7.085 Vehicles with Unavailable Records (VC §5911)

• Vehicles which have not been registered within DMV’s four-year file record and no longer appear in DMV’s database, are referred to as “unavailable records”.
  • Nonresident applications are not included in this category.
• The unavailable records procedure can not be used for a vehicle located out-of-state.
  • The vehicle must be physically located in California.

Applications with original California title and/or registration card

Unavailable record applications submitted with a California title and/or an original (not a photocopy) expired registration card are processed as an original registration transaction.

The requirements are:

• The Application for Replacement or Transfer of (PDF) Title (REG 227) (PDF).
  • If an Application for Replacement Title is being submitted and the registration card shows a legal owner, a notarized lien satisfied must be obtained from the legal owner.
  • If applicable, the title or Application for Replacement Title must be endorsed for transfer if the applicant is not the owner shown on the certificates.
• Completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF).
• Vehicle Verification (REG 31 (PDF)/REG 343).

Note A vehicle verification is not required for a vehicle to be dismantled by a licensed dismantler.

• Used motorcycles with unavailable records or with documents from a foreign country, must be referred to the CHP for verification.

Exceptions:

• Non-resident used motorcycles with documents from another state.
• Motorcycles that will be registered off-highway (OHV) only, including requests for “Title Only” for OHV motorcycle.
• Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102) (PDF)or a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) regarding non-operation of the vehicle up to the date of application, may be accepted unless the vehicle is a trailer coach.
  • Trailer coaches must be currently registered at all times.
• Weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds.
  • If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or if the vehicle is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and must be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
  • The unladen weight shown on the title or registration card may be used if the owner certifies on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) that the weight has not changed.
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6,001 pounds or more unladen (not required for pickups).
• Odometer mileage disclosure on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form (REG 262), if applicable.
  • See Chapter 5, Odometer Mileage Reporting, for odometer disclosure requirements.
• Report of Sale, Used Vehicle (REG 51), if sold by a California dealer.
• Smog certification, if appropriate.
• Surrender of the old license plates. Under certain conditions, the owner of a collector vehicle may be permitted to retain old license plates that are no longer on the database. See the following section for more information.
• Collect all fees due from the date of first operation. If ownership of the vehicle:
  • Is not changing, retain the VLF class on the surrendered California title or the original registration card.
  • Is changing, reclassify the vehicle based on the new owner’s purchase price.

Note Transfer fees are not due.

Retention of old license plates on collector vehicles

Under specific circumstances, DMV may allow a car collector to retain the old plates on the vehicle.

• The original California title or registration showing the plate number originally assigned to that vehicle must be submitted with the application.
• The plate configuration must be available and not in a series reserved for issuance as a special interest or other plate series.
• Check with your local DMV office.

Applications without original California title and/or registration card

Unavailable record applications submitted without a California title or with only a photocopy of an expired registration card are processed as an original registration transaction. The requirements are:

• Completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF).
• Vehicle Verification (REG 31 (PDF)/REG 343).

Note Used motorcycles with unavailable records, or with documents from a foreign country must be referred to the CHP for verification.

Exceptions:

• Non-resident used motorcycles with documents from another state.
• Motorcycles that will be registered off-highway (OHV) only, including requests for “Title Only” for OHV motorcycle.
• Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) completed by the applicant stating:
  • How, when, and from whom the vehicle was acquired, and
  • What effort was made to contact the last owner to obtain evidence of ownership, why it was unobtainable, and
  • The current value of the vehicle. Refer to Chapter 23, Bonds and Certifications, to determine if a bond is required.
• Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102) (PDF), or Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) regarding non-operation of the vehicle, may be accepted up to the date of application unless the vehicle is a trailer coach.
  • Trailer coaches must be currently registered at all times.
• Report of Sale, Used Vehicle (REG 51), if sold by a California dealer.
• Odometer mileage disclosure on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), if applicable.
  • See Chapter 5, Odometer Mileage Reporting, for odometer disclosure requirements.
• Weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds.
  • If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or if the vehicle is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and must be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6,001 pounds or more unladen. (not required for pickups).
• Smog certification, if appropriate.
• Surrender of the old license plates, if available.
  • The license plates that may be on the vehicle cannot be retained unless the paperwork shows that the plates were originally assigned to the vehicle and the owner wishes to keep the plates.
• Collect all fees due from date of first operation.
  • Use the cost information on the REG 343 to establish the new asterisk year and VLF class.

