REG 352 Form – If you own a classic California vehicle and want authentic vintage license plates that match your car’s model year, the REG 352 Form (Year of Manufacture License Plate Application) is your essential document. This official California DMV form lets eligible owners apply for Year of Manufacture (YOM) license plates—original pre-1970 (or pre-1973 for commercial vehicles) California plates that add authentic period-correct style to your vintage ride.
In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the REG 352 form: eligibility, how to download the free PDF, step-by-step application instructions, fees, and tips to avoid common delays. All information is based on the latest official California DMV sources as of 2026.
What Are Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates in California?
YOM license plates are genuine California-issued plates from the vehicle’s model year. Under California Vehicle Code §5004.1, owners of 1980-and-older vehicles can register and display these original plates instead of modern ones—provided the plates are legible, serviceable, and authenticated by the DMV.
Key facts about YOM plates:
- Autos, motorcycles, and trailers: Plates issued 1969 or earlier.
- Commercial vehicles: Plates issued 1972 or earlier.
- Plates must exactly match the vehicle’s model year and type (e.g., black base plates with yellow characters for 1963–1969 autos).
- Full road-use privileges—no restrictions to parades or shows only.
- Two plates required for most vehicles (one plate only for 1945–1946 models).
YOM plates enhance the historical look of your classic car while remaining fully legal for daily driving.
Who Needs the REG 352 Form?
You must complete and submit the REG 352 form if you want to:
- Apply for original assignment of YOM plates to a vehicle.
- Reassign plates to another eligible vehicle.
- Retain YOM plates when the vehicle is not currently registered.
- Release interest in plates during a vehicle sale or transfer.
The form cannot be processed online—you’ll submit it in person at a DMV field office along with your plates for authentication.
Eligibility Requirements for YOM Plates
Not every vintage vehicle or plate qualifies. The DMV strictly enforces these rules:
- Vehicle must be a 1980-or-older model year.
- Plates must be original DMV-issued (restored OK, but not replicas).
- Plates must be legible, serviceable, and in the correct configuration for the year (specific color and character rules apply—see form for details).
- Plate number must not conflict with current issuances and cannot be offensive.
- Vehicle and plate type must match (auto plates for autos, etc., for 1963+).
- Replica, kit, or specially constructed vehicles generally do not qualify.
DMV headquarters makes the final approval after field-office authentication.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Using the REG 352 Form?
- Download and complete the REG 352 PDF (link below).
- Gather your current registration, vehicle documents, and the YOM plates you want to use.
- Visit a DMV field office and present the plates for authentication.
- Surrender your current plates (if applicable).
- Pay the required fees.
- DMV processes the application (may take weeks to months) and issues new registration with YOM plates and appropriate year stickers.
Pro tip: Fill out the form before visiting the DMV—do not expect staff to help you complete it on-site.
How to Fill Out the REG 352 Form (Easy Instructions)?
The official REG 352 (Rev. 1/2017) is a straightforward one-page form. Here’s what you’ll complete:
- Application Type (select one): Original YOM Assignment, Reassignment, Retention, or Release of Interest.
- CA YOM License Plate Number + initial certification that plates are original DMV-issued.
- Section 1 – Plate Owner: Full name, driver license number, mailing address.
- Section 2 – Vehicle Information: VIN, make, year, model, engine number (motorcycles only).
- Section 3 – Certification: Sign and date under penalty of perjury, plus phone number.
The form includes 12 detailed conditions you must read and agree to (plate authenticity, year limits, configuration rules, etc.). For current fees, see the DMV’s FFVR 11 fee chart.
REG 352 Form Fees (Current as of 2026)
According to the official DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual:
- Original YOM plate fee: $45
- Renewal: $10
- Reassignment: $12
- Annual retention fee (if plates are kept but vehicle not registered): $20 per year
Regular registration fees and possible weight fees for commercial vehicles still apply. Always confirm the latest fees on the DMV website or at your local office.
Download the Official REG 352 PDF (Free & Direct Link)
Official Download: REG 352 – Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plate Application PDF
This is the exact form hosted on the California DMV website. Print it, fill it out, and bring the original to your DMV appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I order YOM plates online?
No. YOM plates require the REG 352 form and in-person plate authentication.
How long does approval take?
Processing can take several weeks to a few months after DMV headquarters review.
What if my plates are denied?
Common reasons include replicas, wrong configuration, or conflicts. You may need to submit a Statement of Facts (REG 256) in some cases.
Do YOM plates affect insurance or driving privileges?
No—your vehicle retains full registration and road-use rights.
Final Tips for a Smooth REG 352 Application
- Verify plate availability and configuration using DMV resources or Appendix 1E in the registration manual.
- Bring clear photocopies and photos of both sides of the plates.
- Double-check that your vehicle’s model year exactly matches the plate year.
- Keep a copy of everything submitted.
Owning YOM plates is one of the most rewarding ways to preserve California’s automotive heritage while staying fully street-legal.
Ready to get started? Download the REG 352 form today and visit your local DMV to authenticate your vintage plates. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official California DMV website.
Sources: California DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual, official REG 352 form, and California Vehicle Code §5004.1.
This article was last updated in April 2026 with the latest available DMV guidelines.