Chapter 25 Permits and Decals
25.000 California Fuel Trip Permit
California Fuel Trip (CFT) permits allow out-of-state registered owners to enter and travel into California for four consecutive days without obtaining a license for fuel tax purposes. This permit also allows California registered carriers to reenter California after traveling out of state if they are unlicensed for fuel tax purposes. The CFT must be obtained and completed prior to entering the state.
CFT(s) may be purchased through the following agencies:
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
- You may apply for and purchase CFT(s) in person at a CDTFA office or by using their online registration. Online registration is the convenient way to apply and is available 24 hours a day. Most applicants will be able to print their CFT immediately after they submit their application.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- You may purchase CFT(s) from some DMV field offices throughout California. Once those printed CFTs are purchased they will not be replenished and only available for purchase online.
If you have questions regarding this program, please contact CDTFA at the following address, telephone number, or email by selecting the link below:
Motor Carrier Office, MIC:65
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
PO Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0065
Telephone 1-800-400-7115 (TTY: 711)
Purchase of a four-day Nonresident Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit (REG 41) is not required.
Permit Issuance—You must do the following:
- Collect a fee for each permit issued. Refer to Appendix 1F for fees.
Chapter 25: Permits and Decals
25.000 California Fuel Trip Permit (BOE 123)
25.005 Sunset of the Clean Air Vehicles Decal (CAVD) Program
25.010 Disabled Person (DP) Window Decals For Vehicles With Wheelchair Lifts or Carriers
25.015 Foreign Resident In-Transit Permit (REG 34)
25.020 Laden Commercial Trailer One Trip Permit (REG 43)
25.025 Motorcycle Transportation Permit (REG 713)
25.030 Nonresident Commercial Vehicle Trip P ermit (REG 41)
25.035 Nonresident Daily Commuter Permit (REG 150)
25.040 One Trip Permit (REG 402T)
25.045 Special Permit for Disaster Relief Work Vehicles
25.050 Temporary Nonresident Commercial Registration (REG 473)
25.055 Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) (REG 19F)
25.060 Temporary Permit for Exempt School Bus (REG 473)
25.065 Temporary Permit for Privately-Owned School Bus (PSB) (REG 473)
25.075 Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172)
25.080 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Parking Decal
24.175 Vessels Not Required to be Registered (VC §9873)
The following vessels are not required to be registered:
- Vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles.
- Sailboats eight feet or less in length without motors.
- A public vessel of the United States, another state, or subdivision of another state.
- A ship’s lifeboat. (a dinghy is not a lifeboat).
- A vessel of another country temporarily using the waters of this state.
- A vessel bearing an assigned number in full force, which has been issued pursuant to federal law or a federally-approved numbering system of another state, provided it has not changed its state of principal use and has not been within this state for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days.
- Nonmotorized surfboards over eight feet in length, propelled by a sail that requires the operator to hold the mast upright.
- A vessel not using or on the waters of this state.
- Racing vessels brought into this state exclusively for racing purposes and remaining for less than 90 days providing the state of origin also exempts such vessels (CCR §190.19).
24.170 Vessel Carbon Monoxide Stickers (CHNC §§683 and 684)
New and used motorized vessels must bear a sticker warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when sold.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure on every completed vessel transfer or renewal, nonresident, and miscellaneous original vessel transaction.
- Explain to the customer that the stickers must be affixed to motorized vessels as follows:
- The transom sticker must be affixed facing out on the exterior of the stern or transom of the motorized vessel, unless it is inflatable and the sticker would not adhere to the surface of the stern.
- The helm sticker must be affixed to the interior of the motorized vessel where it is immediately visible to the operator of the motorized vessel.
Note Vessel agents must provide their customers owning/buying motorized vessels with a set of stickers and the companion brochure.
24.165 Vessel Agents (VC §§9858 and 9858.1)
Vessel agents are appointed, but not licensed, by DMV and assigned a unique vessel agent number which is entered on registration documents. They may accept registration and/or transfer applications for undocumented vessels and issue permanent vessel numbers and temporary certificates of number.
For motorized vessels, vessel agents must provide buyers of motorized vessels with a set of the Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure, and instruct the buyer to affix the stickers as explained in the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3).
Documentary Preparation Fee—Vessel agents have the option of charging a documentary preparation fee not to exceed $20. It is not required or collected by DMV.
