Vehicle Registration Suspensions

The department is required to suspend the registration of a vehicle when:

• The registered owner fails to provide evidence of insurance within 30 days after the issuance of a registration card upon initial registration or transfer of ownership.
• DMV is notified that a policy has been cancelled and a replacement policy has not been submitted within 45 days.
• The registration is obtained by providing false evidence of insurance.

Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program Administration

Vehicle registration suspensions can only be handled by the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program.

Refer to the information on your notice to send insurance information via e-mail, fax, or by mail.

For more information, you may contact the program at 1-866-664-4545.

NOTE: DMV field office and Telephone Service Center personnel cannot process vehicle registration suspensions. They will refer you to the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program in headquarters.

Notification

If the vehicle record does not show current insurance within 30 days of the initial registration or transfer of ownership, or within 45 days of cancellation of insurance, the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program will send a notice requesting proof of insurance.

If proof of insurance is not received, DMV will suspend the vehicle registration and send a notice informing the vehicle owner that proof of insurance and a $14 reinstatement fee is due to clear the suspension.

Reinstatement

You must submit current evidence of insurance and pay a $14 reinstatement fee.

NOTE: If your vehicle is parked or driven upon California roadways when the registration is suspended, you are subject to citation (CVC §4000a).

Commercially Insured Vehicles

Personal vehicles covered by a commercial/business policy might not be identified as commercially insured. If you receive a notice requesting insurance, you must send a copy of your insurance card or the declaration page of your policy to the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program prior to the suspension effective date shown on the notice.

Non-Use

If it is time to renew the registration for a vehicle that you do not plan to use, you may place your vehicle on Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status. Vehicles with PNO status are not subject to suspension.

If your vehicle is currently registered and you decide not to use it, you must maintain insurance or notify DMV that you will not be using it by completing an Affidavit of Non Use. Upon receipt of an Affidavit of Non Use, DMV will cancel the registration. The vehicle cannot be operated on a California highway until proof of insurance is received by the department, a reinstatement fee is not due when the registration is cancelled.