25.050 Temporary Nonresident Commercial Registration (REG 473)(VC §4004)

A REG 473, valid for a maximum of 90 days, may be obtained as an alternative to California registration for a nonresident commercial vehicle. The vehicle must meet the registration requirements of a foreign jurisdiction with which California has reciprocity, that is subject to California registration but not entitled to exemption from registration or licensing under any of the provisions of the California Vehicle Code or any reciprocity agreement.

The following must be submitted:

• A completed Application for Temporary Registration Nonresident Commercial Vehicle (REG 471) form.
• Verification of the valid out-of-state registration (including the vehicle identification number), unladen weight, and other information required to complete the application.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form if the vehicle has been in California more than 20 days, but the fees have been due for less than 20 days. Example: A vehicle entered California with valid registration but has been in a repair terminal due to a breakdown, and the applicant now wants to use it on an intrastate basis.
• The permit fee. Fees are assessed at the rate of one quarter of each of the full-year fees. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
• For diesel-powered vehicles:

If the Customer	Then
If the CustomerHas a valid international fuel tax agreement (IFTA) account number	ThenThe IFTA account number must be entered in the “Diesel Fuel Permit” field on the REG 471.
If the CustomerDoes not have a valid IFTA account	Then• The applicant must purchase a California Fuel Trip Permit. • A new California Fuel Trip Permit must be purchased each time the vehicle leaves and reenters California during the 90-day period the REG 473 is valid.

You must not do the following:

• Accept fees on deposit if the applicant cannot furnish the required information. Fees for temporary registration may be accepted only with a complete application.
• Issue a Temporary Nonresident Commercial registration to Mexico or Newfoundland base-plated vehicles.

Renewal of a Temporary Nonresident Commercial Registration—The application requirements for renewal are the same as for an original application. If more than 20 days have elapsed since the expiration date of the previous temporary registration, the vehicle must be registered with full registration, unless the applicant can submit a REG 256 indicating the vehicle has not been operated to cause full fees to be due after the expiration date.

25.045 Special Permit for Disaster Relief Work Vehicles (VC §4005)

A Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) (REG 19F) with validating sticker (REG 19S) may be issued to unregistered vehicles needed for disaster relief work in a disaster area. The permit should be:

• Issued only if the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or responsible local authority that has determined the vehicle is necessary for such purposes.
• Valid only during a period of a State of Emergency, as proclaimed by the Governor under the provisions of the California Emergency Services Act.

A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form stating these conditions will be met must be submitted prior to issuance of the TOP.

25.040 One Trip Permit (REG 402T) (VC §4003)

A REG 402T displayed on the windshield or other prominent place on the vehicle may be used in lieu of California registration to move any vehicle required to be registered, except a crane:

• Unladen, for one continuous trip from a place within California to another place either within or outside California, or from a place outside California to a place within California.
• For one round trip from one place to another for the purpose of participating as a vehicular float or display in a lawful parade or exhibition. The total round trip cannot exceed 100 miles and must be completed within 60 days.

Permitted Uses—A REG 402T is valid for:

• An unladen commercial motor vehicle used for one of the purposes specified in this section, with another vehicle “piggyback” mounted on it, so that either the front or rear wheels of the mounted vehicle rest upon the ground and support a portion of the weight of the mounted vehicle. If none of the mounted vehicle’s wheels are resting on the ground, the vehicle is laden and cannot be operated with a REG 402T.

Note A REG 402T is required for the mounted vehicle if it is not properly registered. The motor vehicle may tow another unladen vehicle if both vehicles carry a REG 402T.

• Trailer coaches that are:
  • Owned by nonresident military personnel or their nonresident spouses and operated as specified in this section.
  • Part of a dealer’s inventory and operated as specified in this section.
  • Purchased by a nonresident who is moving it out of California. A nonresident may also bring an unregistered trailer coach into California with a REG 402T; however, registration would become due upon arrival at the destination unless the trailer coach is exempt from registration. Refer to Chapter 2.

Forbidden Uses—A REG 402T is not valid for:

• Operation of a loaded commercial vehicle, unless the vehicle is being moved to participate in a parade or display.
• Travel by a circuitous or indirect route. Caution the applicant that the trip must be made by the most direct route.
• Movement of a trailer coach owned by a California resident, because presence of the trailer coach in California requires that it be registered.
• Movement of a crane (VC §4003) or vehicle requiring an oversize permit issued by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) (VC §35780).

The applicant:

• May purchase permits in bulk.
• Must pay a fee for each permit.
• May only use the permit for one vehicle and one continuous trip.

Note The issuance of a One Trip Permit does not affect California sales and use tax requirements. Applicants may contact the Board of Equalization (BOE) at boe.ca.gov for further information.