Vessel agents must send their work directly to DMV headquarters with a Transmittal of Vessel Registration Applications (ADM 173) form. Field offices cannot accept registration applications and/or fees from vessel agents or supply them with accountable items/forms. Only the Vessel Section in Registration Processing Unit (RPU) II processes vessel agent work.
| Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’s | Are Referred to |
|---|---|
| Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’sRegistration or transfer application | Are Referred toRegistration Operations Vessel Section MS E272 PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 (916) 657-6288 or 657-6893 |
| Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’sRequest for accountable items | Are Referred toOccupational Licensing Unit MS N224 PO Box 932342 Sacramento, CA 94232-3420 (916) 229-3126 |
| Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’sApplication for appointment | Are Referred to The local DMV Investigations office. |
| Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’sDuties, requirements, and responsibilities |
24.160 Unavailable Records (VC §9917)
The application is processed as an original registration when a vessel record is not on file, the applicant does not have either the California Certificate of Ownership or certificate of number, and the vessel is located in California. The following must be submitted:
- Completed Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101 (PDF)).
- A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) completed by the applicant stating:
- How, when, and from whom the vessel was acquired.
- What effort has been made to contact the last owner(s) of record to obtain evidence of ownership and why it was not obtained.
- The current value of the vessel.
Copies of tax records for the vessel which show the applicant paid taxes to the County Assessor’s Office may be accepted.
Note A bond is required for a vessel valued at $2,000 or more if ownership documents cannot be furnished.
- The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees.
Refer to Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Process the transaction using the old CF number, if there is one, and key as“inventory issued.”
- Give the applicant the BOAT 3 booklet.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
24.155 Transfers (VC §§9900, 9907, and 9908)
The following must be submitted:
- The Certificate of Ownership properly endorsed for transfer as follows:
Line1—Release of interest by the registered owner. A bill of sale is acceptable in lieu of a signature on Line 1.
| If the Vessel Is Registered to | The Following Is Required |
|---|---|
| If the Vessel Is Registered toCo-owners joined by “or” Co-owners joined by “and/or” (/or) | The Following Is RequiredThe signature of only one co-owner. |
| If the Vessel Is Registered toCo-owners joined by “and” (a slash“/”) Co-owners followed by “JTRS” | The Following Is RequiredThe signature of each co-owner. |
| If the Vessel Is Registered toA company, public agency, or business name Example: Smith Vessel Sales | The Following Is RequiredThe company, public agency, business name must appear and be countersigned or initialed by an authorized representative. Example: Smith Vessel Sales by J. Smith |
| If the Vessel Is Registered toAn individual doing business as (DBA) Example: John Smith DBA Smith Vessel Sales | The Following Is RequiredThe signature of the individual. Example: John Smith or John Smith DBA Smith Vessel Sales |
Line 2—Release of interest by the legal owner/lienholder of record, if any.
- Endorsement for a company name must include the company name and be countersigned or initialed of an authorized representative of the company.
- A Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release REG 166 (PDF) is acceptable in lieu of the signature on Line 2.
- A release on Line 2 is not mandatory when the legal owner/lienholder remains the same for the new owner, but the name and address of the legal owner/lienholder must be reentered on the back of the ownership certificate.
Lines 3a–3b—Completed by the new owner(s) as follows:
- The printed true full name(s) for each owner.
- The “and” or “or” box checked, if registered to co-owners. If the box is not checked, the names will be joined by “and” on the new certificates.
- The purchase price and purchase date must be entered on the designated lines. If acquired as a gift, the current value and the date acquired must be entered.
Note The new vessel class and date of purchase is established based on this information.
Lines 7a–7c—The address (situs) where the vessel will principally be kept must be entered.
Line 8—The usual signature for each owner. Refer to Chapter 1 for acceptable signature variations.
Lines 9–11—The name and address of the legal owner/lienholder or the word “none.” This includes transfer of the registered owner when the legal owner/lienholder remains the same.
Note Entries on dealer or financial institution applications must be initialed by a representative of the dealer/financial institution. Do not return an application solely for missing initials.
Line 12 (for Vessel Agent Sales)—The agent’s signature and agent number must be entered and a Vessel Sales Tax Certification (BOAT 110) must be submitted with the application.
- Bills of sale as needed to establish a complete chain of ownership.
- The fees and use tax due. A transfer fee is not due for a vessel agent or broker.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Assign a new vessel class and date of purchase based on the buyer’s purchase price/current value and purchase/acquired date shown on the ownership certificate.
Vessel/Trailer Combinations—If the separate price/value is not known on a vessel/trailer combination purchase, collect $1 use tax on the trailer and the remaining use tax on the vessel.
