §285)
Chapter 3: Collection and Payment of Fees and Penalties
How to compute and collect DMV fees the way auditors expect: registration/VLF/weight/CHP fees, city/county add-ons, penalty date logic, PNO/PNO-REG 102 usage, dealer document/e-file fees, and correction paths when money was calculated wrong.
- 3.000 Introduction
- 3.005 Calculating Penalties
- 3.010 CHP Fee
- 3.015 Certificate of Non-Operation (CNO-REG 102) (VC §4604.2 and CR&TC §10856)
- 3.020 City and County Fees
- 3.025 Computation of Fees and Penalties (VC §9559)
- 3.030 Dealer’s Document Preparation and Electronic Filing Service Fee (VC §§ 4456.5 and 11713.1)
- 3.035 Dealer Responsibility for Fee Collection (VC § 11713.4)
- 3.040 Determination of Penalty Due Dates
- 3.045 Payment of Fees (VC §§4000, 5902.5, 9550 and 9553)
- 3.050 Penalties (VC §§9552–9554.5 and 9561 and CR&TC §10854)
- 3.055 Planned Non-Operation Certification (PNO-REG 102)(VC §4604, 4604.5, and CR&TC §10856)
- 3.060 Registration Fees (VC §§9250–9265 and 9400.1)
- 3.065 Smog Certification Fee (VC §11713.1 and CH&SC §44060)
- 3.070 Statute of Limitation (VC §9800)
- 3.075 Vehicle License Fee (VLF) (CR&TC §§10751-10753)
- 3.080 Waiver of Fees and/or Penalties (VC §9562)
- 3.085 Weight Fees
Chapter 4: Use Tax
When California use tax applies on vehicles/vessels, what the taxable basis includes, credits for tax paid elsewhere, common exemptions, refund scenarios, and edge cases (out-of-country purchases, partial exemptions) that trip up deals.
- Chapter 4 Use Tax
- 4.005 California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Review Request (CR&TC §6422.1)
- 4.010 Calculating Use Tax Amount
- 4.015 Credit for Tax Paid to Another State
- 4.020 Definitions
- 4.025 Partial Use Tax Exemption
- 4.030 Refund of Use Tax
- 4.035 Transactions Not Subject to Use Tax
- 4.040 Transactions Subject to Use Tax (CR&TC §6001 and VC §§4300.5, 4750.5, 9858.5, and 9928)
- 4.045 Use Tax Basis
- 4.050 Use Tax Penalties (CR&TC §§6292, 6294, and 6591)
- 4.055 Vehicles or Vessels Purchased Outside of the United States
Chapter 5: Odometer Mileage Reporting
The disclosure rules and forms that protect you from rollback liability: when mileage is required, auction/lease/repossession handling, title notation specifics, secure POA use, and how to fix reporting errors without creating fraud signals.
- Chapter 5 Odometer Mileage Reporting
- 5.005 Auto Auctions
- 5.010 Certificate of Title
- 5.015 Court Actions
- 5.020 Disclosure Features
- 5.025 Disclosure Requirements (Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 §580.5 (c) and 580.5 (f)
- 5.030 Errors in Reporting Odometer Mileage
- 5.035 Information Recorded on the Certificate of Title
- 5.040 Leased Vehicles
- 5.045 Original Applications
- 5.050 Replacement or Conversion of an Odometer (VC 28053)
- 5.055 Repossessed Vehicles
- 5.060 Rollbacks and Unwinds
- 5.065 Secure Power of Attorney
- 5.070 Transfers
- 5.075 Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262)
- 5.080 Zero Miles Reported on New Vehicles
Chapter 6: New Vehicles Sold by California Dealers
End-to-end new-car paperwork: using the MCO/MSO, alterations before first registration, charitable/export/private-property sales, special bodies (park trailers/RVs), remanufactured status, and dealer repos on never-registered units.
- 6.000 Introduction (VC §§4000, 4450, 4451, and 4453)
- 6.005 Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin
- 6.010 Manufacturer Sales to Charitable Organizations (VC §4150d)
- 6.015 Multipurpose Vehicles
- 6.020 New Vehicles Altered Before Registration (VC §4150)
- 6.025 New Vehicle Sales by a California Dealer (VC §§4150, 4150.5, 4456, 5901, and 11714)
- 6.030 New Vehicles Sales by a Non-Dealer
- 6.035 New Vehicle Sales by a Nonfranchised or Used Vehicle Dealer
- 6.040 New Vehicle Sold for Exclusive Use on Private Property
- 6.045 New Vehicle Sold for Export to Another Country
- 6.050 Park Trailers (H&SC §18009.3)
- 6.055 Recreational Vehicles (H&SC §18010)
- 6.060 Remanufactured Vehicles (VC §§507.5 and 4153)
- 6.065 Repossession From a Dealer (Uniform Commercial Code §9503)
Chapter 7: Miscellaneous Originals
How to originate titles for non-standard assets: autoettes, buses/camp trailers/golf carts/forklifts, specially constructed (SPCNS)/kit vehicles, government surplus, remanufactured vehicles, and records missing in DMV archives.