Note Transfer fees are not due.

Motorcycles with unavailable records

• Used motorcycles with no record on DMV’s files must be referred to the CHP for verification of the identification and engine numbers.
• The CHP completes the verification of the motorcycle using the back of the Application for Title or Registration (REG 343 (PDF)/REG 31 (PDF)).
• Applications for registration of a nonresident motorcycle with an out-of-state title or registration card do not require CHP verification and can be verified by a DMV employee or a licensed vehicle verifier.

Vehicle verification alternative

• Where vehicle verification services are not available, and verification would require moving the vehicle to the DMV office by trailer, a tracing of the VIN may be accepted with the DMV manager’s approval.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) from the owner must be submitted with the tracing that explains the steps taken to obtain a vehicle verification, and why the vehicle cannot be brought to a DMV office.

7.080 Remanufactured Vehicle (VC §§507.5, 507.8, 4153)

A “Remanufactured Vehicle” is a vehicle that has been constructed by a licensed remanufacturer and consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including but not limited to, frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension.

• Remanufactured vehicles may be sold under a distinctive trade name.
• An existing vehicle incidentally repaired, restored, or modified by replacing or adding parts or accessories is not a remanufactured vehicle.

Remanufacturer

A “Remanufacturer” is any person who, for commission, money, or other item of value, produces a vehicle, subject to registration, which consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including, but not limited to, frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension.

Note A person who incidentally repairs, restores, or modifies existing vehicles by replacing or adding parts or accessories is not a remanufacturer.

A licensed remanufacturer must:

• Identify the vehicle based on the existing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) when a used frame is incorporated into the vehicle.
• Die-stamp the VIN on the frame when a new VIN is assigned.
• Identify the make as the authorized remanufactured make. The original make name must be removed from the vehicle.
• Identify the year model as the year of manufacture shown on the Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8).
• Disclose on the VIN plate or label that the vehicle is remanufactured and contains used and/or reconditioned parts.
• Remove the original manufacturer’s trade name unless the original manufacturer and the remanufacturer are the same.

Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8)

An original Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8) endorsed from the remanufacturer to the dealer and from the dealer to the retail purchaser must accompany a remanufactured vehicle registration application.

A photocopy is not acceptable.

Application for Registration Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 7)

Remanufactured vehicle dealers must complete an Application for Registration Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 7) upon first sale of the remanufactured vehicle.

