Section 27 of 38
Chapter 26: Refunds
26.040 Refunds on Unrecovered Stolen Vehicles (VC §42231)
Use the following guidelines to determine if a refund may be requested for a stolen vehicle:
| If the Owner |
And the Vehicle Is |
Then the Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Already paid the renewal fees for the upcoming year |
Stolen prior to the registration expiration date |
May apply for a refund. The following must be submitted: • A complete Application for Refund (ADM 399) form. • The registration card and unused sticker. The procedures below must be followed: • Forward the refund request with the registration card and sticker to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) at DMV headquarters. |
| Paid the renewal fees on the vehicle |
One of the following: • Stolen after the fees became due • Unrecovered for 60 days or more • Declared a “total loss” REFERENCE: CCR §§155.00- 155.10 |
May apply for a prorated vehicle license fee (VLF) refund (CRTC §10902(d)). The requirements are: • A Department of Justice (DOJ) stop must be on the vehicle record or the refund application must include a copy of the vehicle theft report. • The stolen vehicle must be registered to the owner of the salvage value (usually the insurance company) in accordance with VC §5902. • At least one full month of “unused” registration from the date of loss must be remaining and the amount to be refunded must be at least $1 after DMV’s administrative fee is deducted. |
When a prorated VLF refund is appropriate, the following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Vehicle License Fee Refund (REG 65–Part A) form to DMV.
If the vehicle is an unrecovered total loss and:
| The Applicant Is |
The Procedures Below Must Be Followed |
|---|---|
| The owner of record |
Clear the REG 65 application. |
|
Not the owner of record |
• Return the REG 65. • Request the documents required to transfer ownership on a report of deposit of fees (RDF). |
A prorated refund is not appropriate or allowed for a vehicle exempt from payment of VLF. Example: A vehicle registered to a disabled veteran or nonresident military owner.