REG 1000 Form – The REG 1000 Form (Application for Clean Air Vehicle Decals) was the official California DMV document used by registered vehicle owners to apply for Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals. These decals allowed qualifying low- and zero-emission vehicles to access High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes with a single occupant.
Important 2026 Update: The federal Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program officially ended at midnight on September 30, 2025. The California DMV stopped accepting all new and replacement applications on August 29, 2025. All existing CAV decals are now invalid for HOV lane use, regardless of their printed expiration date.
You can still download the REG 1000 PDF for reference here:
Download REG 1000 Form (REV. 3/2024) (official DMV link).
What Is the REG 1000 Form?
The REG 1000 Form was the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ official application for Clean Air Vehicle Decals. Only the registered owner of record could submit it. The form required details about the vehicle (license plate, VIN, year, make, model), owner information, and the type of decal requested (original, replacement, transfer, or correction).
It also asked applicants to certify the vehicle’s exhaust standard (ZEV, SULEV, AT PZEV, TZEV, etc.) and motive power (electric, hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in hybrid, etc.). A $27 non-refundable fee applied to new or replacement decals.
Why the Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program Ended?
The CAV decal program operated under federal authority (Section 166 of Title 23 of the United States Code). California passed state legislation to extend it through 2027, but the federal government did not authorize the extension. As a result:
- The program ended September 30, 2025.
- DMV stopped processing applications August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
- All decals became invalid October 1, 2025.
- No refunds were issued for the $27 fee.
Decals do not need to be removed from vehicles, but they no longer provide any HOV or toll benefits.
Historical Eligibility for Clean Air Vehicle Decals
Before the program ended, vehicles had to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. Qualifying categories included:
- Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
- Transitional Zero-Emission Vehicles (TZEV)
- Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicles (AT PZEV)
- Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) – with restrictions after 2018
For vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 2018, eligibility also depended on the applicant’s gross annual income and vehicle type (see income chart in the REG 1000 PDF, Section 3).
Only registered owners could apply. Dealers had a separate form (REG 1000D) for new-vehicle purchases.
How to Fill Out the REG 1000 Form (For Reference)?
Although applications are no longer accepted, here is how the form was completed:
- Section 1 – Enter current registered owner name, DL/ID number, and address (must match DMV records; attach DMV 14 if changed).
- Section 2 – Check the decal type (original, replacement, transfer) and vehicle exhaust/motive power category.
- Section 3 – Complete income certification and vehicle-type restrictions if applicable (post-2018 purchases).
- Sign under penalty of perjury and include the $27 fee (check/money order).
Supporting documents typically included a copy of the vehicle registration. The form warned that incomplete applications would be returned.
Mailing Address & Submission Process (Historical)
Completed REG 1000 forms were mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Special Processing Unit – MS D238
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
Processing usually took 2–4 weeks. Applications could not be submitted in person at DMV offices.
Current HOV Lane Rules in California (2026)
Since the CAV program ended:
- Single-occupant vehicles must meet the posted HOV occupancy requirement (usually 2 or 3 people).
- Solo drivers with Clean Air Vehicle decals are no longer permitted in carpool lanes.
- Reduced toll rates for CAV vehicles on certain facilities have also ended.
- Citations for HOV violations start at approximately $490. A 60-day grace period ended December 1, 2025.
Drivers should check Caltrans or CHP websites for current HOV signage and enforcement.
Where to Get the Official REG 1000 PDF?
The most current version of the form (even though the program has ended) is hosted directly on the California DMV website:
REG 1000 – Application for Clean Air Vehicle Decals (REV. 3/2024)
Always use the official DMV link above rather than third-party sites to ensure you have the authentic document.
Frequently Asked Questions About REG 1000 & CAV Decals
Can I still apply for a Clean Air Vehicle decal in 2026?
No. The DMV no longer accepts REG 1000 applications or issues new decals.
Do I need to remove my old CAV decal?
No. Decals may remain on the vehicle but provide no legal benefit.
What replaced the CAV decal program?
Nothing. Solo drivers must now comply with standard HOV occupancy rules or use express lanes with the required toll.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the official DMV CAV page: dmv.ca.gov Clean Air Vehicle Decals or contact DMV Customer Service at 1-800-777-0133.
The REG 1000 Form played an important role in California’s clean-air transportation incentives for over two decades. While the program has concluded, the official PDF remains available for historical and reference purposes on the California DMV website. For the latest HOV lane rules and registration information, always refer directly to dmv.ca.gov.