Completing the REG 7

Section	Information Required
SectionVehicle I.D. Number	Information RequiredThe complete vehicle identification number (VIN).
SectionMotorcycle Engine No. or Add’l ID No.	Information RequiredThe complete engine number and number of cc’s for motorcycles only. If more than one VIN appears on the vehicle, enter the second VIN
SectionMake	Information RequiredThe authorized remanufactured make of the vehicle, not the original make nor the model.
SectionBody Type	Information RequiredThe body type abbreviation used by the department. Refer to Chapter 30, Inquiries, for abbreviations.
SectionEquipment No.	Information RequiredEquipment number only for fleet vehicles.
SectionDate First Sold as a Remanufactured Vehicle	Information RequiredThe date the purchaser: • Signed a purchase contract or security agreement, and • Took physical possession or delivery of the vehicle. (CVC §5901d)
SectionFor Trailer Coaches Only	Information RequiredThe length and width in inches for a trailer coach or a camp trailer.
SectionYr Model	Information RequiredThe year of remanufacture as the year model.
SectionMotive Power	Information RequiredThe motive power for all vehicles. The fuel types are: Gasoline Diesel Electric Methanol Natural Gas Trailer Propane Hybrid
SectionNumber of Axles	Information RequiredThe number of axles only for commercial motor vehicles and trailers.
SectionUnladen Weight	Information RequiredThe unladen (empty) weight for all commercial motor vehicles and trailers.
SectionCounty of Residence	Information RequiredThe buyer’s county of residence.
SectionDate First Operated	Information RequiredThe date first operated by the retail purchaser.
SectionSold To	Information RequiredBuyer(s) Name(s): • Print the true full name of each buyer as shown on the buyer’s driver license or ID card and check the “AND” or “OR” box, if there is more than one buyer/owner. • Documents are issued with “AND” if a box is not checked. • Refer to Registration to Co-Owners information in Section 1.050 of this handbook. Leased Vehicles: • Print the name of the lessor followed by the abbreviation “LSR” and the name(s) of the lessee followed by the abbreviation “LSE.” • Do not join the names with “and” or “or.” • Refer to Registration of Leased Vehicles information in Section 1.055 of this handbook. Business or Residence Address: • Show the buyer’s residence and mailing address. Legal Owner or Lienholder: • Show the name and mailing address of the legal owner/lienholder or the word “None” and initial the entry. • A legible impression by a 12-point type rubber stamp is acceptable.) Note Dealer applications without an entry in the legal owner section are returned to the dealer.
SectionPassenger Vehicle for Hire	Information RequiredCheck the appropriate box.
SectionCertification: The dealer is certifying to the correctness of all information furnished and to the vehicle’s compliance with the provisions of the Vehicle Code.	Information RequiredSignature of Applicant: • The buyer’s usual signature or a signature by power of attorney. • Refer to Section 1.055 for signature requirements. Dealer: • Enter the dealer’s name, address, and dealer number. By: • An authorized representative for the dealer must sign. Salesperson’s Name and No.: • Enter the salesperson’s name and number.
SectionLower portion of the REG 7 application (Temporary Identification or Customer’s Copy)	Information RequiredEnter all of the following: • The vehicle descriptive information. • The name of the registered owner(s). • The dealer and salesperson numbers. • The odometer mileage reading.
SectionCertificate of Cost	Information RequiredThe full purchase price of the vehicle. • Do not include sales tax, license fees, or financing costs. • Do not deduct the value of any trade-in.

Distribution of the REG 7 copies is identical to that of the Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397).

Refer to Chapter 6, New Vehicles Sold by California Dealers, of this handbook for the instructions.

Remanufactured Vehicle Registration Requirements

• Completed Application for Registration of a Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 7).
• The original Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8) endorsed from the remanufacturer to the dealer, and from the dealer to the retail purchaser.
• Vehicle Verification (REG 31 (PDF)/REG 343 (PDF)).
• Weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds. If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or if the vehicle is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and must be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6,001 pounds or more unladen (not required for pickups).
• Smog certification, if appropriate.
• Fees.

7.075 U.S. Government Surplus Vehicles

Surplus vehicles sold by the U.S. Government are considered an original registration.

U.S. Government Surplus Registration Requirements

• Completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF).
• Vehicle verification (REG 343).
• Certificate of Release of Motor Vehicle, U.S. Government, Standard Form 97, and any bills of sale needed to establish a complete chain of ownership to the applicant.
• Odometer mileage disclosure on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form (REG 262), if applicable. See Chapter 5, Odometer Mileage Reporting, for odometer disclosure requirements.
• Report of Sale, Used Vehicle (REG 51), if sold by a California dealer.
• Weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds unladen. If the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or if the vehicle is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and must be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6,001 pounds or more unladen (not required for pickups).
• Smog certification, if appropriate.
• Collect the fees due.

Note A Sale of a surplus government vehicle is exempt from use tax if the Standard form 97 shows that the vehicle was sold under Government Code §201C or §481C. Use tax is due if one of these code sections do not appear on the Standard form 97.

7.070 New Vehicle Sales by a Non-Franchised Dealer

A dealer cannot advertise for sale, sell, or purchase for resale any new vehicle of a line-make for which the dealer does not hold a franchise (VC §11713.1(f)(1)).

