REG 4008 Form – If you own or lease a commercial motor vehicle in California that operates at 10,001 pounds or more Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW), you must file Form REG 4008 with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This mandatory declaration ensures your vehicle’s operating weight is properly recorded for registration, weight decals, CVRA fees, and legal compliance.
In this complete 2026 guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 4008 form is, who needs it, how to complete it step-by-step, the current weight ranges and fees, and how to download the official REG 4008 PDF directly from the DMV.
What Is the REG 4008 Form?
The Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (Form REG 4008) is an official California DMV document that requires commercial vehicle owners or lessees to declare the maximum weight at which their vehicle(s) will operate.
- Your registration card will show the highest weight in the declared range.
- You must display the matching weight decal and CVRA year sticker on both sides of the vehicle.
- The form is tied to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) of 2001, which determines weight-based fees instead of standard registration weight fees for vehicles 10,001 lbs. and above.
Important note: Pickup trucks with no body modifications, unladen weight under 8,001 lbs., and GVWR of 11,499 lbs. or less are excluded. A Motor Carrier Permit may also be required—check dmv.ca.gov for details.
Who Must File REG 4008?
You are required to submit the form if your commercial motor vehicle meets any of these conditions:
- First-time registration (original or transfer)
- Unladen weight of 6,001 lbs. or more (except qualifying pickups)
- Operating at 10,001 lbs. or more GVW or CGW
- Weight change (increase or decrease)
- Lost or misplaced original declaration
- Body type change or conversion from auto to commercial plates
- Partial Year Registration (PYR) when weight changes
Exceptions: Vehicles operating under 10,001 lbs. GVW/CGW, certain light pickups, and exempt plate vehicles do not need it.
GVW vs. CGW: Clear Definitions
Declared Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Total unladen weight of the vehicle + heaviest load it will carry (for vehicles that haul cargo but do not tow).
Declared Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW): Total unladen weight of the entire combination (truck + trailer) + heaviest combined load (for vehicles that tow another vehicle).
Pro tip: If you ever tow a trailer, declare the CGW—not just the truck’s GVW. This is one of the most common filing mistakes.
Current CVRA Weight Ranges & Fees (2026)
Use this official schedule on the form to select your code (A–N). Fees are paid before operating at the declared weight.
| Weight Range | Code | CVRA Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10,001 lbs. | NONE | N/A |
| 10,001–15,000 lbs. | A | $332 |
| 15,001–20,000 lbs. | B | $447 |
| 20,001–26,000 lbs. | C | $546 |
| 26,001–30,000 lbs. | D | $586 |
| 30,001–35,000 lbs. | E | $801 |
| 35,001–40,000 lbs. | F | $937 |
| 40,001–45,000 lbs. | G | $1,028 |
| 45,001–50,000 lbs. | H | $1,161 |
| 50,001–54,999 lbs. | I | $1,270 |
| 55,000–60,000 lbs. | J | $1,431 |
| 60,001–65,000 lbs. | K | $1,562 |
| 65,001–70,000 lbs. | L | $1,701 |
| 70,001–75,000 lbs. | M | $2,004 |
| 75,001–80,000 lbs. | N | $2,064 |
Warning: Operating above your declared weight can result in citations, late fees, and fines up to $2,000+ per violation (CVC §§9406.1, 9554.2, 42030.1).
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out REG 4008?
Sections A, C, and D must be completed.
- Section A – Enter registered owner/lessee name, address, fleet number (optional), and California county of residence/garaging.
- Section B – Review GVW and CGW definitions (already printed on the form).
- Section C – For each vehicle:
- License plate
- VIN
- Make
- Check “VEHICLE OPERATED UNDER 10,001 lbs.” if applicable
- Enter GVW or CGW code (A–N)
- Write the actual weight
- Enter the date the vehicle was or will first operate at this weight
- Section D – Sign and date. For businesses, include company name and authorized signer.
Submit the completed form with your registration application or weight-change request. One form can cover multiple identical vehicles (attach a supplemental list if needed).
When to Submit & Fee Impact?
- Increase in declared weight → Pay additional CVRA fees for the remainder of the registration year.
- Decrease in declared weight → DMV updates your record and issues a new card (no refund).
- Weight decals and CVRA stickers are issued once and renewed annually (new ones only on weight changes).
Always submit before operating at the new weight.
Official REG 4008 PDF Download (Latest Version)
Direct link to the current California DMV form:
Download REG 4008 (REV. 5/2015) PDF
This is the exact form hosted on the official DMV website (uploaded October 2024 and still current). Print, fill by hand, or complete digitally where allowed.
Related DMV Forms & Resources
- Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
- Statement of Facts (REG 256) – often needed with weight changes
- Commercial Vehicle Registration instructions: dmv.ca.gov
- CVRA Handbook (Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual)
For fleet operators or out-of-state use, explore Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) or International Registration Plan (IRP).
Why Proper GVW/CGW Declaration Matters?
Filing REG 4008 correctly keeps you compliant, avoids costly penalties, ensures proper weight decals, and supports accurate CVRA fee calculations. Operating without the proper declaration can lead to citations during roadside inspections or registration renewal issues.
Need the form right now?
→ Click here to download the official REG 4008 PDF
All information is sourced directly from the California DMV’s official website and handbooks (current as of 2026). For personalized advice, contact your local DMV or visit dmv.ca.gov. Safe driving!