Vehicle registration requirements - California

License plate display

When two license plates are issued, they must be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle.

When one license plate is issued, it must be attached to the rear of the vehicle, unless the license plate is issued for a truck tractor, in which case the license plate is displayed on the front of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

California is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is an option for registering commercial vehicles that allows for interstate operation under a single registration plate and registration certificate (cab card) issued by your "base" state.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

You can register a vehicle or fleet of vehicles in the IRP through the California DMV. An IRP registration is valid for 12 months, starting on the first day of the assigned month. IRP vehicles and fleets must be renewed annually by midnight on the last day of the month of the assigned registration period to avoid penalties.

California requires a United States Department of Transportation number and vehicle identification number (VIN) for each vehicle being registered or renewed. Additional documentation required for the IRP application can be found online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Temporary permit: New IRP fleet vehicles, or vehicles being added to an existing fleet, may be issued a temporary registration authorization only in the case of an emergency or a department system problem, and if all fees have been paid.

Other

Permanent fleet registration

The permanent fleet registration (PFR) program is a convenient way for owners of large vehicle fleets to manage their vehicle registration. After qualified intrastate commercial fleet vehicles are registered in the PFR program, owners can display continuous registration credentials in their vehicles and renew registrations through a monthly vehicle listing instead of individual vehicle renewal notices.

To qualify for the program, fleets must:

• Consist of 50 or more commercial motor vehicles or passenger vehicles (motorcycles and trailers aren't eligible). Fleets with a minimum of 25 vehicles may participate if qualified through an authorized registration service agent submitting multiple fleets containing a combined total of 250 or more vehicles.
• Display the company's business name, trademark, or logo on both the right and left side of each motor vehicle. This information must be visibly legible from a distance of 50 feet.
• Submit, if applicable, all additional renewal requirements, such as parking violation bail or clearance, owner's responsibility citation clearance and service fee, and a smog certification. You can apply for the PFR program through the California DMV.

Trailer registration

The permanent trailer identification (PTI) program is a registration program used for all trailers within California, except for trailer coaches and park trailers. Upon payment of the original fee required to enter the PTI program, the department issues a standard PTI plate and an identification certificate for the trailer. Once issued, the PTI license plate remains with the vehicle permanently. A service fee is charged every five years to maintain the record.

Commercial trucks

California has two separate weight fee structures — unladen and gross vehicle weight. Vehicles that will operate singly or in combination with trailers at 10,000 pounds or less are assessed unladen weight fees. Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more are assessed a Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) fee. In addition to the CVRA fee, the vehicle is still subject to the registration fee, vehicle license fee, and any city/county fees.

Declared operating weight

All registered owners or lessees of commercial motor vehicles operating at 10,001 pounds or more gross vehicle weight (GVW) or combined gross vehicle weight (CGVW) registered with the California DMV are required to declare the gross/combined gross weight at which their vehicle(s) will operate. Pickup trucks with no body type modifications and an unladen weight under 8,001 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 11,499 pounds and under are excluded. When towing a trailer or other vehicle, (e.g., tow truck pulling automobile), it is important to declare the total gross operating weight of the combination of vehicles.

California’s CVRA/unladen weight fee structure requires the applicant to declare their highest California operating weight. Customers will have the ability to increase or decrease their originally qualified California operating weight anytime after the initial registration of the vehicle. CVRA or unladen weight changes may result in the assessment of California fees. Refund credits aren't allowed for weight decreases.

Commercial vehicle weight decals

Vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more are required to display a set of two weight decals, issued for a small fee. The weight decals reflect the top of the weight range (in thousands from 10,001 to 80,000 pounds) of the declared gross weight or gross combined operating weight reported to the department. New weight decals are required for a weight increase. Decals must be displayed on the outside of the driver’s door panel and on the outside of the passenger’s door panel (vehicles with sliding doors display immediately in front of or behind each door). Both decals must be visible from 50 feet. New decals are issued annually.

Vehicle license fee

A vehicle license fee (VLF) is collected upon original registration and registration renewal for automobiles, motorcycles, trailer coaches, park trailers, and commercial vehicles.