Exceptions (VC §11713.1(f)(2))

• A mobile home.
• A recreational vehicle (motorhome, travel trailer, or camping trailer) as defined in Health and Safety Code (H&SC) §18010.
• A commercial coach as defined in H&SC §18001.8.
• An off-highway motor vehicle (OHV) subject to OHV identification.
• A commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
• A manufactured home.
• A new vehicle that will be substantially altered or modified by a converter prior to sale.
• A vehicle purchased for export and exported outside the United States territorial limits without being registered by DMV.

Important Some of the exceptions listed above are vehicles that are not registered by DMV or cannot be registered as a condition of the exception.

Registration Requirements

When one of the exception vehicles is sold by a non-franchised dealer or a used vehicle dealer, the following are required:

• Properly completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF).
• Report of Sale, Used Vehicle (REG 51) from the dealer to the retail buyer.
• Evidence of purchase of the new vehicle by the dealer. This may be either:
  • An Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) from the franchised dealer, or
  • A certified copy of the factory invoice and a bill of sale from the manufacturer, or
  • The Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) properly endorsed to the dealer. Bills of Sale are acceptable in lieu of endorsement(s) on the MCO/MSO.
• Vehicle verification (REG 343 (PDF)/REG 31 (PDF)), unless a REG 397 is part of the application.
• Weight Certificate for a Commercial Vehicle less than 10,001 pounds unladen or if the vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and must be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008) completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6,001 pounds or more unladen. (not required for pickups)
• Smog certification, if appropriate.
• Fees due.

7.065 Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (VC §4150[d])

Unless a new vehicle is sold by a licensed California dealer and an Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) is submitted, all applications for original registration and/or title of new vehicles and motorcycles must include a Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO).

Note This does not include a direct import vehicle or a specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle manufactured to resemble a recognized make.

Refer to Chapter 12, Nonresident Vehicles, for direct imports and section 7.190 of this chapter for SPCNS.

The MCO/MSO may be prepared at a factory, an assembly plant, or a business authorized by the manufacturer. All MCO/MSOs, except those for off-road equipment, should be produced in an identical format, and must include:

• The manufacturer’s name and address.
• The make, identification number, body type, year model, and vehicle series or model name.
• The date and to whom the ownership was transferred from the manufacturer and the signature of the manufacturer’s agent (a signature stamp is acceptable).

Note Reassignments made in the space provided on the MCO/MS do no need to be notarized for California, even if a notarization space is provided.

Although variations exist, an MCO/MSO normally is: 7″ x 11″ in size, on paper stock sixty (60) pound offset or equivalent durability, and printed with security features that include:

• Sensitized security paper without added optical brighteners that will not fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
• Engraved border and prismatic-rainbow printing with Copy Void Pantograph (the word “void” appears when the document is copied).
• Two complex colors (colors developed by using a mixture of two or more primary colors and black) and two security threads, with or without watermark, and/or intaglio print, with or without latent image, and/or security laminate.

Duplicate MCO/MSO

A duplicate copy of an MSO issued by the manufacturer is acceptable as proof of ownership.

• It must clearly state “Duplicate” on the face of the document, contain the same security features as the original MSO, and contain the identical descriptive information, except for the issuance date, as the original MSO.
• Any discrepancy invalidates the duplicate. A photocopy of the original is not acceptable.

MSO Continuations

• Any continuation to an MSO must clearly state “Continuation” on the face of the document and contain the same security features as the original.
• A “continuation” MSO must be used in conjunction with the original MSO.