- 7.000 Introduction
- 7.005 Autoettes
- 7.010 Buses (VC §233)
- 7.015 Camp Trailers (VC §242)
- 7.020 Electric Vehicles (VC §4150)
- 7.025 Exemptions From Fees (Full or Partial)
- 7.030 Exemptions From Registration
- 7.035 Forklift Trucks (VC §4013)
- 7.040 Go-Carts
- 7.045 Golf Carts (VC §§345, 21115, 21115.1, and 21716)
- 7.050 Government Surplus Vehicles (GSVs) (VC §4000)
- 7.055 Half-Track Vehicles
- 7.060 Hard-Top Racers VC §4000
- 7.065 Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (VC §4150[d])
- 7.070 New Vehicle Sales by a Non-Franchised Dealer
- 7.075 U.S. Government Surplus Vehicles
- 7.080 Remanufactured Vehicle (VC §§507.5, 507.8, 4153)
- 7.085 Vehicles with Unavailable Records (VC §5911)
- 7.090 Specially Constructed Vehicles (VC §§580 and 4153)
- 7.095 SPCNS Certificate of Sequence (VC §4750.1)
- 7.100 Kit Vehicles
Chapter 8: Report of Sale – Used Vehicles
Making a used-vehicle ROS bulletproof: completing REG 51 (including DSAP e-signatures), correcting/voiding/distributing copies, tax handling, export/out-of-state/IRP operator scenarios, and “in lieu of” processes that keep deliveries on time.
- 8.000 General Information
- 8.005 Collection of California Sales Tax
- 8.010 Completing the Report of Sale-Used Vehicle (REG 51)/Digital Signature Acceptance Program (DSAP)
- 8.015 Corrections on the Report of Sale-Used Vehicle (REG 51)
- 8.020 Distribution of the Report of Sale-Used Vehicle (REG 51) (VC §§4456 and 5901)
- 8.025 “In Lieu of” Report of Sale-Used Vehicle
- 8.030 Void Report of Sale
- 8.035 Used Vehicle Sold for Use on Private Property
- 8.040 Used Vehicle Sold for Export to Another Country
- 8.045 Vehicle Being Exported by Dealer
- 8.050 Used Vehicle Sold for Registration in Another State
- 8.055 Buyer Demands the Certificate of Title
- 8.060 Sales to Consul Corps
- 8.065 Sales to Honorary Consuls
- 8.070 Public Agency Sales
- 8.080 Mail Order Sales
- 8.075 Reporting Used Vehicle Sales to IRP Operators (VC §§5600 and 5901)
Chapter 9: Wholesale Report of Sale
Dealer-to-dealer/auction transactions the right way: REG 396/398 completion, distribution, voids and rollbacks, and the specific reporting responsibilities at wholesale that differ from retail deals.
- Chapter 9 Wholesale Vehicle Transaction
- 9.005 Completion of the Wholesale Report of Sale (REG 396)
- 9.010 Distribution of the Wholesale Report of Sale (REG 396)
- 9.015 Voided Wholesale Report of Sale (REG 396) Forms
- 9.020 Wholesale Rollback
- 9.025 New Vehicle Wholesale
- 9.030 Wholesale Auto Auction Dealer Sales (VC §§4456, 5901, and 6100)
- 9.035 Distribution of the Auction Wholesale Report of Sale (REG 398)
- 9.040 Voided Auction Wholesale Report of Sale (REG 398)
Chapter 10: Renewals
This chapter covers how to renew California vehicle registration, what to do when notices or stickers go missing, and the many special cases that can affect timing and fees (PNO status, heavy‑duty emissions, disabled placards, FHVUT, late fees, etc.). It also explains evidence requirements and how to handle corrections, penalties, and unusual plate situations.
- 10.000 Allocated County of Temporary Use (VC §4004.5)
- 10.005 Application Lost in Processing (VC §1651)
- 10.010 Changes Noted on the Renewal Notice
- 10.015 Commercially-Registered Station Wagons (VC §9404)
- 10.020 Defective Sticker (VC §1651)
- 10.025 Disabled Person Parking Placard (VC §§ 295.5, 5007(c)(1), 2511.55(b)(1)(2), 22511.55 & 22511.6)
- 10.030 Early Renewal or Planned Nonoperation Certification (VC §4601)
- 10.035 Emission Compliance for Heavy Duty Vehicles (VC §§4000.15, 4156.5 (c)(2),(e)(1), and 9257.5)
- 10.040 Enhanced Renewal Report of Deposit of Fees (RDF)
- 10.045 Evidence of Financial Responsibility (VC §4000.37)
- 10.050 Evidence of Registration (VC §§4000 and 5204)
- 10.055 Farm Labor Vehicles (VC §4154)
- 10.060 Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT) (VC §4750)
- 10.065 California Native American Tribes/Tribal Members
- 10.070 Late Renewals (VC §§9552 and 9553)
- 10.075 Mail Applications (VC §9557)
- 10.080 Mailing Registration Cards and Stickers
- 10.085 Members of NATO
- 10.090 Metal Tabs
- 10.095 Nonreceipt of Renewal Notice
- 10.100 Nonresident Military Personnel (NRM) (50 United States Code §574)
- 10.105 Owner Responsibility Citations on Record (VC §40002.1)
- 10.110 Parking/Toll Violations on Record (VC §§4760 and 4761)
- 10.115 Planned Nonoperation (PNO) Status (VC §4604)
- 10.120 Plates with Permanent Expiration Dates (VC §§5002.5, 5002.8, and 9105)
- 10.130 Registration Expiration Dates (VC §1651.5)
- 10.125 Privately-Owned School Bus (PSB) (VC §9102.5)
- 10.135 Registration Renewal Notices
- 10.140 Registration Renewals
- 10.145 Removing a Notice of Release of Liability (NRL) From a Record
- 10.150 Renewal and Issuance of a Personalized License Plate
- 10.155 Renewal on Incorrect Renewal Notice
- 10.160 Renewal Sticker Placed on the Wrong Vehicle
- 10.165 Renewal With a Substitute License Plate (VC §§4602 and 4457)
- 10.170 Renewal With an Original Personalized or Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plate Application
- 10.175 Specialized Transportation Vehicle (STV) Renewals
- 10.180 Trailer Coach and Vessel Situs
- 10.185 Vehicle Owner Receives Two Renewal Notices
- 10.190 Vehicles Assigned Special Interest License Plates
- 10.195 Vehicles With a Personalized License Plate Application in Process
- 10.200 Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates
Chapter 11: Transfers
These procedures explain how ownership is transferred in California—dealer and private sales, court and estate actions, liens, repossessions, rollbacks, trust or TOD changes, and more. You’ll find what documents are required, who must sign, and how to resolve common issues like errors, missing titles, or vehicles with violations on the record.
