REG 5045 Form: Nonresident Military Exemption Statement PDF

REG 5045 Form – Are you a nonresident U.S. servicemember stationed in California or the spouse of one? The REG 5045 Form (officially titled Nonresident Military (NRM) Vehicle License Fee and Transportation Improvement Fee Exemption) can save you hundreds of dollars every year on vehicle registration. This official California DMV form lets qualifying nonresident military personnel and their spouses skip the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) and Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) on personally owned or leased vehicles and trailer coaches registered in the state.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the REG 5045 is, who qualifies, how to fill it out step-by-step, where to submit it, and how to download the latest PDF directly from the DMV.

What Is the REG 5045 Form?

The REG 5045 is a two-sided California DMV exemption statement (Revision 12/2021) required for nonresident military (NRM) members of the U.S. Uniformed Services and their nonresident spouses. It certifies eligibility for exemption from the VLF and TIF portions of California vehicle registration fees.

Legal basis: 50 U.S.C. §§3998, 4001, 4025 (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provisions) and related Vehicle Code sections. NATO members use the separate REG 5046 form instead.

The form is free and must accompany new registrations, renewals, or transfers for the exemption to apply. It is subject to Department of Defense verification and DMV audit.

Direct official download (latest version, uploaded October 2024):
Download REG 5045 PDF Here

Who Qualifies for the Nonresident Military VLF Exemption?

You (or your spouse) qualify if all of these conditions are met:

  • You are on active duty in a U.S. Uniformed Service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, NOAA Commissioned Corps, or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps).
  • Your duty station (or your spouse’s) is located in California.
  • You are not a California resident — your legal residence is another state.
  • The vehicle is registered in the name of the nonresident military member, their nonresident spouse, or both.
  • The vehicle is not used in a trade or business and is not operated “for hire.”
  • The vehicle is primarily garaged in a California county (you must specify which one).

Important notes:

  • California residents (even spouses of NRM members) do not qualify.
  • The exemption applies to passenger vehicles, trucks, and trailer coaches — but not to commercial vehicles used for business with compensation.
  • Dependents must show the servicemember as the “sponsor” on their military ID.

Benefits of Filing REG 5045

  • Eliminates the VLF (typically 0.65% of the vehicle’s value annually) and TIF.
  • Applies to any qualifying vehicle you own or lease — no limit on number of vehicles.
  • Can be used for initial registration, renewal, or title transfer.
  • Refunds of previously paid VLF are possible in some cases using REG 5045 + ADM 399.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 5045 Form?

The form has two sides — complete only the side that applies to you.

Side A – U.S. Servicemember Use Only

  1. Enter Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Make of Vehicle, and Vehicle License Number.
  2. Fill in:
    • Branch of Service
    • Duty Station (city/base), California
    • Unit
    • Commanding officer’s telephone number
    • Your legal residence state (not California)
    • County where the vehicle is primarily garaged
  3. Sign and date under penalty of perjury.
  4. Provide your full name, signature, daytime phone, and mailing address.

Side B – U.S. Servicemember Spouse Use Only

  1. Enter the same vehicle information.
  2. Provide spouse’s name, branch of service, duty station, unit, and commanding officer’s phone.
  3. Confirm both you and your spouse are nonresidents and list each legal residence state.
  4. Complete the garaged county field.
  5. Sign and date.

Verification sections (both sides) will be completed by a DMV employee, dealer, or authorized representative when you present valid military ID.

Pro tip: Print clearly. Use black ink. Incomplete or inaccurate information may delay your registration.

How to Submit the REG 5045 to the California DMV?

  • In person: Bring the completed form + valid military ID to a DMV office or authorized AAA office/dealer.
  • By mail: Include the original or copy with your registration application (ID verification not required for mail-in).
  • Through a dealer or registration service: Provide a copy of your military ID; they will verify and submit.

The DMV will stamp and initial the verification section. Keep a copy for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Claiming the exemption if you are a California resident.
  • Forgetting to specify the garaged county.
  • Using the form for a vehicle operated for hire or business.
  • Submitting without military ID verification (in-person applications).
  • Using the wrong form (NATO members must use REG 5046).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use REG 5045 for multiple vehicles?
Yes — submit a separate form for each vehicle.

Does the exemption apply to out-of-state plates?
Nonresident military may operate with valid home-state plates temporarily, but California registration with the exemption is required for long-term use.

What if my spouse is the California resident?
The spouse exemption does not apply if the spouse is a California resident.

Is smog certification still required?
Yes — there is no exemption from California smog requirements.

How do I get a refund if I already paid the VLF?
Submit REG 5045 + ADM 399 Application for Refund.

Where can I find the latest form?
Always download from the official DMV site: REG 5045 PDF.

Bottom line: If you’re a qualifying nonresident military member or spouse stationed in California, the REG 5045 Form is your key to significant savings on vehicle registration fees. Download the official PDF today, complete it accurately, and submit it with your next DMV transaction.

For the most current instructions, always refer directly to the California DMV website, as rules are subject to change. Questions? Contact your local DMV or base legal office.

Last updated: April 2026 – Information verified from official California DMV sources.

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