New Vehicle with MSO Registration Requirements

When a new vehicle is sold by other than a California dealer and the vehicle has never been registered or titled in any state or country, the following are required:

• A properly completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF).
• The Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) properly endorsed to the purchaser. Bills of Sale are acceptable in lieu of endorsement(s) on the MCO/MSO.
• A vehicle verification, unless the vehicle qualifies for a verification exception (see below).
• Weight Certificate for a commercial vehicles less than 10, 001 pounds unladen.
  • If the vehicle weights 10,000 pounds or more, or is a trailer in the PTI program, the estimated unladen weight is required and may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF).
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008).
  • Completed and signed by the owner for a commercial vehicle weighing 6001 pounds or more unladen (not required for pickups).
• A smog certification, if appropriate.
• The fees due from date of first use in California.

Vehicle Verification Exceptions

A vehicle verification is not required for:

• A new trailer purchased in another state and eligible for registration under the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Program provided:
  • The trailer has never been registered.
  • The trailer has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit.
  • A secured Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) is submitted for the complete trailer.
• A new commercial vehicle purchased in another state as a complete vehicle or as an incomplete vehicle to which a new body was added to make a complete vehicle provided:
  • The vehicle has never been registered or issued International Registration Plan (IRP) registration in California or was issued IRP registration with the last 60 days only.
  • The vehicle has not been modified, altered, or assembled from a kit Manufacturer’s Certificated/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO).
  • The vehicle has an unladen weight of 6,001 pounds or more.
  • The vehicle meets California emission standards.
  • A secured Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) is submitted for the (complete) a vehicle, or
  • A secured MCO/MSO is submitted for both the cab/chassis and the body and the Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) from the owner which certifies the vehicle “was not constructed with any used components” and states the body type model (BTM) for a vehicle that does not meet California emission standards.

7.000 Introduction

This chapter covers original applications for vehicles not registered in any other state or country and not sold new by a franchised dealer.

Chapter 7: Miscellaneous Originals

7.000 Introduction

7.005 Autoettes

7.010 Buses

7.015 Camp Trailers

7.020 Electric Vehicles

7.025 Exemptions From Fees

7.030 Exemptions From Registration

7.035 Forklift Trucks

7.040 Go-Carts

7.045 Golf Carts

7.050 Government Surplus Vehicles

7.055 Half-Track Vehicle

7.060 Hard-Top Racers

7.065  Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin

7.070 New Vehicle Sales by a Non-Franchised Dealer

7.075 U.S. Government Surplus Vehicles

7.080 Remanufactured Vehicle

7.085  Vehicles with Unavailable Records

7.090  Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCNS)

7.095 SPCNS Certificate of Sequence

7.100 Kit Vehicles

6.065 Repossession From a Dealer (Uniform Commercial Code §9503)

To register a new unregistered vehicle repossessed from a dealer, the following must be submitted:

• An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) (PDF) form completed by the buyer.
• A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form.
• A certified copy of the trust receipt or flooring note agreement between the finance company and the dealer.
• A Certificate of Repossession Security Interest/Conditional Sale Contract (REG 119) (PDF) form executed by the finance company.
• A Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), as needed, to complete the chain of ownership.
• If the REG 343 does not indicate the vehicle was not previously registered, the finance company or the buyer must complete a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form stating the vehicle was not previously registered.
• A smog certification, if appropriate.
• All fees due.

6.060 Remanufactured Vehicles (VC §§507.5 and 4153)

A remanufactured vehicle is a vehicle constructed by a licensed remanufacturer that consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including but not limited to the frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension. It does not include an
existing vehicle which is incidentally repaired, restored, or modified by replacing or adding parts or accessories. Remanufactured vehicles may be sold under a distinctive trade name.

To register a remanufactured vehicle, the applicant must submit:

• A completed Remanufacturers Report of Sale (REG 7) form.
• The original Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8) form endorsed from the remanufacturer to the dealer and from the dealer to the retail purchaser. Do not accept a photocopy.
• A Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (PDF) form.
• A weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds unladen. If the vehicle is operated at over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) or is a permanent trailer identification (PTI) trailer, the estimated weight may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form. Refer to Chapter 13 for exceptions to the weight certificate requirement.
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form for a commercial vehicle over 6,001 pounds unladen, except pickups.
• A smog certification, if appropriate.
• The fees due.
• A completed Remanufacturers Report of Sale (REG 7) form.
• The original Certificate of Remanufactured Vehicle (REG 8) form endorsed from the remanufacturer to the dealer and from the dealer to the retail purchaser. Do not accept a photocopy.