- 11.000 Introduction (VC §5600)
- 11.005 Attachment Sales (VC §5600)
- 11.010 Bankruptcy Sales-Trustee or Receiver (VC §5909)
- 11.015 Basic Transfer Requirements (VC §§5603, 5751, and 5753)
- 11.020 California Welfare and Institutions Code Sales (CW&IC §148)
- 11.025 Conservators or Guardians (VC §5909)
- 11.030 Consul Corps Vehicles
- 11.035 Court Action Judgment (VC §5909)
- 11.040 Dealers or Lessor-Retailers
- 11.045 Dealer Out of Business Registration Process
- 11.050 Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates
- 11.055 Replacement Titles
- 11.060 Errors/Erasures on the Certificate of Title
- 11.065 Estate Valued at $150,000 or Less (California Probate Code [CPC] §§7660 and 13100)
- 11.070 Exempt Vehicles (VC §5600)
- 11.075 Foreclosure or State Controller Sales (VC §5909)
- 11.080 California Native American-Owned Vehicles
- 11.085 Leased Vehicles (VC §4453.5)
- 11.090 Legal Owner (Lienholder) Transfers (VC §5603)
- 11.095 Legal Owner Is an Individual Company (not a lending institution or dealer)
- 11.100 Legal Owner Is a Dealer Out of Business (as determined by DMV’s records)
- 11.115 Multiple Transfers (VC §5750)
- 11.120 Nonresident Military (NRM) Vehicle Owners
- 11.125 Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL/IRL) (REG 138) (VC §§5602 and 5900)
- 11.130 Parking or Toll Violations (VC §§4760, 4764, and 22651.7)
- 11.135 Repossessions—California—Registered Vehicles (VC §5909)
- 11.140 Repossessions—Legal Owner not on Record (VC §5909)
- 11.145 Repossessions–New Vehicles (California Commercial Code §9503)
- 11.150 Rollbacks (VC§5901)
- 11.155 Rush Titles (VC §9270)
- 11.160 Stolen or Embezzled Vehicles (VC §4605 and CRTC §10858)
- 11.165 Title Only (VC §§4452 and 6052)
- 11.170 Transfer on Death (TOD) Beneficiary (VC §§4150.7, 5910.5, 9852.7, and 9916.5)
- 11.175 Transfer Only (VC §4452)
- 11.180 Transfer to “Estate of”
- 11.190 Trust Transfers (VC §5600)
- 11.195 U.S. Customs Sales (VC §5909)
- 11.200 Warehouse Receipts Act
Chapter 12: Nonresident Vehicles
Use this chapter when bringing an out‑of‑state vehicle into California or working with nonresident owners. It explains emissions certification, military exemptions, interstate/IRP conversions, evidence of ownership, fee‑due dates, reciprocity, and related edge cases like direct imports and non‑title registrations.
- 12.000 Introduction
- 12.005 Basic Registration Requirements
- 12.010 California Highway Patrol Registration Enforcement and Guidance (CHP REG) Program (VC §§4000–4000.4)
- 12.015 California Noncertified Vehicles
- 12.020 California Noncertified/Direct Import Vehicle Exemptions
- 12.025 California Noncertified/Direct Import Vehicle Registration Refusals (H&SC §§43150 – 43156)
- 12.030 Change of Registered Owner-section reserved for future revision
- 12.035 Commercial Vehicles (VC §6852)
- 12.040 Definitions
- 12.045 Determining the Date Fees Become Due
- 12.050 Direct Import Vehicles
- 12.055 Evidence of Ownership
- 12.060 Interstate Registration
- 12.065 Interstate Registration Conversion to Regular Registration
- 12.070 Leased Vehicles (VC §6853)
- 12.075 Lost Applications (VC §1651)
- 12.080 Military Personnel (VC §6701)
- 12.085 Military Personnel–Discharged (VC §6703)
- 12.090 Military Personnel-Owned Commercial Vehicles (VC §6701)
- 12.095 Military Personnel–Signature by Relative (VC §1651)
- 12.100 Motorcycles–1978 and Newer Year Models
- 12.105 Nonresident Military (NRM) Exemption (50 United States Code §574)
- 12.110 Nonresident License Plates Used by Resident Business (VC §6702)
- 12.115 Nonresident Title Only–Not Currently Registered
- 12.120 Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration (VC §4307)
- 12.125 Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration Conversion to California Title
- 12.130 Nontitle (Goldenrod) Registration With a Name Change
- 12.135 Out-of-State California Resident
- 12.140 Previous Registration in California
- 12.145 Privileges of Nonresidents (VC §6700)
- 12.150 Reciprocity
- 12.155 Repossession of Nonresident Vehicles in California
- 12.160 Return of Nonresident License Plates (VC §4302)
- 12.165 Vehicle Verification Exceptions
Chapter 13: Commercial Vehicles
Guidance for commercial vehicle definitions, plate conversions, weight codes and fees (CVRA), taxes, permits, and specialty equipment. It also walks through exceptions, credits, and paperwork for fleets, housecars, mobile cranes, pickups with campers, and more.
