Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 12 of 38

Chapter 11: Transfers

11.070 Exempt Vehicles (VC §5600)

To transfer an exempt agency vehicle, the following must be submitted:

  • The Certificate of Title properly endorsed for transfer.
  • A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form, if the number of axles does not show on the title of a commercial vehicle.
  • A weight certificate, if the weight code is missing on the title of a commercial vehicle.
  • A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating the motive power, if the title does not show the motive power.
  • An Exempt License Plate Request (REG 5050) form if the vehicle is being transferred to another exempt agency.
  • A permit to transfer issued by the Department of General Services, the Department of Transportation, or the California State University and Colleges, as appropriate for state-owned vehicles.

Accept the release by Department of Transportation for vehicles registered to the Department of Public Works, Division of Highways or Equipment.

  • The exempt license plates, unless the vehicle is being transferred to another exempt agency.
  • Fees as follows:
    • Exempt Agency: Waive fees and penalties due prior to purchase by the exempt agency. Collect fees for replacements and use tax, if due.
    • Exempt to Fee Paid: Collect full-year fees and use tax, if due. A Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102) form is not required if fees are paid within 20 days of purchase.
  • The odometer mileage disclosure on a complying title or on the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), as appropriate.
  • A smog certification, if appropriate.
  • Assign a vehicle license fee (VLF) class based on the applicant’s purchase price.
  • Assign a registration expiration date 12 months from date fees became due, if not transferring to another exempt agency.
  • Issue license plates and stickers, as required.

Transfer Only (VC §4452)—In addition to the procedures listed in the Basic Transfer Requirements section in this chapter, the following must be submitted:

A smog certification is not required.

Transfer from Exempt to Exempt—Follow the Basic Transfer Requirements listed in this section to process a transfer from one exempt agency to another. A new REG 5050 is required from the purchasing exempt agency.

Civil Air Patrol Vehicles—Refer to Chapter 14.

Transfer of California Registered Vehicle to an Exempt Agency:

  • In addition to the basic transfer requirements, a transfer to an exempt agency requires a completed and signed Exempt License Plate Request (REG 5050) form.
  • Any license plates on the vehicle must also be surrendered since exempt plates will be issued.

Transfer of Exempt Vehicle to a Non-Exempt Buyer:

In addition to the basic transfer requirements:

  • State-owned vehicles require a permit to transfer issued by the Department of General Services or the Department of Transportation or the California State Universities and Colleges, as appropriate.
  • Full-year registration fees must be submitted in addition to the transfer fee and any other fees due.
  • Exempt plates must be surrendered because regular series plates will be issued.