To register a remanufactured vehicle, the applicant must submit:

• A weight certificate for a commercial vehicle weighing less than 10,001 pounds unladen. If the vehicle is operated at over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) or is a permanent trailer identification (PTI) trailer, the estimated weight may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF)form. Refer to Chapter 13 for exceptions to the weight certificate requirement.
• Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form for a commercial vehicle over 6,001 pounds unladen, except pickups.
• A smog certification, if appropriate.
• The fees due.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Complete a REG 31 using the following guidelines:

VIN—Use the assigned remanufacturer 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), unless the original VIN remains on the vehicle (for example, a used frame), then use the original VIN. If more than one VIN appears on the vehicle, refer the applicant to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for verification.

Make—Use the authorized remanufactured make. The original make name must be removed from the vehicle.

Year Model—Use the year of remanufacture shown on the REG 8 (VC §11713.5).

• Issue the appropriate license plates and stickers.

6.055 Recreational Vehicles (H&SC §18010)

A recreational vehicle is a motorhome, housecar, travel trailer, truck camper, or camp trailer; with or without motive power; designed for human habitation or other occupancy.

Recreational vehicles are built on a single chassis and are self-propelled, a recreational vehicle is a motorhome, housecar, travel trailer, truck camper, or camp trailer; with or without motive power; designed for human habitation or other occupancy. Recreational vehicles are built on a single chassis and are selfpropelled.

Truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a permit. They must contain less than 320 square feet of internal living room area (excluding built-in equipment and including, but not limited to wardrobe, closets, cabinets, kitchen units, fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms) and 400 square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections.

Vehicle License and Title (VLT) Stops —As of January 1, 2007, DMV places a VLT stop Reason Code: 60 on a recreational vehicle used as a methamphetamine lab when requested by local health officials. When this stop is on the record, the vehicle registration cannot be renewed, and ownership cannot be transferred. The stop will remain on the record until DMV is advised to remove it by local health officials (H&SC §25400.22).

If an application is submitted and the vehicle record displays RCC:05 U: 12 R:60 stop on an R67 or R60 inquiry, the procedures below must be followed:

• Call the Involuntary Transfer Section (ITS) in DMV headquarters, at (916) 657-7704. ITS will give you the name of the agency that requested the stop, the contact person for that agency, and the agency’s telephone number.
• Do not accept the application; return it to the applicant.
• Give the applicant the information provided by ITS.
• Not give the ITS telephone number to the applicant.
• Inform the applicant that the application may be resubmitted for processing after the agency that requested the stop has the stop cleared from the record.

Note Refer local health officers inquiring about placing or removing VLT stops on recreational vehicles to ITS.

Camper Recreational Vehicle Definitions (VC §243)—A structure designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle to provide facilities for human habitation or camping purposes. Any canopy or similar structure mounted upon a motor vehicle for purposes of human habitation or camping purposes is considered a camper. A one-axle camper is not considered a vehicle.

Camp Trailer (VC §242)—A vehicle designed to be used on a highway which is capable of human habitation for camping or recreational purposes and does not exceed 16 feet in overall length from the foremost point of the trailer hitch to the rear extremity of the trailer body or 96 inches in width. A tent trailer is a camp trailer. A camp trailer is not a trailer coach. Camp trailers are registered under the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) program, as explained in Chapter 14.

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer (VC §324)—A vehicle designed for recreational purposes to carry persons or property on its own structure and constructed to be drawn by a motor vehicle by means of a kingpin connecting device.

A pickup with a kingpin connecting device for a fifth-wheel travel trailer must be registered as a commercial vehicle.

Oversize Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer—A vehicle exceeding 40 feet (480 inches) in overall length , or 8 1/2 feet (102 inches) in width. Oversize fifth-wheel trailers cannot be registered by DMV or the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and cannot be sold in California. Refer the customers to the dealer or person who sold the vehicle.