- 13.000 Introduction
- 13.005 Body Changes and Alterations (VC §9406 and CR&TC §10753)
- 13.010 Commercial Vehicle Definitions
- 13.015 Commercial Vehicle Exclusions
- 13.020 Commercial Vehicle Registration Act of (CVRA) Weight and Weight Codes
- 13.025 Conversion From Auto to Commercial License Plates (VC §260)
- 13.030 Conversion From Commercial to Auto License Plates (VC §465)
- 13.035 Credit for Unused Weight Fees (VC §9408)
- 13.040 Farm-Labor Vehicles (VC §322)
- 13.045 Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT) (VC §4750 and U.S. Code, Title 26 §4481)
- 13.050 Financial Responsibility
- 13.055 Forklift Trucks (VC §4013)
- 13.060 Fuel Tax Clearance (CR&TC §8995)
- 13.065 Housecars (VC §362)
- 13.070 Mobile Cranes
- 13.075 Motor Carrier Permit Program (VC §34601)
- 13.080 Multiple Bodies
- 13.085 Multipurpose Vehicles
- 13.090 Passenger-Type Vehicles With Commercial Registration (VC §260)
- 13.095 Partial Year Registration (PYR) for Commercial Vehicles (VC §§9700-9711)
- 13.100 Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) (VC §5301)
- 13.105 Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) and IBC Offices
- 13.110 Pickup With a Camper Attached
- 13.115 Station Wagons (VC §§585 and 9404)
- 13.120 Street Sweeper (VC §4000)
- 13.125 Tow Dolly (VC §225)
- 13.130 Trolley Coaches (VC §650)
- 13.135 Unladen or Tare Weight (VC §660)
- 13.140 Unladen Weight Exclusions (VC §661)
- 13.145 Weight Certificate (B&PC §§12700, 12711, and 12714–12715)
- 13.150 Weight Exceptions
- 13.155 Weight Fees (VC §9400)
- 13.160 Weight Fee Exemptions
- 13.165 Weight Fee Penalty (VC §9400)
- 13.170 Weight Fee Penalty Exceptions
- 13.175 Weight Fee Schedules and Weight Ranges
Chapter 14: Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI)
PTI streamlines trailer registration by issuing permanent ID and requiring a maintenance service fee or PNO every five years. This chapter explains who qualifies, forms like REG 4017, title options, and which trailer types are excluded.
- 14.000 Introduction
- 14.005 Definitions
- 14.010 Maintenance Service Fee or PNO Every Five Years
- 14.015 Original Registrations
- 14.020 Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Certification (REG 4017) Form
- 14.025 Title Options
- 14.030 Trailers Excluded
- 14.035 Transfers
Chapter 15: Off-Highway Vehicles
Registration and identification for OHVs, including dual/on‑highway conversions, dealer/dismantler situations, fees and penalties, verification, engine changes, and special permits. It also covers nonresident operation and unique OHV plate/decals.
- 15.00 Chapter 15 Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
- 15.005 Competition (Racing) Motorcycle (VC §38088)
- 15.010 Conversion From Dual Registration to OHV Only
- 15.015 Conversion From Dual Registration to On-Highway Only
- 15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
- 15.020 Conversion From OHV to On-Highway
- 15.030 Conversion From Nontitle/Goldenrod On-Highway to OHV Registration
- 15.035 Conversion from Title Only or Expired On-Highway to OHV Registration
- 15.040 Dealer Sales (VC §38080 and §38200)
- 15.045 Dismantlers (VC §38180)
- 15.050 Dual Registration (VC §§4000 and 38010)
- 15.055 Replacements (VC §§38090, 38095, and 38260)
- 15.060 Exemptions (VC §38010)
- 15.065 Involuntary Transfers (VC §§5601 and 5909)
- 15.070 Motorcycle Transportation Permit (VC §§38088 and 38232)
- 15.075 Moving Permits (VC §4002)
- 15.080 Nonresident OHV Vehicles (VC §38040)
- 15.085 OHV Fees (VC §§38115, 38120, 38225, 38225.4, 38225.5, 38230, 38232, 38245, 38246, 38255, 38260, and 38265)
- 15.090 OHV Identification Plate (VC §§38010, 38020, 38088, and 38160)
- 15.095 OHV Motorcycle Engine Changes (VC §4161)
- 15.100 OHV Verification (VC §38041)
- 15.105 Operation of an OHV on the Highway (VC §38025)
- 15.110 Original OHV Registration Applications (VC §§4000, 24007, 38010, 38012, 38040, 38070, and 38080)
- 15.115 Planned Non-Operation Certification (REG 102) (VC §38121)
- 15.120 Registration of Noncomplying OHV (VC §§4000, 38010, 38012, and 38040)
- 15.125 Reregistration of Junk or Salvage Vehicle as an OHV (VC §38185)
- 15.130 Specially Constructed OHVs
- 15.135 Special Manufacturer, Dealer, or Distributor Permit for OHV (VC §§38021, 38087, and 38231)
- 15.140 Stolen or Embezzled OHVs (VC §38125)
- 15.145 Transfers (VC §38195)
- 15.150 Use Tax (VC §38211)
- 15.155 Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) VC §531
- 15.160 Waiver of OHV Fees and/or Penalties (VC §38247)
Chapter 16: Special Equipment
Covers Special Equipment (SE) identification plates and title/transfer rules for industrial or modular mover equipment. Use it to determine when SE applies, which codes govern issuance, and how to process dealer/manufacturer plate scenarios.
