REG 500 Form – If you need to prevent the unauthorized transfer of a vehicle title or registration in California, the REG 500 Form (also known as the Courtesy Stop Request) is the official tool provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form places a temporary Vehicle License & Title (VLT) Courtesy Stop on a specific vehicle record, giving you time to resolve legal issues through the courts.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 500 form is, who should use it, how to fill it out, where to submit it, and how to download the latest official PDF directly from the DMV.
What Is the REG 500 Courtesy Stop Request Form?
The REG 500 is an official California DMV form used to request, extend, or remove a VLT Courtesy Stop on a vehicle’s record. A Courtesy Stop is a 60-day administrative hold that alerts DMV staff not to process any title transfers, registrations, or ownership changes for the vehicle without additional review.
Key purposes of the REG 500 form:
- Place a new Courtesy Stop (requires a court-filed complaint or Temporary Restraining Order/TRO).
- Extend an existing Courtesy Stop (requires proof of a future court date).
- Remove a Courtesy Stop you previously requested.
This form is commonly used in situations involving disputed vehicle ownership, such as divorce, inheritance disputes, fraud concerns, or when someone is attempting to sell a vehicle without the legal owner’s permission. It is not a substitute for a court order—it works alongside one.
Important note: The form must be accompanied by proper court documentation. Without it, the request will not be processed.
Who Needs to File REG 500?
You should use the REG 500 if:
- You have filed (or plan to file) a lawsuit seeking injunctive relief against the transfer of a vehicle.
- You need to temporarily block title transfer while the court case proceeds.
- You previously placed a Courtesy Stop and now want to extend or remove it.
The California DMV explicitly states that this process is designed for “expeditious handling” of requests involving court-ordered injunctive relief.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit the REG 500 Form?
- Download the Official PDF
✅ Direct download link (current version):
REG 500 Courtesy Stop Request (REV. 11/2015) PDF
This is the exact form hosted on the official DMV website. - Fill Out the Required Fields
- Date of request
- Requestor’s full name, address, daytime phone, and email
- Vehicle information: License plate number, VIN, make, year, and model
- Check the appropriate box:
- Place a new VLT Courtesy Stop (attach court-stamped complaint/TRO)
- Extend current Courtesy Stop (attach court date)
- Remove previous Courtesy Stop
- Attach Required Documents
- For new requests: A court-stamped copy of the complaint or petition requesting injunctive relief (TRO).
- For extensions: Copy of the court hearing date.
- Sign and Certify
Sign under penalty of perjury. Include your driver license or ID number. - Submit the Form
Fastest option: Fax to (916) 657-6056
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations Division
Field Office Support Unit
Attn: Courtesy Stops
2415 First Avenue, MS C250
Sacramento, CA 95818If you provide an email address, the DMV will notify you once the request is processed.
Processing time: The DMV aims for expeditious handling, but allow time for mail or fax delivery. The Courtesy Stop lasts exactly 60 days unless extended or removed.
Important Legal Requirements & Warnings
- You must serve the Director of the DMV with the actual injunctive relief documents within 60 days at the address listed above.
- If the court documents are not served in time, the Courtesy Stop is automatically removed and the file is closed.
- Do not call the DMV to request removal—use the REG 500 form only.
- Filing the form does not create a court order; you must still pursue legal action in court. Consult an attorney if needed.
REG 500 Form vs. Other DMV Processes
Unlike standard title transfer holds or liens, the REG 500 is a courtesy administrative tool specifically tied to pending court injunctive relief. It is free to submit and does not require a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the REG 500 form free?
A: Yes. There is no filing fee for the Courtesy Stop Request.
Q: How long does the Courtesy Stop last?
A: 60 days from the date it is placed, unless you submit an extension request.
Q: Can anyone file REG 500?
A: Only the requestor who has filed (or will file) the appropriate court documents for injunctive relief.
Q: Where can I find the latest version?
A: Always download directly from the California DMV website using the link above to ensure you have the current REV. 11/2015 version.
Q: What if I need to remove the stop early?
A: Submit a new REG 500 checking the “removal” box. No court documents are required for removal.
Download Your REG 500 Form Now
Official Download:
REG 500 Courtesy Stop Request PDF – California DMV
Official DMV Form Page:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/form/courtesy-stop-request-reg-500/
Final Tips for Success
- Double-check all vehicle information (plate, VIN, make/model) to avoid processing delays.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- If your situation involves complex ownership disputes, speak with a qualified California attorney before filing.
The REG 500 form remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your vehicle title rights while you resolve matters in court. By using the official DMV PDF and following the steps above, you can ensure your request is processed quickly and correctly.
Need the form right now? Click the download link above and take action today.
All information is sourced directly from the official California DMV website and current REG 500 form (REV. 11/2015) as of April 2026.