Note A structure too large to be mounted upon and fully supported by a motor vehicle, independent of the axle attached to the structure, is a trailer coach or camp trailer, depending on the overall length of the vehicle.

Housecar (VC §362)—A motor vehicle originally designed for, or permanently altered, to be equipped for human habitation, or to which a camper has been permanently attached. A housecar is not a motortruck.

Important Truck tractors with living quarters cannot be registered as housecars. A horse trailer with an area equipped for human habitation remains a trailer and is subject to the PTI program. The living quarters are secondary or incidental to the primary function of the vehicle, which is transporting property.

The following vehicles are identified as housecars for registration purposes:

• Motorhome—A motor vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters, built as an integral part of, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van and includes a motorhome manufactured by a licensed motorhome manufacturer.
  
  Motorhomes must contain permanently-installed independent life support systems which meet the criteria of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and provide at least four of the following facilities: cooking, refrigeration or ice box, self-contained toilet, heating and/or air conditioning, a portable water supply system including a faucet and sink, a separate 110 to 125 volt electrical power supply and/or liquid petroleum (LP) gas supply. Van campers do not contain the permanently-installed independent life support systems identified by the ANSI for motorhomes.
  
  Motorhomes that do not exceed 45 feet (540 inches) in overall length or 8.5 feet (102 inches) in width may be registered in California.
  
  Manufactured motorhomes are registered under the make and year model of the motorhome manufacturer and the VIN of the chassis. For example, a motorhome manufactured by Southwind using a Dodge chassis is registered as Southwind (make) and year model with the Dodge chassis VIN.
  
• Pickup with Camper—A pickup with a camper (previously defined) is a camper that is permanently attached to a pickup for human habitation or camping purposes. Do not verify facilities for human habitation. A pickup with a camper temporarily attached is not a housecar. Adding a camper shell to a pickup truck does not necessarily constitute the vehicle being changed from commercial to auto registration.
  
  The addition must meet the definitions for human habitation or camping purposes. Otherwise, the vehicle owner may be subject to citation from law enforcement for not meeting the definition for auto registration.
  
  Human habitation is defined as living space which includes, but is not limited to: closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. Refer to Chapter 13 for additional instructions.
  
• Van Camper—A van camper is a complete vehicle purchased from a recognized vehicle manufacturer and converted (usually by the installation of carpet, curtains, additional seating, etc.) for human habitation or camping purposes.
  
  Van campers are registered using the original manufacturer’s make, VIN, and year model. However, completed van-type vehicles altered prior to original registration to meet the ANSI specifications of a motorhome are registered using the make and VIN of the original manufacturer.

In addition to usual registration requirements, the following must be submitted:

• A Miscellaneous Certifications (REG 256A) (PDF) form with the Vehicle for Human Habitation section completed to determine the type of housecar being registered.
• Forms with the value of any added equipment, the camper, and camper axle, if one is attached include the value of the vehicle (for determining the vehicle license fee (VLF) classification).

Additional documents as follows:

If the Vehicle Is a	Then
If the Vehicle Is aManufactured motorhome Note Motorhomes that do not exceed 45 feet (540 inches) in overall length or 8.5 feet (102 inches) in width may be registered.	Then• An Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397), Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), or Statement of Facts (REG 256) form showing the length and width of the motorhome in inches. • A REG 256A completed by the selling dealer or buyer. The procedures below must be followed: • Key the correct motorhome make, year model, and body type model as shown on the application.
If the Vehicle Is aPickup with camper (permanently attached)	Then• A REG 256A, with the Certification of Vehicle for Human Habitation section completed by the buyer or owner, as appropriate. The procedures below must be followed: • Key the body type model (BTM) “PM” (pickup with camper). • Not change any other information.
If the Vehicle Is aVan conversion (van camper)	Then• A REG 256A completed by the buyer, owner, or dealer, as appropriate. The procedures below must be followed: • Key BTM “VC” (van camper). • Not change any other information.