- Chapter 16 Special Equipment (SE)
- 16.005 Dealer/Manufacturer SE Plates (VC §§5016.5 and 36115(b))
- 16.010 Identification Plates (VC §§5011, 5015-5016, and 36115)
- 16.015 Title Only (VC §§4010 and 36100)
- 16.020 Transfers (VC §§5017 and 5018)
- 16.025 Truck Tractor/Semitrailer Combination Modular Mover (VC §§36012 and 36101)
Chapter 17: International Registration Plan (IRP)
Explains apportioned registration for interstate carriers, including what counts as international traffic, how IRP interacts with California registration, and when/how to convert to regular registration.
- Chapter 17 International Registration Plan (IRP)
- 17.005 Definition of International Traffic Vehicles
- 17.010 IRP Conversion to Regular Registration
- 17.015 IRP Information
Chapter 18: Lien Sales – Abandoned – Abated Vehicles
How to conduct or respond to vehicle and vessel lien sales in California—notice and opposition steps, low‑value vs. higher‑value rules, abatement procedures, storage limits, post‑storage hearings, and distribution of sale proceeds.
- Chapter 18 Lien Sales—Abandoned—Abated Vehicles
- 18.005 Abandoned Low-Value Vehicles/Private Party (California Civil Code (CC) §§1980-1991, 1993-1993.090, 3067, 3068-3074, Vehicle Code (VC) §§22658, 22669 and 22851.3)
- 18.010 Categories of Lien Sales
- 18.015 Cost to Conduct a Lien Sale (CCC §3074 and CH&NC §507.5)
- 18.020 Declaration of Opposition
- 18.025 Declaration of Opposition on Low-Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (VC §22851.8 (d))
- 18.030 Definitions
- 18.035 Determining Fees
- 18.040 Dismantler Acquisition of Abandoned Low-Value Vehicles (VC §11520)
- 18.045 Dismantler Acquisition of Vehicles Removed by a Local Abatement Procedure (VC §22664)
- 18.050 Declaration of Opposition to a Lien Sale (CC §§3071 [d][e], 3072 [d][e])
- 18.055 Disposition of Low-Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (VC §§22851.2, 22851.6, 22851.8, 22851.10)
- 18.060 Disposition of Vehicles Removed by a Local Abatement Procedure (VC §22661)
- 18.065 Liens (CCC §§3068 through 3074)
- 18.070 Liens Sale Dispute Resolution
- 18.075 Liens Sale Valuation
- 18.080 Local Abatement Procedure
- 18.085 Low-Valued Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (VC §22851.2)
- 18.090 Military Lien Sales
- 18.095 Parking and Toll Violation Liens (VC §22851.1)
- 18.100 Planned Nonoperation (PNO) (VC §4604)
- 18.105 Proceeds of a Lien Sale (CC §3073)
- 18.110 Registration Services
- 18.115 Re-registration of Low-Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment
- 18.120 Re-registration of Vehicles Removed by a Local Abatement Procedure (VC §§22661(f). 22711)
- 18.125 Request for Post-Storage Hearing of Abandoned Low-Value Vehicles (VC §§22851.3e and 22851.3g )
- 18.130 Seizure and Sale of Vehicles (VC §§9800 and 980l)
- 18.135 Storage Lien Limitation (VC §22851)
- 18.140 Vehicle Identification Number Missing at the Time of Removal on Low-Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (VC §22851.2 (b))
- 18.145 Vehicles Valued at $4,000 or Less (CC §3072)
- 18.150 Vehicles Valued Over $4,000 or From a Self-Service Storage Facility (CC §3071)
- 18.155 Vessel Liens—Boaters Lien Law (CH&NC §§500–509)
- 18.160 Vessel or Vessel and Trailer Combination Valued at $1,500 or Less (CH&NC §504 and 507)
- 18.165 Vessel or Vessel and Trailer Combination Valued Over $1,500 (CH&NC §503)
Chapter 19: Salvage – Nonrepairable – Junk Vehicles
How to title and process vehicles that are totaled, dismantled, junked, or revived. It includes definitions, salvage/nonrepairable certificates, owner retention, revived junk/salvage, and special handling when prior fees or public‑agency sales are involved.
- Chapter 19 Junk, Salvage, Nonrepairable
- 19.005 Abated Vehicles (VC §§22660, 22661, and 22662)
- 19.010 Authority for Cancellation, Suspension, or Revocation (VC §8800)
- 19.015 Definitions
- 19.020 Duplicate Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate
- 19.025 Junking a Vehicle—Dismantler (VC §11520)
- 19.030 Junking a Vehicle—Individual (VC §11520)
- 19.035 Nonreceipt of Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate
- 19.040 Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate (VC §§432 and 11515.2)
- 19.045 Notice of Retention by Owner—Salvage Vehicle (VC §11515)
- 19.050 Removing Salvage Retention Status
- 19.055 Reregistration of Vehicles Withdrawn From Service (VC §9408)
- 19.060 Revived Junk (VC §11519)
- 19.065 Revived Salvage—California Record
- 19.070 Revived Salvage—New or Nonresident (VC §11519)
- 19.075 Salvage Certificate (VC §11515)
- 19.080 Salvage Certificate Application With Prior Fees Paid
- 19.085 Sold by a Public Agency or Auctioneer (VC §24007.5)
- 19.090 Vehicle Safety System Inspection Program
Chapter 20: Replacements and Substitutes
Use this section when titles, plates, stickers, cards, or placards are lost, damaged, stolen, or need substitution. It includes DP/Disabled Veteran items, special plates, CVRA decals, and when notarization or specific forms are required.
