REG 5103 Form – If you own a California-registered vehicle that’s temporarily located or garaged out of state and your DMV registration renewal notice requires a smog check, the REG 5103 form is your official solution. This California DMV form lets you request a temporary smog exemption so you can renew your vehicle registration without an immediate smog inspection.
The REG 5103 (Application for Temporary Smog Exemption for a Vehicle Located Out-of-State) is issued under California Health & Safety Code §44011 and Vehicle Code §§20, 1653, and 8800. It postpones the biennial smog certification requirement until the vehicle returns to California.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the REG 5103 form, including eligibility, how to fill it out step by step, submission instructions, and key warnings—based directly on the official California DMV form (revision R5, still current as of 2026).
What Is the REG 5103 Form and Why Do You Need It?
California requires most gasoline-powered vehicles to pass a smog check every two years for registration renewal. However, if your vehicle is physically out of state and can’t realistically get a California smog inspection, the DMV offers a temporary exemption through REG 5103.
Key benefits:
- Avoids registration delays or penalties while the vehicle is out of state.
- Postpones the smog requirement until the vehicle returns to California.
- Allows you to renew your California registration and receive tags/stickers by mail.
Important: This is not a permanent exemption. You must obtain and submit a valid smog certification to the DMV once the vehicle is back in California.
Who Qualifies for the Temporary Smog Exemption?
Your vehicle qualifies if all of the following are true:
- It is temporarily located outside California.
- It is currently physically located/garaged out of state.
- It cannot or is not required to be registered in the state where it is located.
- It will remain continuously outside California until a specific future date (which you declare on the form).
- You certify that a smog certification will be obtained and submitted to the DMV upon the vehicle’s return to California.
Ineligible locations (no exemption allowed):
- Nevada cities: Carson City, Centerville, Crystal Bay, Gardnerville, Genoa, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Minden, Reno, Sparks, Stateline, Stewart, Washoe City, Verdi, Zephyr Cove.
- Mexico cities: Tecate, Tijuana, Tijuana Baja CA.
The exemption applies whether you or someone else (family member, friend, etc.) is operating the vehicle out of state.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 5103 Form?
The form is simple, one-page, and divided into two sections. Download the latest official version here:
REG 5103 PDF – Official California DMV
Section 1 – Vehicle Information:
- Enter Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Year, Make, Model, and Vehicle License Number.
- Provide the “as of” date the vehicle has been located out of state.
- Fill in the full street address, city, state, and ZIP code where the vehicle is currently garaged.
- Explain why the vehicle is temporarily out of state and why it cannot or is not required to be registered in that state.
- State the exact date until which the vehicle will continuously remain outside California.
- Confirm (by filling in the statement) that the required smog certification will be obtained and submitted to the DMV upon return.
- Provide contact information (true full name and daytime phone number) of the person operating the vehicle out of state.
Section 2 – Certification:
- Date and location (city and state) where you are signing.
- Print your true full name.
- Provide your daytime telephone number and mailing address (city, state, ZIP).
- Sign the form under penalty of perjury.
Warning printed on the form: “THE INFORMATION YOU ARE PROVIDING IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY DMV AND YOUR REGISTRATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION.”
How to Submit the REG 5103 Form?
- Complete the form and sign it.
- Mail it along with your vehicle registration renewal payment and any other required documents (proof of insurance, etc.) to:
Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
The DMV processes the temporary exemption and mails your new registration card and stickers to the address on record (or the out-of-state address you provide).
Tip: Some applicants also use the DMV Virtual Office for certain transactions, but the REG 5103 is traditionally submitted by mail with the renewal packet.
Important Notes and Warnings
- There is no fee for filing the REG 5103 itself.
- The exemption is temporary and tied to the date you declare on the form.
- DMV may verify the information; false statements can lead to registration cancellation and penalties.
- Keep a copy of your completed form and mailing receipt.
- When the vehicle returns to California, schedule a smog check promptly and submit the certificate to the DMV to avoid future issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use REG 5103 if someone else is driving my car out of state?
A: Yes. Simply provide the name and phone number of the person operating the vehicle.
Q: What if my vehicle is in one of the ineligible Nevada or Mexico cities?
A: The exemption is not available. You may need to arrange for a smog check or explore other options.
Q: Is there a time limit on how long the exemption lasts?
A: You specify the date on the form. It must be a reasonable temporary period.
Q: Can I renew my registration online?
A: Submit the REG 5103 by mail with your renewal materials. The DMV Virtual Office handles some transactions but the exemption form is part of the mailed packet.
Q: Is the form still current in 2026?
A: Yes. The official REG 5103 (NEW 5/2014, R5) remains the current version used by the California DMV.
Download the Official REG 5103 Form
→ Download REG 5103 PDF (Official DMV Link)
Final Thoughts
The REG 5103 form is a straightforward, no-cost way for California vehicle owners to handle registration renewals when their car is temporarily out of state. By following the official instructions and submitting the form correctly, you can avoid smog-related delays and keep your vehicle legally registered in California.
Always use the official DMV PDF and double-check your information before signing under penalty of perjury. When your vehicle returns to California, complete the smog check as promised to stay compliant.
For the most up-to-date details, visit the California DMV website or contact them directly. Safe travels!