REG 123 Form – The REG 123 Form, officially titled School Bus Registration or Permit Application, is a required California DMV document for registering or obtaining permits for privately owned school buses and exempt school buses. Revised in October 2017 (REV. 10/2017) and still the current version as of 2026, this two-page form ensures compliance with California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections such as §9102.5, §5010, and §9266.
It serves three main purposes:
- Registration of a privately owned school bus (PSB).
- Temporary commercial registration for a privately owned school bus.
- Temporary commercial operation permit for an exempt school bus.
The form must be signed by both an authorized school agent/owner/operator and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer after vehicle inspection.
Who Needs to File the REG 123 School Bus Registration Form?
You must complete the REG 123 if you:
- Own or operate a privately owned school bus used to transport school pupils or employees of a private non-profit educational organization (under contract or directly owned/operated).
- Need temporary commercial registration for a privately owned school bus before it can operate commercially.
- Operate an exempt school bus (e.g., leased or reverting to lessor) and require a temporary permit for one or more calendar months.
Note: Standard yellow school buses owned by public school districts usually do not use this form. REG 123 applies specifically to privately owned or exempt vehicles meeting the CVC §545 school bus definition.
Key Requirements Before Submitting REG 123
Before filling out the form, your school bus must:
- Pass a CHP inspection and receive approval for operation as a school bus (CVC §545). The CHP section at the top of the form must be completed and signed.
- Comply with California Department of Education rules for pupil transportation.
- Meet all equipment and safety standards.
Renewal note: Privately owned school bus (PSB) registration expires exactly 12 months from the application date. No automatic renewal notices are sent — you are responsible for submitting a new REG 123 and the PSB fee before expiration.
How to Fill Out the REG 123 Form – Step-by-Step Instructions?
- Download the official PDF (link below).
- Read both sides completely before writing.
- Enter vehicle information at the top: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Make, and California License Plate Number.
- Choose the correct section:
- Section 1 + Section 4 → Register a privately owned school bus (include school name and full address).
- Section 2 + Section 4 → Temporary commercial registration for privately owned school bus (include year first sold, first operation date, owner name/address).
- Section 3 + Section 4 → Temporary commercial operation for exempt school bus (include year first sold, operation date, “for hire” status, and lessor details if leased).
- Complete Section 4 (Certification): Print name, daytime phone, sign, and date. You certify under penalty of perjury that all information is true.
- Obtain CHP signature in the “FOR CHP USE ONLY” box after inspection.
All instructions are printed directly on the form’s reverse side.
Download the Official REG 123 PDF (Latest Version)
Direct download link (hosted by California DMV):
REG 123 – School Bus Registration or Permit Application PDF
This is the exact form referenced in the current DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual. Save it, print clearly, and use black ink.
Where and How to Submit the Completed REG 123 Form?
Submit the signed REG 123 (with CHP approval) along with:
- Required fees (PSB registration fee or temporary permit fee — exact amount confirmed at time of submission).
- Title or registration documents (for original applications).
You can mail or deliver it to your local DMV office or authorized agent. Processing times vary; contact your local DMV for current wait times. Electronic options are limited — most submissions are paper-based.
For detailed submission rules, refer to the official DMV handbook sections on Privately-Owned School Buses (PSB).
Common Questions About REG 123 Form
Is the form free?
The REG 123 PDF itself is free to download. Registration/permit fees apply and are not listed on the form.
Can I use an old version?
Use only the current REV. 10/2017 version linked above to avoid rejection.
Does it replace a regular DMV registration?
No. This form is in addition to standard title/registration requirements for PSBs.
What if my bus is leased?
Use Section 3 and provide lessor information for temporary commercial operation permits.
Why Proper School Bus Registration Matters in California?
Accurate completion of the REG 123 ensures your vehicle can legally transport students safely and helps avoid fines, registration holds, or operational delays. The CHP’s mandatory inspection adds an extra layer of safety for California’s children.
Pro tip: Always keep a copy of the completed and approved REG 123 with your vehicle records.
Ready to register your school bus?
Download the official REG 123 Form now and schedule your CHP inspection today. For the most up-to-date fees and procedures, visit the California DMV website or contact your local office. Safe travels!