- Chapter 20 Replacements and Substitutes
- 20.005 Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) Form (VC §§4457, 4458, and 4466)
- 20.010 Certificates of Title and Transfer of Ownership (VC §§4459, 5752, and 5911)
- 20.015 Certificates of Title for Dealer to Auto Auction Sales
- 20.020 Certificates of Title Lost After Release by the Lienholder (VC §§5752 and 5911)
- 20.025 Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) Weight Decals and Year Stickers
- 20.030 Disabled Person (DP) Parking Placards (VC §22511.55 and §22511.56)
- 20.035 Disabled Person (DP) Parking Placard Identification (ID) Cards
- 20.040 License Plates for Victims of Domestic Violence, Stalking, Rape, or Sexual Battery (VC §§4467 and 1808.21(e); CCC §1708.7; and CPC §649.9)
- 20.045 Moped License Plates or ID Cards (VC §5035)
- 20.050 Nonreceipt of Certificates/License Plates/Stickers/Disabled Persons (DP) Parking Placards (VC §4457)
- 20.055 Notarized Lienholder Signatures for Replacement Certificates of Title (VC §5752)
- 20.060 Registration Cards Only (VC §§4457 and 9265)
- 20.065 Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificates (VC §§4459 and 9265)
- 20.070 Special Equipment (SE) License Plates/Stickers, Identification (ID) Cards
- 20.075 Special License Plates—Replacements (VC §4457)
- 20.080 Special License Plates—Substitutes (VC §§4457 and 4458)
- 20.085 Stickers Only (VC §§4457 and 4853)
Chapter 21: Special Plates
All plate programs beyond standard issue: DP and DV plates/placards, historical and legacy plates, veterans and organizations, personalized configuration rules, press photographer, livery, Kids/Arts/Ag/Whale Tail/Tahoe/Yosemite, and more—plus how to assign, transfer, or retain them.
- Chapter 21 Special License Plates
- 21.005 Amateur Radio (HAM) License Plates
- 21.010 Antique Motorcycle License Plates
- 21.015 Bicentennial Bill of Rights License Plates
- 21.020 Breast Cancer Awareness License Plates (VC §5108)
- 21.025 California (CA) 1960s Legacy License Plates (VC §5004.3)
- 21.030 California Agriculture (CalAg) License Plates (VC §5156)
- 21.035 California Arts Council License Plates (VC §5074)
- 21.040 California Coastal Commission (Whale Tail) License Plates (VC §5067)
- 21.045 California Firefighter License Plates
- 21.050 California Memorial License Plates (VC §5066)
- 21.055 California Museum License Plates (VC §5101.6)
- 21.060 Collegiate License Plates (VC §5024)
- 21.065 Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates (VC §5101.6)
- 21.070 Disabled Person Definition (VC §295.5)
- 21.075 Disabled Person Certification (VC §§5007, 22511.55, 22511.59)
- 21.080 Disabled Person License Plates (VC §5007)
- 21.085 Disabled Person (DP) Parking Placards (VC §§ 295.5, 5007(c)(1), 2511.55(b)(1)(2), 22511.59 (b)(c)(d) & 22511.6)
- 21.090 Disabled Veteran Definition (VC 295.7)
- 21.095 Disabled Veteran License Plates and Fees Exemption (VC §§5007 and 9105)
- 21.100 Environmental License Plates (VC §5101)
- 21.105 Ex-Prisoner of War (POW) License Plates (VC §§ 324.5, 4001, 5101.5, 9501)
- 21.110 Foreign Organization License Plates (VC §5006.5)
- 21.115 Gold Star Family License Plates
- 21.120 Historical Vehicle and Horseless Carriage License Plates (VC §5004)
- 21.125 Honorary Consul License Plates (VC §5006)
- 21.130 Kids License Plates (VC §5072)
- 21.135 Lake Tahoe Conservancy License Plates (VC §5075)
- 21.140 Legion of Valor (LV) License Plates (VC §5101.4)
- 21.145 Legislative License Plates (VC §5002.8)
- 21.150 Livery License Plates (VC §§5011.5 and 5011.9)
- 21.155 Metal Tabs for Special License Plates
- 21.160 Motorized Bicycle (Moped) License Plates (VC §§5030-5039)
- 21.165 Olympic Games License Plates
- 21.170 Olympic Training Center License Plates
- 21.175 Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plates (VC §5101.3)
- 21.180 Personalized Configurations—Mandatory Refusal
- 21.185 Personalized License Plate Applications
- 21.190 Personalized License Plate Assignments
- 21.195 Personalized License Plate Configuration Exchanges
- 21.200 Personalized License Plates Retention (VC §5109)
- 21.205 Personalized License Plates Surrendered to DMV
- 21.210 Pet Lovers License Plates (VC §5156)
- 21.215 Press Photographer License Plates
- 21.220 Privately-Owned School Bus (PSB) (VC §9102.5)
- 21.225 Purple Heart License Plates (VC §5101.8)
- 21.230 Reassignment of Old License Plates to Collector Vehicles
- 21.235 Reassignment of Special License Plates (VC §§5108 and 5109)
- 21.240 Special License Plate Interchanges
- 21.245 Special License Plate Transfers (VC §5110)
- 21.250 Veterans Organization License Plates (VC §5068)
- 21.255 Window Decals for Vehicles With Wheelchair Lifts or Carriers (VC §5201)
- 21.260 Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates (VC §§5004.1, 4463, 4463.5, California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13, Article 3.3, §§205.00-205.14)
- 21.265 Yosemite Foundation License Plates (VC §5064)
- 21.270 Yosemite License Plates (VC §5064)
Chapter 22: Corrections and Adjustments
Fixing records: owner names/addresses, lienholder info, VIN and vehicle description errors, engine/fuel type, plate mistakes, mixed cards/plates, and credits or fee corrections when renewals were paid on the wrong vehicle.
