REG 356 Form – If you’re moving to California and registering an out-of-state vehicle, or surrendering unexpired non-resident license plates for any reason, the REG 356 form (officially titled Application for Return of Non-Resident Plates) is the official document you need. Issued under California Vehicle Code §§ 4301 and 4302, this simple one-page form allows the California DMV to return your surrendered plates to the motor vehicle registration authority in your home state.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 356 is, who needs it, how to fill it out step-by-step, the required fee, submission process, and important exceptions. All information is drawn directly from current official California DMV sources as of 2026.
What Is the REG 356 Form?
The REG 356 is a short application used only when unexpired out-of-state (non-resident) license plates are surrendered to the California DMV during the application for California vehicle registration. Instead of destroying or discarding the old plates, the form instructs the DMV to mail them back to the official registration authority in the state (or country) where the plates were originally issued.
Key purpose (per DMV):
“Unexpired nonresident license plates surrendered upon application for California registration may be returned to the motor vehicle registration authority in the applicant’s home state pursuant to California Vehicle Code §4302.”
This service helps new California residents comply with home-state rules while avoiding unnecessary plate replacement costs or penalties back home.
Who Needs the REG 356 Form?
You must use REG 356 if:
- You are registering a vehicle in California that currently has valid, unexpired plates from another state.
- You want those plates physically returned to your home state’s DMV or equivalent registration office (rather than keeping them yourself).
You do NOT need it if:
- The plates are already expired.
- Your vehicle qualifies for dual/interstate registration (e.g., certain commuters).
- You are keeping the plates yourself (only allowed in specific cases).
Special note for Swiss plates: Switzerland plates have no expiration date and belong to the Swiss government. They must be picked up in person and cannot be mailed via REG 356.
When to Use REG 356?
Submit the form at the same time you apply for California registration using the Application for Title or Registration (REG 343). On the REG 343, you must clearly indicate the disposition of the out-of-state plates (i.e., “return via REG 356”) and confirm they will not be affixed to any vehicle at any time.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the REG 356 Form?
The form is intentionally simple and can be filled out in minutes. Here’s exactly what to enter (based on the current official PDF):
- DATE — Enter today’s date.
- PLEASE MAIL PLATES NO. — Write the exact out-of-state license plate number.
- FROM STATE OF — Enter the state (or jurisdiction) that issued the plates.
- TO: — Provide the full mailing address of the official in charge of registration in your home state (e.g., “Department of Motor Vehicles, Plate Return Section, [City, State ZIP]”). You can usually find this address on your home state’s DMV website under “return plates” or “surrender plates.”
- SIGNED (APPLICANT) X — Sign and date the form. Only the vehicle owner/applicant may sign.
- $1.00 FEE INCLUDED — Check or note that the nominal fee is enclosed.
Download the current REG 356 PDF directly from the California DMV:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/REG-356-R3-96-ASB-WWW.pdf
Required Documents, Fee, and Submission
What to submit together:
- Completed REG 356 form
- The physical unexpired out-of-state license plates
- $1.00 fee (nominal processing fee to return the plates)
- Your full California registration application (REG 343 and supporting documents)
Where to submit:
Include everything with your California registration packet at a DMV field office or through an authorized AAA office (if applicable). The plates and REG 356 are processed as part of the new registration.
Important: If your California registration application is incomplete, the DMV will return the plates to you and instruct you to hold them until the registration is finalized.
Important Notes and Exceptions
- Plates returned via REG 356 are mailed only to the official registration authority in the issuing state — never to a private address.
- Once returned, the plates cannot be re-used on any vehicle.
- Always keep a copy of the completed REG 356 for your records.
- No additional supporting documents are required beyond the form and plates themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there really only a $1 fee?
A: Yes — the current official REG 356 form and DMV procedures confirm the nominal $1.00 fee for returning non-resident plates.
Q: Can I mail the REG 356 and plates separately?
A: No. They must be submitted together with your California registration application.
Q: What if I just want to keep my old plates as a souvenir?
A: Generally not allowed for unexpired plates. You must either return them via REG 356 or (in limited cases) keep expired plates only.
Q: How long does it take for the plates to reach my home state?
A: Processing time depends on DMV workload; the form is handled as part of registration, so expect standard mail delivery after your California plates are issued.
Q: Do I need REG 356 if my plates are expired?
A: No — expired plates may be retained by the owner.
Final Tips for a Smooth Process
- Double-check the “TO:” address for your home state’s plate-return office before submitting.
- Bring everything in one package to avoid delays.
- Visit the official California DMV forms page for the latest version: dmv.ca.gov Forms.
By using the REG 356 form correctly, you stay compliant with both California and your home state’s vehicle laws while making the transition to California registration hassle-free.
Need the form right now?
→ Direct download: REG 356 PDF
For the most current instructions, always refer to the official California DMV website or Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual. Safe driving in the Golden State!