REG 104 Form – The REG 104 form, officially titled “Notice – Removal of Abandoned Vehicle,” is a critical California DMV document used by authorized public agencies to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles after removing an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle. This form updates the DMV’s vehicle records, often marking the vehicle as junk or for final disposition. It is governed by California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 22660 and 22661 and ensures proper documentation when vehicles are removed under local abatement procedures.
The current official REG 104 PDF (REV. 9/94) is available for direct download from the California DMV website at: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/01/REG104R9-1994ASBWWW.pdf. This version remains the most up-to-date form used by cities, counties, and authorized agencies across California.
Who Must Use the REG 104 Form?
Only public agencies (such as city or county code enforcement, law enforcement, or abatement teams) use the REG 104 form. Private property owners, individuals, or businesses cannot file it themselves. Instead, property owners report abandoned vehicles on their land to local authorities, who then follow legal abatement steps and submit the completed REG 104 to the DMV within five days of removal.
According to the official California DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual and Dismantler’s Handbook, the agency must attach any available evidence of registration (registration card, Certificate of Title, or license plates) when submitting the form.
Legal Requirements and Timeline for REG 104 Submission
California law requires that within five days of removing an abandoned vehicle under a local abatement ordinance, the public agency must:
- Complete the REG 104 form
- Attach supporting documents (registration card, title, or a Statement of Facts (REG 256) if plates were destroyed)
- Mail everything to: Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
The form explicitly states that the vehicle “will be reduced to scrap or other final disposition consistent with the provision of CVC Section 22661(f)” and will not be reconstructed unless it qualifies as a horseless carriage or historical vehicle.
How to Download the Official REG 104 PDF?
The easiest and most reliable way to obtain the REG 104 form is directly from the California DMV:
- Visit the official DMV forms page or use this direct link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/01/REG104R9-1994ASBWWW.pdf
- Download the PDF instantly — no login or payment required
- Print or fill it out digitally if your software supports it
Always use the official DMV link to ensure you have the current, unaltered version. Third-party sites may offer outdated or modified copies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the REG 104 Form
Filling out the REG 104 is straightforward. The form requires the following key information:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Motorcycle Engine Number (if applicable)
- Make of the vehicle
- California License Plate number
- Reason if any identifying number is unavailable
- Agency Name and Address
- Date of removal
- Authorized Signature, Title, Printed Name, and Daytime Telephone Number
Instructions printed directly on the form state:
- “Complete this form.”
- “Attach all evidence of registration available such as the registration card, Certification of Title. License plates may be destroyed or surrendered to any DMV office.”
- “Mail all items to the address on the form.”
After submission, the DMV updates the vehicle record, which helps prevent future liability for the original owner and allows proper junking or dismantling.
Common Situations Where REG 104 Is Used
- Abandoned vehicles on private property reported by homeowners
- Wrecked or dismantled vehicles on public streets removed under local ordinances
- Inoperative vehicles declared public nuisances by city or county abatement programs
- Vehicles towed and acquired by public agencies under CVC §22660
Property owners do not file REG 104 themselves. They contact their local police department, code enforcement office, or highway patrol to initiate the removal process. The agency then handles the REG 104 filing with the DMV.
What Happens After the DMV Receives REG 104?
Once the DMV processes the REG 104 and supporting documents, the vehicle record is updated to reflect removal and junk status. This protects the public agency and clears the title history. Dismantlers or scrap processors can then legally acquire and process the vehicle without additional liability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About REG 104 Form
Can I as a private citizen use REG 104 to remove a car from my property?
No. The form is exclusively for public agencies. Contact your local law enforcement or code enforcement office to report the abandoned vehicle.
Is the REG 104 form free?
Yes. The official PDF is free to download from the California DMV website.
How long does it take for the DMV to process REG 104?
Processing times vary, but the agency must submit the form within five days of removal to stay in compliance with state law.
Where can I find more information about abandoned vehicle procedures?
Refer to the official California DMV Dismantler’s Handbook and Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual, available on dmv.ca.gov.
Related California DMV Forms for Abandoned Vehicles
- REG 256 – Statement of Facts (used when license plates are destroyed)
- REG 138 – Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
- Forms related to lien sales or low-value vehicle disposition
For the most current and accurate information, always rely on the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. The REG 104 form plays an essential role in keeping California roads and properties clear of abandoned vehicles while maintaining accurate vehicle records for public safety and legal compliance. Download your copy today using the trusted link provided above.