25.035 Nonresident Daily Commuter Permit (REG 150)(VC §§6700.25 and 6700.3)

Nonresident Daily Commuter (VC §435.5)—A person who is a resident of Arizona, Nevada, or Oregon who enters and leaves California on a daily basis for the purpose of employment and whose vehicle is principally garaged out of this state is a nonresident daily commuter.

Anyone having an established place of business in California does not qualify.

A nonresident daily commuter must obtain a REG 150 from DMV to operate a vehicle in California without California registration.

To qualify for a REG 150, the vehicle must:

• Be a passenger or two-axle commercial vehicle commonly referred to as a pickup truck with an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less.
  • Vans registered as passenger vehicles in the foreign state qualify.
  • Commercially-registered vans do not qualify.
• Be currently registered in the owner’s home state.
• Not be operated in this state for more than 35 air miles from the border at any point.
• Not be used in the course of a business in this state or be used to transport property other than personal property.

The applicant must submit the following:

• A completed REG 150.
• The permit fee. The fee is not prorated and there is no penalty. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.

25.030 Nonresident Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit (REG 41)(VC §4004, 9260)

A REG 41 may be issued (for a fee) Vehicle Registration Permits – California DMV for a commercial vehicle meeting the registration requirements of a state with which California has a vehicle licensing reciprocity agreement, if it will be operated in such a way as to otherwise require California registration.

The REG 41:

• Is completed and dated by the operator prior to use.
• Is valid for 4 consecutive days, starting on the day of first use and 3 consecutive days thereafter.
• Allows the vehicle to be operated laden on an interstate or intrastate basis, provided it is obtained and completed prior to any operation of the vehicle requiring payment of California fees.
• Is a two-part form and may be purchased in volume. The original (permit) copy must be carried in a receptacle outside the vehicle. The duplicate is the customer’s copy. International Registration Plan (IRP) operators must retain this copy for a period of four years.
• Cannot be issued for a vehicle based within California and operated by a person having an established place of business within California. A vehicle shall be considered to be based in California if it is primarily operated or dispatched from, garaged, serviced, or maintained at a site with a California address.
• Cannot be issued for vehicles last registered in Mexico, or in the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland or Saskatchewan. The exception is Saskatchewan base-plated charter buses.
• Requires a California Fuel Trip Permit (CDTFA-123-EREG REV. 1 [8-19]) if the vehicle is powered by a fuel other than gasoline.

If a California Fuel Trip Permit is required, the applicant must:

• Enter the California Fuel Trip Permit number on the REG 41 before using it.
• Carry the California Fuel Trip Permit with REG 41.

25.025 Application For Special Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712)(VC §§38088 and 38232)

A REG 712 may be issued for the purpose of transporting a racing motorcycle to and from racing events. The REG 712 is a numbered sticker issued to motorcycles certified by the owner to be used solely in organized racing or competitive events on a closed course, in order to identify the motorcycle while it is being transported on the highway to and from racing events.

The permit must be attached to the vehicle in a position that is clearly visible when the vehicle is being transported and is valid until the motorcycle is either transferred to a new owner or dismantled. The REG 712 is nonrenewable, nontransferable, and becomes invalid when the vehicle for which it was issued is either sold or dismantled.

DMV does not issue a California Certificate of Title or identification card with a transportation permit. Evidence of ownership or a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form are not required for the issuance of a motorcycle transportation permit.

Note Some racing motorcycles may be registered as a noncomplying OHV. To be eligible for noncomplying OHV registration (red sticker), the eighth digit of the VIN must be number “3” or letter “C” and the motorcycle must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for noncomplying OHV registration. Refer to Chapter 15 for procedures.

The following must be submitted:

• An Application for Special Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 712) form.
• The motorcycle transportation permit fee. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
  

25.020 Laden Commercial Trailer One Trip Permit (REG 43)(VC §4003.5)

A manufacturer, dealer, or carrier located in a state having a reciprocity agreement with California may be issued a REG 43, valid for up to ten days, for movement of a laden new (never registered in any state) or not currently registered used commercial trailer or semitrailer. Refer to Appendix 1F for the fee.

The permit:

• Must be completed prior to operation of the vehicle on a highway.
• Must be carried on the trailer to which it applies. The manufacturer or dealer who issued the permit may allow a third party to move or operate the vehicle.
• Is valid for movement within, entering, or leaving this state for not more than ten days as part of a continuous trip from the place of manufacture of a new vehicle or dispatch or entry into this state of a used vehicle to the place where the vehicle will be offered for sale.
• Shall not be granted more than once without the sale and registration of the trailer or semitrailer.
  

25.015 Foreign Resident In-Transit Permit (REG 34)(VC §6700.1; CR&TC §6366.2)

A foreign visitor who purchases a new American-made automobile or motorcycle may obtain a 30-day Foreign Resident In-Transit Permit, which allows the foreign resident to operate the vehicle in California for up to 30 days without payment of registration fees or sales tax.