- 22.000 Introduction
- 22.005 California Certificate of Title Describes the Wrong Vehicle
- 22.010 California Certificate of Title Held by the Lienholder/Legal Owner
- 22.015 Change or Correction of Lienholder/Legal Owner Address (VC §4159)
- 22.020 Change or Correction of Lienholder/Legal Owner Name (VC §§4150 and 4453)
- 22.025 Change or Correction of Registered Owner Address (VC §§4159, 4160, 4453, and 14600)
- 22.030 Change or Correction of Registered Owner Name (VC §§4150 and 4453)
- 22.035 Changing the Body Type Model (BTM) and/or Weight
- 22.040 Changes to Engine or Fuel Type/Motive Power
- 22.045 Correcting a Vehicle Description Error
- 22.050 Credit From Prior Year Registration Fees
- 22.055 Incorrect License Plates and/or Year Sticker Issued
- 22.060 Lienholder/Legal Owner Omitted (CGC §818.5)
- 22.065 Mismatched License Plates
- 22.070 Mixed License Plates and/or Registration Card
- 22.075 New Vehicle Incorrectly Reported by the Dealer
- 22.080 Nonresident Military (NRM) Becomes a California Resident
- 22.085 Renewal or Planned Nonoperation (PNO) Fees Paid on the Wrong Vehicle (VC §§4751 and 9562)
- 22.090 Two Renewal Notices Received for the Same Vehicle
- 22.095 Vehicle Value Corrections
- 22.100 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Corrections (VC §4451)
Chapter 23: Bonds and Certifications
When ownership is unclear or documents are missing, bonding may be required. This chapter explains surety bonds, acceptable documentation, diligent‑effort steps, alternatives for vehicles/vessels, and special situations like SPCNS and salvage.
- 23.000 Introduction
- 23.005 Definitions
- 23.010 Diligent Effort Process
- 23.015 Document Acceptability
- 23.020 Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond
- 23.025 Motor Vehicle or Vessel Bond Alternatives
- 23.030 Notarized Documents
- 23.035 Return of Motor Vehicle or Vessel Bond Alternatives
- 23.040 Salvage Vehicles
- 23.045 Specially Constructed (SPCNS) Vehicle or Vessel
- 23.050 Unavailable Legal Owners
- 23.055 Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond
Chapter 24: Vessels
All things boat/vessel: original and renewal registration, titling, HINs, emissions, fees, proof of ownership, special classes (commercial fishing, historical), and how to handle nonresident, salvaged, junked, or stolen vessels.
- 24.000 Introduction
- 24.005 ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) (CHNC §651.5)
- 24.010 Amphibious Vehicle/Vessel Dual Registration (VC §9872.5)
- 24.015 California-Assigned Vessel Numbers (CF) (VC §9857)
- 24.020 Change or Correction of Address (VC §9865)
- 24.025 Change or Correction of Name
- 24.030 Change or Correction of Vessel Description
- 24.035 Change From Documented To Undocumented
- 24.040 Change From Undocumented To Documented
- 24.045 Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Vessels
- 24.050 Delinquent Property Taxes (VC §§9880 and 9900; CRTC §§227 and 3205; CHNC §503)
- 24.055 Replacement Certificate of Number (VC §9867)
- 24.060 Replacement Certificate of Ownership (VC §§9853.1, 9867, and 9909)
- 24.065 Fee Exemptions (CVC §9851)
- 24.070 Historical Vessel Plaques (VC §9853.5)
- 24.075 Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) (VC §§9857, 9871, 9871.5)
- 24.080 Inboard or Inboard/Outboard (Sterndrive) Emission Certification
- 24.085 Junk Vessels (VC §9864)
- 24.090 Nonresident Vessels (VC §§9854, 9873; CRTC §6248)
- 24.095 Notice of Sale of Vessel Registrations (VC §9911)
- 24.100 Old Vessel Certificates
- 24.105 Original Vessel Registrations (VC §9852)
- 24.110 Out-of-State Vessel Registration/Titling Agencies
- 24.115 Proof of Ownership (CCR §190.02 and VC §9852)
- 24.120 Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee (VC §§9851, 9853, 9860, and 9863 and CHNC §675)
- 24.125 Reclassifications of Vessel Class
- 24.130 Renewals (VC §§9860, 9861, and 9863)
- 24.135 Revived Junk Vessels
- 24.140 Salvaged Vessels
- 24.145 Stolen Vessels (VC §§10550 – 10554)
- 24.150 Substitute Stickers
- 24.155 Transfers (VC §§9900, 9907, and 9908)
- 24.160 Unavailable Records (VC §9917)
- 24.165 Vessel Agents (VC §§9858 and 9858.1)
- 24.170 Vessel Carbon Monoxide Stickers (CHNC §§683 and 684)
- 24.175 Vessels Not Required to be Registered (VC §9873)
- 24.185 Yacht and Ship Brokers
- 24.180 Vessels Required to be Registered in California
Chapter 25: Permits and Decals
Temporary and special permits/decals: CAV and ZEV parking decals, trip and one‑trip permits, commuter/nonresident permits, transporter/moving permits, disaster‑relief and school bus permits, and more—what they authorize and how to issue them.
