REG 65 Form – If your vehicle in California has been stolen and not recovered or declared a total loss due to damage, you may be eligible for a prorated refund of the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) portion of your registration fees. The official form to request this refund is the REG 65 – Application for Vehicle License Fee Refund.
This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about the REG 65 form, including eligibility, how to fill it out, submission requirements, and a direct download link to the latest official PDF from the California DMV.
What Is the REG 65 Form?
The REG 65 Form is an official California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document titled Application for Vehicle License Fee Refund. It allows registered vehicle owners to request a full or partial refund of the VLF paid for the current registration year in specific loss situations.
- Part A: For unrecovered total loss vehicles (stolen and not recovered within 60 days).
- Part B: For constructive total loss or nonrepairable vehicles (wrecked, destroyed, or damaged beyond economical repair).
Note: Only the prorated VLF is refundable. Registration fees, weight fees, and other charges are not refunded. An administrative service fee is deducted from any approved refund.
The current version (REV. 4/2007) is available directly from the DMV website and remains the active form for VLF refund requests.
Who Qualifies for a VLF Refund with REG 65?
You may qualify if your vehicle meets one of these criteria under California law (Revenue and Taxation Code §10902 and Vehicle Code sections):
- Unrecovered Total Loss (Part A): The vehicle was stolen, not recovered within 60 days of the police report date, and transferred to the insurance company or payer who covered the loss.
- Constructive Total Loss (Part B): The vehicle was wrecked, destroyed, or damaged in a single event to the point it is uneconomical to repair (Vehicle Code §544). A Salvage Certificate is required.
- Nonrepairable Vehicle (Part B): The vehicle has no value except as parts or scrap, was stripped after theft, or was completely burned (Vehicle Code §431). A Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate is required.
Important exclusions:
- The owner (or driver) was cited or convicted of DUI-related offenses in connection with the loss.
- The vehicle must have been currently registered at the time of the loss.
- Refunds are prorated based on the number of full months remaining in the registration year.
If your situation involves a simple overpayment or other non-total-loss scenarios, use the general ADM 399 Application for Refund instead.
How to Fill Out the REG 65 Form (Step-by-Step)?
The form is straightforward and divided into clear sections. Complete only the relevant part (A or B).
Common fields for both parts:
- Vehicle license plate number, VIN, year, make, and model.
- Registered owner’s full name, address, and contact information.
- Date of incident/theft and police report details (if applicable).
Part A (Stolen/Unrecovered):
- Provide theft date, police report date, and police agency.
- Include payer information (e.g., insurance company).
- Attach a copy of the police report if not already updated with the DMV.
Part B (Constructive Total Loss or Nonrepairable):
- Provide the date the vehicle was wrecked/damaged.
- All registered owners must sign.
- Provide recipient information (person/company now owning the salvage).
Certifications:
- Sign under penalty of perjury that all information is true.
- Acknowledge that the refund must be repaid to the DMV if the vehicle is recovered or reregistered in the same year.
Pro tip: Use black ink, print clearly, and double-check all dates and VINs.
Required Documents and Prerequisites
Before submitting REG 65:
- For Part B: You must first obtain a Salvage Certificate or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate (see DMV brochure HTVR 16).
- Police report (for stolen vehicles).
- Proof of ownership/transfer if applicable.
All refund checks are mailed from DMV Headquarters in Sacramento.
How to Submit the REG 65 Form?
- Complete the form accurately.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Mail the completed REG 65 (and attachments) to the address printed on the form:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Processing time varies. Keep a copy of everything for your records.
Direct Download: Official REG 65 PDF
Download the latest REG 65 Form here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/10/REG-65-R4-2007-ASB-WWW.pdf
This is the official, up-to-date PDF hosted directly on the California DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I submit REG 65 online?
A: No. The form must be printed, completed, and mailed.
Q: How much will my refund be?
A: Prorated VLF minus the service fee. Only full months remaining in the registration year qualify.
Q: What if I already received insurance payout?
A: Contact your insurance company to confirm if VLF was included. The DMV does not track this.
Q: Is there a deadline?
A: Apply as soon as you have the required certificates and documentation. Refunds are for the current registration year only.
Final Tips for a Successful REG 65 Refund
- Always use the official DMV form and current instructions from dmv.ca.gov.
- Verify your vehicle status (stolen, salvage, etc.) before applying.
- For general overpayment refunds (not total loss), use ADM 399 instead.
For the most current details, visit the official DMV Payments & Refunds page or the Forms section. If your vehicle situation is complex, contact the DMV directly or consult your insurance provider.
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This guide is based exclusively on current official California DMV resources to ensure accuracy and compliance. Save time and avoid delays by following these steps exactly.