The visitor must have made prearrangements to buy the vehicle in California prior to entry into the United States and must provide foreign residency proof in the form of a passport or visa.

The vehicle must be removed from the United States or delivered to a carrier prior to the permit’s expiration date. The permit fee is not refunded if the visitor fails to buy or pick up the vehicle.

25.010 Disabled Person (DP) Window Decals for Vehicles With Wheelchair Lifts or Carriers (VC §5201)

DP window decals displaying the license plate number assigned to the vehicle are available for no fee to qualified customers who have a wheelchair lift or carrier on their vehicle, which obstructs the view of the rear license plate.

To qualify for a decal, the applicant must:

• Be a DP placard holder or transport person(s) with a DP placard.
• Own a vehicle that is assigned DP or Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates.

The following must be submitted:

• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form completed by the applicant stating:
  • A window decal is requested.
  • The eligible DP placard or DP/DV License Plate number.
  • The license plate number of the vehicle to which the decal will be affixed, as well as the vehicle’s make, vehicle identification number, and year model.
  • The applicant’s name, mailing address, and signature.
• The REG 256 by mail to:
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  Special Processing Unit, MS D238
  PO Box 932345
  Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

Note A fee is not due.

When an application is received for DP window decals with wheelchair lifts:

• Inform the applicant that the window decal will be mailed directly to them within six to eight weeks. This time frame allows for manufacturing and processing the decal.
  

25.005 Sunset of the Clean Air Vehicles Decal (CAVD) Program (VC §§5205.5 and 21655.9)

The Clean Air Vehicle Decal (CAVD) Program ends at midnight on September 30, 2025. Beginning October 1, 2025, all CAVDs will expire. All decal holders must meet the posted vehicle occupancy requirements for traveling in a carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane and pay the required tolls or risk a citation.

Important dates:

• August 1, 2025: The payment turnaround time for the CAVD online application was shortened from 10 days to 2 days. This was done to ensure that customers receive a CAVD that has not yet expired.
• August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM: The CAVD online application is no longer available. This ensures the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not receive and process any CAVD applications or mail a CAVD that would expire within days of receipt by the customer.
  Note Any paper applications received after this date, including incomplete CAVD applications being returned to DMV, will be returned to the customer unprocessed.
• September 2025: DMV, in collaboration with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), will issue a notice to remind CAV decal holders about the program ending.
• September 30, 2025: The CAVD Program ends at midnight.

FAQs

Q. Why is the CAVD Program ending?

A. The federal government is ending the CAVD Program at midnight on September 30, 2025, pursuant to Section 166 of Title 23 of the United States (U.S.) Code. While the federal government gives DMV the authority to create the CAVD Program, the state must follow federal regulations which are expiring.

Q. Why is the CAVD Program ending when CA law was changed to extend the program to January 2027?

A. California changed the law in hopes that the federal government would extend the CAVD Program. However, that federal authority was not extended, so the program ends at midnight on September 30, 2025.

Q. Will I still be able to drive in the carpool/HOV lane with a single occupant?

A. No. Starting October 1, 2025, you must obey the posted vehicle occupancy requirement to travel in the carpool/HOV lane or risk receiving a citation and fine.

Q. Will I continue to receive reduced toll rates once the CAVD Program has ended?

A. No. Starting October 1, 2025, full toll rates will apply, and you should contact your local toll authority for fee amounts. You can find a list of toll roads and contact information on the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website at dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/express-lanes.

Q. When will DMV stop accepting new CAVD applications and applications for replacement CAVDs?

A. DMV stopped accepting new and replacement CAVD applications on August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Q. Why has DMV stopped accepting applications for new and replacement CAVDs one month before the program ends?

A. DMV will stop accepting applications to prevent customers from receiving CAVDs that would expire within days of receipt.

Q. Will my application be processed if I submitted an CAVD application prior to August 29, 2025?

A. If a completed CAVD application and payment was received and reviewed before August 29, 2025, the application will be processed and decals mailed. However, those decals will only remain valid until October 1, 2025.

Q. DMV returned my CAVD application because it was incomplete prior to August 29, 2025. Will my application be processed?

A. The application will only be processed if the completed application and payment was received prior to August 29, 2025, otherwise, the application and payment will be returned to you.

Q. Do I have to remove the decal from my vehicle on October 1, 2025?

A. No, however the decal will not be valid for lawful travel in the carpool/HOV lane.

Q. Will customers be issued a refund for their clean air decals if they paid the $27 fee and were unable to use it for a full 4 years.

A. No.

Q. Which California agencies are involved in administering the CAVD Program?

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) determines which vehicles qualify for the program based on emissions requirements. DMV is responsible for issuing the decals. Caltrans authorizes the use of carpool/HOV lanes. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) oversees enforcement. Toll authorities oversee reduced rates for qualified clean air vehicles.