- Chapter 25 Permits and Decals
- 25.005 Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals (VC §§5205.5 and 21655.9)
- 25.010 Disabled Person (DP) Window Decals for Vehicles With Wheelchair Lifts or Carriers (VC §5201)
- 25.015 Foreign Resident In-Transit Permit (REG 34)(VC §6700.1; CR&TC §6366.2)
- 25.020 Laden Commercial Trailer One Trip Permit (REG 43)(VC §4003.5)
- 25.025 Application For Special Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712)(VC §§38088 and 38232)
- 25.030 Nonresident Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit (REG 41)(VC §4004, 9260)
- 25.035 Nonresident Daily Commuter Permit (REG 150)(VC §§6700.25 and 6700.3)
- 25.040 One Trip Permit (REG 402T) (VC §4003)
- 25.045 Special Permit for Disaster Relief Work Vehicles (VC §4005)
- 25.050 Temporary Nonresident Commercial Registration (REG 473)(VC §4004)
- 25.055 Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) (REG 19F) (VC §4156)
- 25.060 Temporary Permit for Exempt School Bus (REG 473)(VC §§5010 and 9266)
- 25.065 Temporary Permit for Privately-Owned School Bus (REG 473) (VC §9102.5)
- 25.070 Transporter Permit (VC §11716)
- 25.075 Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172)(VC §4002)
- 25.080 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Parking Decal (VC §§22511 and 22511.1)
Chapter 26: Refunds
Outlines when fees may be refunded (renewals paid twice, PNO/unused vehicles, apportioned/VLF adjustments, undelivered or stolen vehicles, out‑of‑state deliveries, and certain direct import cases) and how to request them.
- 26.000 Refunds-General (VC §§42230-42235 and CRTC §10901)
- 26.005 Refunds on Abated, Abandoned, or Low Value Vehicles
- 26.010 Refunds on Apportioned Vehicles
- 26.015 Refunds on Other Fees
- 26.020 Refunds on Prorated VLF for Constructive Total Loss Vehicles (CRTC §10902)
- 26.025 Refunds on Renewal Fees
- 26.030 Refunds on Renewal Fees Paid Twice for the Same Registration Year (VC §42230 and CRTC §10901)
- 26.035 Refunds on Undelivered New Vehicles
- 26.040 Refunds on Unrecovered Stolen Vehicles (VC §42231)
- 26.045 Refunds on Unused Vehicles (VC §4604)
- 26.050 Refunds on Vehicle License Fees (VLF) for Nonresident Military (NRM) Owners (VC §42231)
- 26.055 Refunds on Vehicles Delivered Out of State
- 26.060 Refunds on 49-State/Direct Import Vehicles (VC §42230)
Chapter 27: Information Requests
Who can request DMV information and how those requests are handled—attorneys, dealers, government and law‑enforcement, commercial requesters, lien sales, individuals, and PRA/FOIA/IPA requests.
- 27.000 Introduction
- 27.005 Attorneys
- 27.010 Commercial Requesters (VC §1810.2)
- 27.015 Dealers
- 27.020 DOJ/NCIC Hits
- 27.025 Fair Political Practices Commission (Statement Of Economic Interest) (Form 700)
- 27.030 Government Requesters
- 27.035 Individuals
- 27.040 Law Enforcement
- 27.045 Lien Sales
- 27.050 Misuse Complaints
- 27.055 Public Records Act, Freedom of Information Act, or Information Practices Act (CCC §1798)
Chapter 28: Bundle Listings
How dealers and partners prepare and submit bundles of registration applications (FO 247) and how DMV processes those transmittals.
- 28.000 Introduction
- 28.005 Completing a Transmittal of Registration Applications (FO 247)
- 28.010 DMV Processing of the Transmittal of Registration Applications (FO 247)
Chapter 29: Form Specifications
What forms may be used, reproduced, or ordered in bulk, plus policy for acceptance of reproduced forms and where to find forms online.
- 29.000 Forms Policy
- 29.005 General Guidelines for Bulk Forms
- 29.010 Forms in Bulk Quantities
- 29.015 Reproducing DMV Forms
- 29.020 Forms Available on the Internet
Chapter 30: Inquiries
Reference materials and codes that support registration processing—body type codes, county codes, transaction codes, RDF/suspense reason codes, and record status messages.
- 30.000 Introduction
- 30.005 Basic Information
- 30.010 Chart 1-Body Type Model and Body Type Codes
- 30.015 Chart 2-County Codes
- 30.020 Chart 3-R60 Record Status Messages
- 30.025 Chart 4-Report of Deposit of Fees (RDF) Reason Codes
- 30.030 Chart 5-Suspense Reason Codes
- 30.035 Chart 6-Type Transaction Codes (TTC)
Appendices
Appendix references you’ll use while calculating fees, decoding plate history, applying smog rules by ZIP, and formatting addresses for DMV records.