26.010 Refunds on Apportioned Vehicles

Use the following guidelines when an applicant requests a refund of regular registration fees paid on a vehicle with apportioned registration:

If the Apportioned Registration Was	Then
If the Apportioned Registration Was Valid when the regular registration fees were paid	Then The fees may be refunded. The following must be submitted: A completed Application for Refund (ADM 399) form identifying the vehicle, the amount of refund requested, and explaining the circumstances. The procedures below must be followed: • Verify the apportioned record and write the apportioned number and issue date on the ADM 399. • Forward the application to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) in DMV headquarters with the miscellaneous work.
If the Apportioned Registration Was Not valid when the regular registration fees were paid	Then The refund determination must be made by the International Registration Plan (IRP) Unit in DMV headquarters. The procedures below must be followed: • Forward the ADM 399 to the IRP unit.

26.005 Refunds on Abated, Abandoned, or Low Value Vehicles

Generally, refunds are not issued for vehicles abated, abandoned, or disposed of as low value vehicles. Vehicles abated or abandoned under VC §§22660 or 22669 cannot be reconstructed or made operable and reregistered unless qualified for Horseless Carriage or Historical Vehicle License Plates pursuant to VC §§5004 and 22851.3. Applications to register vehicles abated or abandoned under VC §§22660 or 22669 must be refused or rejected and any fees paid by the applicant must be refunded even if the vehicle has been operated (VC §42230).

26.000 Refunds-General (VC §§42230-42235 and CRTC §10901)

Information

If a fee and/or penalty is collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in error or in excess of the actual fees due, the person who paid the fees may receive a refund by submitting an Application for Refund (ADM 399) (PDF) form to DMV by mail at the address shown on the form or online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Refund requests must be submitted within three years from the date of payment of the fees in question. Requests received more than three years after payment of the fee(s) cannot be honored because of the statute of limitations in VC §§42231 and 42232.

Exception: Nonresident military (NRM) requests for a refund of vehicle license fees (VLF) may be accepted more than three years after payment of fees.

The following must be submitted:

• An Application for Refund (ADM 399) (PDF) form with an explanation why a refund is being requested, the fees and date paid, the amount of refund requested, and why the payment was excessive or erroneously collected by DMV.
• Any documentation of payments claimed, such as photocopies of the front and back of a canceled check payable to DMV or receipts issued by DMV. Front and back photocopies of both checks are needed when payment was made twice for the same vehicle.
• The current year registration card and unused sticker, if the refund will cancel the current year registration.
• The California Certificate of Title, if a correction, such as VLF classification.
• The California Certificate of Title, if issued, registration card, license plates, and stickers, if the entire registration is to be canceled (in other words, the vehicle should not have been registered).

A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form, explaining why items cannot be submitted if any of the items required to be submitted with the ADM 399 are missing. A duplicate fee is not charged for missing items.

• If needed, a completed:
  — Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) (PDF) form.
  — Nonresident Military Exemption Statement (REG 5045) (PDF) form.
  — REG 256 (PDF) authorizing DMV to issue the refund to a person other than the registered owner.

The procedures below must be followed:

• All ADM 399 forms submitted to determine if the fees are subject to refund must be reviewed and any required supporting documents are attached.
• 
  Do not accept ADM 399 forms if a refund is not due.

Erroneous Collection of Fees—When excessive fees are collected from a dealer due to a DMV’s error and the fees cannot be refunded by the field office, the office manager or their designee will:

• Complete an ADM 399 stating the reason for the refund and the dealer’s desired method of reimbursement (check or credit).
• Send the ADM 399 to:
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  PO Box 942869 MS A235
  Sacramento, CA 94269-000
  
  

Chapter 26: Refunds

26.000 Refunds–General

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

26.025 Refunds on Renewal Fees

26.030 Refunds on Renewal Fees Paid Twice for the Same Registration Year

26.035 Refunds on Undelivered New Vehicles

26.040 Refunds on Unrecovered Stolen Vehicles

26.045 Refunds on Unused Vehicles

26.050 Refunds on Vehicle License Fees (VLF) for Nonresident Military (NRM) Owners

26.055 Refunds on Vehicles Delivered Out of State

26.060 Refunds on 49-State/Direct Import Vehicles

25.080 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Parking Decal (VC §§22511 and 22511.1)

Effective January 1, 2012, ZEV is not required to display a ZEV parking decal in a ZEV-designated parking space and the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Parking Decal Application (REG 4048) is obsolete. Only vehicles connected for electric charging will be allowed to park in ZEV-designated parking spaces.

Note ZEV parking decals are not the same as clean air vehicle (CAV) decals.

25.075 Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172)(VC §4002)

A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with VC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s.

