REG 5090 Form – If you own a vehicle in California that you’re not driving or parking on public roads, the REG 5090 Form (Affidavit of Non-Use) is the official way to notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and cancel your liability insurance requirements. Filing this form prevents registration suspension due to lack of insurance while keeping your vehicle off the road legally.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 5090 Affidavit of Non-Use is, when to use it, how it differs from Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status, step-by-step filing instructions, and the direct official PDF download link.
What Is the REG 5090 Form (Affidavit of Non-Use)?
The REG 5090 is an official California DMV form titled Affidavit of Non-Use. It allows registered vehicle owners to declare that their vehicle:
- Is not being operated or parked on any California roadway, street, or highway.
- Has had (or will have) its liability insurance cancelled.
By submitting the REG 5090, you notify the DMV that financial responsibility (insurance) is no longer required for that vehicle.
Important note from the DMV: “Upon receipt of a REG 5090, DMV will cancel the registration. The vehicle cannot be driven or parked on California streets, roads, or highways until proof of insurance is received by the department.”
This form is not the same as placing your vehicle on Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status. It is specifically for insurance purposes when you want to drop coverage immediately.
When Should You File the REG 5090 Affidavit of Non-Use?
Use the REG 5090 form when:
- Your vehicle is currently registered with valid tags.
- You plan to store the vehicle (e.g., classic car, project vehicle, seasonal use) and will not drive or park it on public roads.
- You want to cancel liability insurance without risking registration suspension.
- Insurance renewal is approaching and you don’t want to pay for coverage on a non-driven vehicle.
Do NOT file if:
- Your registration is already expired or suspended.
- Registration expires within 75 days (file PNO instead).
- You still plan to drive the vehicle occasionally.
REG 5090 vs. Planned Non-Operation (PNO): Key Differences
Many California drivers confuse the two options. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | REG 5090 (Affidavit of Non-Use) | Planned Non-Operation (PNO) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Cancel insurance immediately | Avoid registration renewal fees for the year |
| Effect on Registration | Cancels registration | Keeps registration but marks as non-operational |
| When to Use | Anytime vehicle is currently registered | At registration renewal time |
| Vehicle Can Be Parked on Public Roads? | No | No |
| Required After Filing REG 5090? | File PNO at next renewal if still not using | N/A |
Pro Tip: If you file REG 5090 now and the vehicle remains unused at renewal time, you must file for PNO to avoid future fees.
How to Download the REG 5090 Form PDF (Official Direct Link)?
The California DMV provides the most current version of the form here:
✅ Official REG 5090 Download PDF:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/REG-5090-R11-2013-ASB-WWW.pdf
This is the REG 5090 (REV. 11/2013) form, still the active version as of 2026. Always download directly from the DMV website to ensure you have the latest official copy.
How to Submit the REG 5090 Form (Preferred Methods)?
The DMV strongly recommends online submission for instant confirmation.
- Online (Fastest & Recommended)
- Go to the official DMV Affidavit of Non-Use page.
- Click “Add/Remove ANU”.
- Enter your license plate number and the last 5 digits of the VIN.
- Submit and print your confirmation.
- Automated Phone
Call 1-800-777-0133 for voice-guided submission (confirmation message provided). - Mail the PDF
Mail the completed REG 5090 to:
DMV – Vehicle Insurance Program (VIP) Unit
P.O. Box 997408, M/S N305
Sacramento, CA 95899-7408
(No confirmation sent by mail)
Note: The vehicle must have current valid registration tags when you file.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 5090 PDF?
- Download the PDF from the link above.
- Complete these fields:
- License Plate Number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle Make, Year, and Model
- Your full name (printed), daytime phone number
- Sign and date the form (certifying under penalty of perjury).
- Submit using one of the methods above.
The form includes clear instructions and rules for acceptance printed directly on it.
What Happens After You File the REG 5090?
- DMV cancels your vehicle registration.
- You can legally cancel your insurance.
- Your vehicle record shows non-use status (no suspension risk).
- You cannot drive or park the vehicle on public roads until you reinstate insurance and registration.
- To remove the Affidavit later: Use the same online service (allow 3 business days processing).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I drive the vehicle after filing REG 5090?
No. Driving or parking it on any California roadway before providing proof of insurance can result in a citation.
Does filing REG 5090 cost anything?
No fee is charged for filing the affidavit itself.
What if my registration is about to expire?
File for Planned Non-Operation (PNO) instead if renewal is within 75 days.
Where can I get help?
Visit the official DMV page: Affidavit of Non-Use.
Final Thoughts
The REG 5090 Form is a simple but powerful tool for California vehicle owners who need to pause insurance and registration requirements legally. Always use the official DMV channels and the direct PDF link provided above to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
Download your REG 5090 PDF today and protect yourself from unnecessary registration suspension fees. For the absolute latest instructions, visit the California DMV’s official Affidavit of Non-Use page.
This guide is based on current information from the California DMV as of 2026. Rules can change—always verify directly on dmv.ca.gov before filing.