- Write “LS” on line 2F if a REG 166 (PDF) is submitted.
- Give the applicant the BOAT 3 booklet.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure.
- Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
- Not issue boat stickers on an incomplete application. Return incomplete applications to the applicant or vessel agent, if submitted by a vessel agent.
Involuntary Transfers (VC §9915)
An involuntary transfer occurs when the registered or legal owner’s interest passes to another without the owner’s voluntary release. Involuntary transfer requirements are generally the same for vehicles and vessels, except as shown in this section.
Attachment Sales—the following must be submitted:
- The original or a certified copy of the certificate of sale issued by the attaching officer describing the vessel by CF and HIN number, vessel type, and builder.
Bankruptcy Sales—The requirements are the same as shown in Chapter 11. Except; the following must be submitted. The appropriate BOAT forms.
For new vessels belonging to a bankrupt California vessel dealer, an invoice or an Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101 (PDF)) accompanied by any bill(s) of sale needed to establish the chain of ownership.
Divorce and Quiet Title Judgments—the following must be submitted:
- The certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution which includes a full description of the vessel and to whom it was awarded. If a full description is not shown, a Statement of Facts (REG 256 (PDF)) completed by the applicant stating the vessel specified is the only vessel awarded to them.
- The appropriate BOAT forms.
Foreclosures—The requirements are the same as shown in the Foreclosure or State Controller Sales, section in Chapter 11 except the following must be submitted:
- A vessel description with the required information.
Note A vessel verification is not required.
Repossessions—The following must be submitted:
- The endorsed Certificate of Ownership. A Certificate of Repossession (REG 119) form from the legal owner/repossessor.
- A bill of sale from the repossessor to the new owner.
- The fees due.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Write “REPO” on Line 1 in lieu of the registered owner’s signature(s).
- Give the applicant the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the customer to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
Legal Owner Transfers (VC §5603)
The requirements for recording vessel legal owner changes are the same as for vehicles. A REG 166 (PDF) may be accepted in lieu of the legal owner’s release on the title. A transfer fee is due. Use tax is not due.
Multiple Transfers
A multiple transfer involves at least one unrecorded ownership change. The following must be submitted:
- Any bills of sale necessary to complete the chain of ownership to the current owner.
- The signature of the current owner on the back of the Certificate of Ownership.
- A Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) or REG 256 (PDF) in the current owner’s name. This may be completed by the new owner, legal owner, dealer, or authorized agent.
- A REG 166 if a previous buyer shows up.
Note If a signature appears in error in the New Legal Owner section, the person who signed in error must complete a Statement of Error or Erasure (REG 101).
- A transfer fee for each buyer. Only the current owner is subject to a transfer penalty. A transfer fee is not due from a vessel dealer unless the dealer is the registered owner.
- Use tax for the current owner only.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Print the names of all in-between buyers on the back of the Certificate of Ownership. Identify each buyer in the chain of ownership, by writing “I,” “II,” etc. next to the names.
- Never apply use tax posted by a former buyer to the fees due for the current owner.
24.150 Substitute Stickers
The following must be submitted:(CVC §9853.4)
- An Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156 (PDF)) completed by the owner showing disposition of the original sticker.
- A mutilated or illegible sticker.
- The substitute sticker fee. See Appendix 1F for fees.
- Refer to Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
- Process the transaction for no fee if the owner indicates on the REG 156 (PDF) that the original sticker was not received from DMV.
24.145 Stolen Vessels (VC §§10550 – 10554)
Stolen and embezzeld vessels must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency, who then reports it to the Department of Justice (DOJ). DOJ immediately notifies DMV, and the vessel record is flagged. Recovery of a stolen/embezzled vessel must also be reported immediately to a law enforcement agency, who then notifies DOJ. DMV removes the flag when authorization from DOJ is received.
24.140 Salvaged Vessels
A Salvage Certificate is not issued or required for a salvaged vessel. Process transfer applications as usual except:
| If |
The Following Must Be Submitted |
|---|---|
| If
The title was previously surrendered to DMV |
The Following Must Be Submitted
|
| If
The title is lost or missing |
The Following Must Be Submitted
|
| If
There is no record on file |
The Following Must Be Submitted
Documents required for an unavailable records vessel. Refer to Unavailable Records section in this chapter. |
The procedures below must be followed:
- Issue a new CF number and stickers.
- Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
- Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt must be affixed to the vessel as described in the BOAT 3.
- Assign a HIN according to the procedures in this chapter.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.