REG 590 Form – If you own a passenger vehicle in California and plan to use it for transporting people for hire, compensation, or profit—such as a taxi, limousine, rental shuttle, ambulance, or certain station wagons—you must convert from standard automobile registration to commercial registration. The official tool for this process is the REG 590 Form, officially titled Request for Commercial Registration of a Passenger Vehicle.
This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about the REG 590 form, including its purpose, who needs it, how to complete and submit it, required documents, fees, and more. All information is drawn directly from official California DMV sources, including the current REG 590 (REV. 3/2018) form and the Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual.
Download the official REG 590 PDF here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/02/REG-590-R3-2018-ASB-WWW.pdf
What Is the REG 590 Form?
The REG 590 is a one-page California DMV form used exclusively to request commercial registration and commercial license plates for passenger-type vehicles. It applies when a vehicle previously registered as an automobile will now be used to transport passengers for hire, compensation, or profit (not for hauling property).
Once approved, the DMV issues new commercial plates and updates your registration records. Weight fees begin on the date you start using the vehicle commercially. The form is not required if the vehicle is already registered in the name of a taxicab company.
Key legal note: Under California Vehicle Code §260, any passenger-type vehicle primarily used to transport persons for compensation must display commercial plates.
Who Needs to File the REG 590 Form?
You need the REG 590 if you are converting a passenger vehicle for these common commercial uses:
- Buses or shuttles
- Taxicabs (unless already registered to a taxicab company)
- Rental vehicles
- Limousines
- Ambulances
- Station wagons or multipurpose vehicles used in business (specific rules apply under Vehicle Code §§585 and 9404)
Common scenarios include:
- Starting a taxi or rideshare service that requires commercial plates
- Operating a limousine or charter service
- Converting a personal vehicle for compensated passenger transport
- Business owners registering employee-driven station wagons for work use
Important: The form is not for vehicles primarily used to transport property (those fall under different commercial rules).
Eligible Vehicle Types and Special Rules
Section 2 of the REG 590 requires you to check the appropriate box:
- Bus
- Taxicab
- Rental
- Limousine
- Ambulance
- Station Wagon
For station wagons only, Section 3 has additional checkboxes confirming either:
- The vehicle is registered in the business owner’s name, or
- You are an employee of a business that requires you to own/operate the station wagon registered in your name.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out and Submit the REG 590 Form?
Filling out the REG 590 is straightforward:
- Vehicle Information
Enter: License Plate, Vehicle ID Number (VIN), Year/Make. - Type of Vehicle
Check the correct box in Section 2 (or Section 3 for station wagons). - Commercial Use Start Date
In Section 4, write the exact date you will start using the vehicle commercially. This date determines when weight fees begin. - Certification
Sign and date the form, and provide your daytime telephone number.
Submission Process:
- Make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid long waits.
- Take the completed REG 590, plus required documents, to your local DMV office.
- Surrender your current automobile license plates.
- The DMV will issue new commercial plates on the spot (no separate fee for the plate change).
Required Documents When Submitting REG 590
Bring these items to the DMV:
- Completed REG 590 form
- Certificate of Title (or Application for Title or Registration if applicable)
- Weight certificate from a licensed Public Weighmaster (unless the title already shows the unladen weight)
- If the vehicle’s unladen weight is 6,001 pounds or more: Completed Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008)
- Your current automobile license plates
In some cases, you may also need a Statement of Facts (REG 256) to explain business use.
Pro Tip: Locate a Public Weighmaster in the Yellow Pages under “Scales – Public Weighers” or search online.
Fees and Weight Requirements
- No fee for the REG 590 form or the commercial plate conversion itself.
- Weight fees are collected and prorated from the exact date you begin commercial use (the date you wrote on the form).
- Vehicles 6,001+ lbs unladen or 10,001+ lbs GVW/CGW are subject to additional commercial weight fees or Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) fees.
- Pay any outstanding registration fees, Vehicle License Fees (VLF), or penalties at the time of conversion.
Failure to report commercial use within 20 days of the due date can result in penalties.
Why Convert to Commercial Registration?
California law requires commercial registration and plates for any passenger vehicle used “for hire, compensation, or profit.” Operating without them can lead to citations, registration suspension, or insurance issues. Commercial plates also ensure proper weight-fee collection and compliance with state safety regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About REG 590
Do I need the REG 590 for Uber or Lyft?
If you are transporting passengers for compensation, yes—commercial registration may be required. Check with the DMV and your insurance provider, as rideshare companies have specific insurance and registration rules.
Is the REG 590 required for taxicabs?
No, if the vehicle is already registered in the name of a taxicab company.
Can I fill out REG 590 online?
No. You must print, complete, sign, and submit it in person at a DMV office along with your documents.
How long does the process take?
Usually same-day if you have all documents and an appointment.
Is the form still current in 2026?
Yes. The current version is REG 590 (REV. 3/2018), and the official PDF linked above remains the active form on the DMV website.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Double-check the commercial start date—weight fees are calculated from this date.
- Ensure the weight certificate is recent and from a licensed Public Weighmaster.
- Make a DMV appointment online to save hours.
- Confirm your vehicle qualifies as a “passenger-type” vehicle before submitting.
- Keep a copy of the completed REG 590 for your records.
Ready to Convert Your Passenger Vehicle?
The REG 590 form is the official, straightforward way to request commercial registration for passenger vehicles in California. By following the steps above and using only official DMV documents, you can complete the process quickly and stay fully compliant.
Official Download:
REG 590 – Request for Commercial Registration of a Passenger Vehicle (PDF)
For the most current information, always visit the California DMV website or schedule an appointment at your local office. Commercial registration rules can affect insurance, taxes, and operations—consult a transportation attorney or your insurance provider if your situation is complex.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on current California DMV publications as of 2026. Laws and procedures may change—verify directly with the DMV.