Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 27 of 38

Chapter 26: Refunds

26.045 Refunds on Unused Vehicles

Chapter 26 Refunds

26.045 Refunds on Unused Vehicles (CVC §4604)

Vehicle owners must currently register a vehicle or have a Planned Non-Operation Certification (PNO–REG 102) form on file for the vehicle. A refund of renewal fees may be considered when renewal fees are paid, but the vehicle is not used because it is no longer located in California or has been junked or salvaged.

Vehicle No Longer in CaliforniaBefore accepting an Application for Refund (ADM 399) form, determine if a refund of renewal fees is appropriate.

The following must be submitted:

  • An ADM 399 showing the date the vehicle left California.
  • The registration card and unused sticker. If these items are not submitted with the ADM 399, the refund may be refused.

The procedures below must be followed:

  • Review the ADM 399 to determine if a refund of fees is appropriate. Consider that a refund:
    • Is not due for a vehicle that left California during the registration period for which renewal fees were paid.
    • May be issued for a vehicle that left California before the effective date of the registration period for which renewal fees were paid.
  • Forward the ADM 399 and attachments with the miscellaneous work to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) in DMV headquarters.

A refund cannot be given if the vehicle was located out of state when originally registered in California (CVC §4152).

Junked/Salvaged Vehicle—An owner who pays the renewal or PNO fees prior to the registration expiration date on a vehicle that is junked, wrecked, or salvaged prior to the new registration year may apply for a refund of the renewal or PNO fees provided there is evidence documenting the date of loss.

The following must be submitted:

  • An ADM 399.
  • The current registration card and unused sticker. A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form may be accepted if the sticker was attached to the vehicle prior to it being junked or reported as salvage.

The procedures below must be followed:

  • Forward the ADM 399 and attachments with the miscellaneous work to the appropriate RPU in DMV headquarters.