REG 5036 Form – If you’re building a home-made vehicle, kit car, specially constructed trailer, or significantly modified vehicle in California, you’ll need the REG 5036 Form — officially called the Statement of Construction. This California DMV form is required to legally register your vehicle and obtain a title.
In this complete, up-to-date guide (current as of 2026), you’ll learn exactly what the REG 5036 is used for, who needs it, how to fill it out step by step, and where to download the official PDF directly from the DMV.
What Is the REG 5036 Form (Statement of Construction)?
The REG 5036 is a two-sided DMV form that provides detailed information about the major component parts used to build or assemble a vehicle. It is specifically required for:
- Home-made (specially constructed) vehicles
- Kit vehicles
- Assembled trailers weighing less than 6,000 pounds
- Vehicles built from new or used parts that are not manufactured as a complete vehicle by a licensed maker
The form helps the DMV verify ownership of major parts (engine, frame, transmission, body), calculate the vehicle’s value for registration fees and use tax, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Important note: The current official version is REG 5036 (Rev. 3/2007), uploaded by the DMV in October 2024. Always use the latest version from the official DMV website.
Who Needs to File the REG 5036 Form?
You must complete and submit REG 5036 if you are registering any of the following as a specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle:
- Custom-built cars or trucks from scratch or kits
- Trailers assembled from kits (under 6,000 lbs unladen)
- Vehicles significantly modified from their original design (if they no longer resemble the factory version)
- Replicas or vehicles built from major component parts without a manufacturer’s certificate of origin
It is NOT needed for standard repairs, restorations, or minor modifications that keep the vehicle recognizable as its original make and model.
Official Download: REG 5036 Statement of Construction PDF
Direct official link (no third-party sites required):
This is the exact file hosted on the California DMV website. Save it, print it, and fill it out by hand (it is not fillable online).
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the REG 5036 Form
The form has clear sections. Here’s exactly what to enter (based on the official PDF layout):
Sections 1–5 and 8 are required for assembled trailers under 6,000 lbs. Both sides are required for all other vehicles.
- Section 1: Vehicle Description — Enter VIN/Identification Number, Year, Model, Engine details, and Engine Number (if applicable).
- Section 2: Construction of Vehicle — Check who assembled it (“by me” or “by [name/company]”) and provide their full contact information.
- Section 3: Component Part(s) Information — Check the boxes for which you have bills of sale: Engine, Transmission, Frame, Body.
- Section 4: Statement of Facts — Explain how you obtained any major parts without bills of sale or receipts.
- Section 5: Cost Information and Vehicle Value — Fill in the table with purchase prices for the kit, parts, labor, etc., and calculate the Total Value of the Vehicle (including labor). This value must match the declared value on your REG 343 form.
- Section 6: Purchase and Installation of Major Component Parts — For each part (Engine, Transmission, Frame, Body), provide the seller’s name, address, and phone number.
- Section 7: Delivery of Complete Vehicle — Enter the date you took possession and from whom/address.
- Section 8: Owner’s Signature and Certification — Sign under penalty of perjury, certify that the vehicle meets federal safety standards, and provide your full name, address, and phone. You agree to indemnify the DMV for any issues arising from registration.
Pro tip: Be accurate and consistent — the total value on REG 5036 must match the market value on your REG 343 application.
Full List of Documents Needed for SPCNS Registration
Along with the completed REG 5036, bring these to the DMV:
- Completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
- Bills of sale/receipts for major component parts (engine, frame, transmission, body)
- For kit vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if available)
- Electronic Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) certificate
- Smog certification (if required)
- Weight certificate (for pickups/trucks)
- Proof of ownership for any added parts
You must bring the completed vehicle to a DMV field office for physical verification.
Note on bonds: A Motor Vehicle Bond may be required if the value of undocumented parts exceeds $4,999 (or $1,999 for vessels).
Where to Submit the REG 5036 Form?
- Gather all documents.
- Schedule an appointment at a California DMV field office (highly recommended).
- Bring the vehicle for inspection.
- Submit everything in person — the process cannot be completed online or by mail for SPCNS vehicles.
Processing times and fees vary; check the DMV registration fees page for current costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is REG 5036 the same as a Statement of Facts?
A: No. REG 5036 is specifically the Statement of Construction. REG 256 is the general Statement of Facts used for other purposes.
Q: Can I download a fillable REG 5036 PDF?
A: The official DMV version is not fillable online. Print and complete it by hand.
Q: How long is the form valid?
A: There is no expiration, but always use the current version from dmv.ca.gov.
Q: Do I need REG 5036 for a restored classic car?
A: Usually not — only if it qualifies as specially constructed.
Final Thoughts
The REG 5036 Statement of Construction is your key to legally titling and registering a custom-built or kit vehicle in California. Using the official form and following DMV instructions ensures a smooth process and avoids delays or rejections.
Ready to get started?
Download the Official REG 5036 PDF Here
For the most current requirements, always visit the official California DMV page for specially constructed vehicles.
This article is based solely on official California DMV sources and is for informational purposes only. Requirements can change — verify directly with the DMV before submitting your application.