A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved:

• From the current place of storage to another place of storage.
• To or from a garage or repair shop for the purpose of repairs or alteration.
• For the purpose of dismantling or wrecking.
• From one place to another for the purpose of:
  • Inspection by DMV or the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
  • Assignment or verification of a vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Inspection of pollution (smog) control devices.
  • Weighing the vehicle.
  • Obtaining brake/light certificates.
• For construction (incomplete vehicle).
• By a dealer, distributor, or manufacturer from their place of business to a place where the vehicle will be altered or supplied.
• By a dealer, distributor, manufacturer, remanufacturer, or transporter from a vessel, railroad depot, or warehouse to a warehouse or salesroom.
• From an impound yard.

Note In general, trailer coaches must be registered at all times.

The date chosen must be within 60 days from the issue date. It must be entered on the permit by the applicant, or an authorized DMV, CHP, Auto Club, or Business Partner Automation (BPA) agent, and endorsed by the agent.

REG 172 Exclusions—A REG 172 cannot be issued if:

• Fees are due.
• The vehicle registration has expired and the required PNO status is not on file. Refer to Chapter 3 for PNO requirements and exemptions.
• The vehicle has been impounded and fees are due. However, the REG 172 may be issued after all fees due are paid.

Additional Information Regarding REG 172 Permit Usage—A vehicle moved on a REG 172 in conformance with the restrictions previously does not have to be unladen.

Examples:

• A REG 172 may be used to move a boat trailer with a boat stored on it from storage to storage. The permit cannot be used to move a boat trailer when the boat will be picked up en route from storage to storage. This type of operation requires that the trailer be registered.
• A REG 172 used to move an unregistered truck transporting perishable cargo is a violation of the permit restrictions because perishable cargo would not be stored in an unregistered truck.

Note A REG 172 may be used to move a crane under the provisions of the permit. However, movement to or from a job site does not constitute storage to storage; a crane must be registered for such movement.

A REG 172 should be issued only to the owner or an agent acting with the owner’s knowledge and consent. The permit must be obtained before the vehicle is moved. Substantiating documents are not necessary.

Lost Permit:

When evidence of a permit is required for a registration application and the permit is lost, the applicant must:

• Complete a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form giving the:
  • Name of the field office that issued the permit.
  • Approximate date it was issued.
  • Dates on which movement of the vehicle was authorized.

The following must be submitted:

• The REG 256 attached to the application.

Authorized DMV personnel, Auto Club personnel, a Business Partner Automation (BPA) agent, or a CHP agent may issue a REG 172.

The following are procedures to issue a REG 172:

• The REG 172 can be issued by verifying the vehicle has a planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, is exempt from the PNO law or has current registration fees paid on deposit.
• The vehicle license number (if any), make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN) (if none, write “NONE”), and reason for movement must be completed.

• Inform the applicant of the following:
  • The REG 172 is valid for one day.
  • They must complete the printed name and address sections and sign the REG 172.
  • They must enter the date of movement (in ink) of their choice prior to movement of the vehicle.
  • If the next renewal period or PNO is due within 60 days, fees must be paid before the expiration date. If paid after the expiration date, fees/penalties will be due.
  • Any changes or alterations will void the permit.
  • They will be subject to a possible citation and/or vehicle impoundment if the permit is presented to law enforcement with any of the following:
    The date is blank, the date of operation is more than 60 days from issuance, the vehicle description and/or date of operation are illegible or altered, the vehicle is operated and the fees are not current or a PNO is not on file.
    Example: The customer was issued a REG 172 on 11/22/2011, fees were only paid through 12/31/2011, and the customer chose to move the vehicle on 1/11/2012, after the fees were expired.

25.070 Transporter Permit (VC §11716)

A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be used by a manufacturer, transporter, distributor, or dealer to move an unregistered vehicle from a vessel, railroad depot, or warehouse to a warehouse or sales room. The permit must be obtained from DMV prior to movement of the vehicle.

25.065 Temporary Permit for Privately-Owned School Bus (REG 473) (VC §9102.5)

A privately-owned school bus (PSB) may be issued a REG 473, in addition to the PSB registration, for bus operation that would otherwise cause regular registration fees to be due. Issuance of the REG 473 does not affect the PSB registration; it remains valid until the end of the registration year.

The REG 473 must be obtained prior to any commercial operation, or the school bus becomes subject to regular commercial registration, in which case, fees (or fees and penalties) are due for a full 12-month registration year from the date fees became due.

The following must be submitted:

• A completed School Bus Registration or Permit Application (REG 123) (PDF) form.
• A weight certificate, if the weight is not shown on the registration card and the vehicle weighs less than 10,001 pounds. If the vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds, the estimated unladen weight is required and may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form.
• A Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight pounds or more unladen.
• A weight fee, if the vehicle will be used to transport persons or property for compensation or profit.
• The permit fee. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.

25.060 Temporary Permit for Exempt School Bus (REG 473)(VC §§5010 and 9266)

When a motor vehicle leased to a school district for use as a school bus (as defined in VC §545) temporarily reverts to the possession and control of the lessor and becomes subject to registration, the lessor may, as an alternative to registration, secure a temporary permit to operate the vehicle for one or more calendar months. The exempt license plates will continue to be displayed on the vehicle.

The following must be submitted:

• A completed School Bus Registration or Permit Application (REG 123) (PDF) form which identifies the exempt vehicle by the vehicle identification number, make, and exempt license plate number. The expiration date must be written at the top of the application.
• A completed Request for Commercial Registration of a Passenger Vehicle (REG 590) form.
• A weight certificate, if the vehicle weighs less than 10,001 pounds. If the vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds, the estimated unladen weight is required and may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form.
• A Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form completed by the owner, if the vehicle weighs 6,001 pounds or more unladen.
• The fees due. Fees are computed at the rate of 1/10 (10 percent) of the annual fee for each month or fraction of a month. Fees are not prorated for any fraction of a calendar month. Fees do not have a late penalty. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.

25.055 Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) (REG 19F) (VC §4156)

The TOP is a two-part form with a validating sticker (REG 19S), which is issued for the following limited and specific instances to operate a vehicle when all registration fees have been paid and license plates and/or stickers have not been issued. Payment of use tax is not usually required to obtain a TOP, if all other fees have been paid.

Biennial Smog Certification TOP—The following applies to the issuance of a TOP REG 19F/19S when the vehicle failed a biennial smog certification test:

• The vehicle owner must present the failed smog test report as evidence that the vehicle failed a biennial smog certification when requesting a TOP.
• The TOP may be valid for 60 days from either the:
  • Registration expiration date.
  • Date the vehicle is removed from planned nonoperation (PNO).
    Example: A vehicle is registered or removed from PNO status on 3/15/2013.
    The customer presents evidence the vehicle failed smog certification on 4/10/2013. A TOP valid until 5/15/2013 may be issued. If the customer presents evidence of the smog failure after 5/15/2013, a TOP cannot be issued; only a one-day Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) can be issued.
• Only one biennial smog TOP can be issued to the same vehicle within a two-year period.
• A TOP is not issued if proof of insurance is required and has not been submitted.
• Registration renewal fees must be paid.
• A $50 fee is due when issuing a TOP to obtain a biennial smog certification, unless the customer qualifies for a fee waiver as follows:
• TOP Fee Waiver—The $50 TOP fee may only be waived (prior to paying the $50 fee) if the owner presents a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) Letter of Eligibility (LOE) indicating the owner qualifies for CAP’s repair assistance option.
  • CAP’s repair assistance option provides income-eligible consumers up to $1500 in emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station if their model year 1996 or newer vehicle fails its biennial Smog Check inspection. Income-eligible owners of model year 1976 through 1995 vehicles may receive up to $1,125 in emissions-related repairs.

Important When a salvage retention vehicle is being revived and the biennial smog is due, do not charge the TOP fee or limit the TOP expiration to less than 60 days.

Instances Allowing Issuance of a TOP—A one-time 30-day TOP may be issued on an incomplete registration application for a:

• Nonresident vehicle.
• Impounded vehicle, if all fees due are paid (unless due for a biennial smog when the expiration date or date removed from PNO is more than 60 days past; then only a one-day Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) can be issued.
• Vehicle referred to CHP for vehicle identification number inspection or assignment.
• Vehicle having difficulty passing an original or transfer smog inspection when the applicant presents a BAR appointment card for a BAR referee inspection or documented proof of the needed smog parts on order for the owner.
  Note This does not apply to vehicles requiring a biennial smog.
• Vehicle requiring federal heavy vehicle use tax (FHVUT) with an expiration other than July 31.
• Vehicle when the office manager or designee determines it is appropriate.

See the 19.090 Vehicle Safety System Inspection Program

Important A TOP cannot be issued to a vehicle requiring a brake or light certificate. You may only issue a Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172).

A one-time 60-day TOP may be issued on:

• An incomplete registration application for a:
  • Vehicle failing an original or transfer smog inspection when a customer has paid all the fees due and shows the vehicle inspection record as proof of failing the smog inspection, may be issued a 60-day TOP from the date of failed smog inspection.
    Note This does not apply to vehicles requiring a biennial smog.
  • Commercial vehicle when the owner is having difficulty filing the FHVUT, if the registration expiration date is July 31.
  • Salvage retention vehicle being revived when a customer has paid all the registration fees due (current and due within 60 days) and obtained a Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) certificate.
• A complete registration application processed in mail mode for sequential license plates and stickers to be issued by DMV headquarters. Examples: Arts, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran, Kids, Memorial, Lake Tahoe, Whale Tail, Yosemite License Plates, etc.

A one-time 90-day TOP may be issued on a registration application:

• Suspensed to DMV headquarters for license plates and stickers to be issued.
• Assigned personalized license plates to be issued by DMV headquarters.

Note Family member transfers are subject to the $50 TOP fee and 60-day limit when a biennial smog certification is due for registration