What an Affidavit of Non-Use Does

An Affidavit of Non-Use is a form you file with the California DMV to remove a vehicle registration when you are not using the vehicle and do not plan to use it for an extended period. It stops your registration from renewing automatically and halts registration fees. You file it instead of renewing, and it remains in effect until you decide to register the vehicle again or let it expire.

The affidavit does not cancel your registration outright — it suspends it. Your vehicle remains registered to you, but the DMV will not send you a renewal notice, and you will not owe registration fees while the affidavit is active. If you later want to drive the vehicle, you can reactivate the registration by filing a new registration form and paying the current year's fees.

This form is useful if you own a vehicle you are storing, repairing, or straightforward not driving for months or years. It prevents you from paying registration fees on a vehicle that is off the road.

Key Takeaways

  • You file an Affidavit of Non-Use (Form REG 256) instead of renewing your registration when your vehicle will not be driven for an extended time.
  • The affidavit stops automatic renewal notices and registration fees, but your vehicle remains registered to you.
  • You can file the form by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized vehicle registration service.
  • If you want to drive the vehicle again, you reactivate the registration by submitting a new registration form and paying current fees.
  • The affidavit stays in effect until you cancel it, reactivate the registration, or the original registration expires.

When to File an Affidavit of Non-Use

File this form when you own a vehicle that will not be driven for a long time and you want to avoid paying registration fees. Common situations include storing a classic car, keeping a backup vehicle you rarely use, or holding a vehicle while it is being repaired or restored.

You can file the affidavit at any time during your registration period — you do not have to wait until your renewal date. If you file it before your current registration expires, you will not receive a renewal notice, and no fees will be due. If your registration has already expired and you have not renewed it, you do not need to file this form; your registration is already inactive.

Do not file an Affidavit of Non-Use if you plan to drive the vehicle within the next few months. The form is meant for vehicles that will remain off the road for an extended period. If you need to drive the vehicle sooner than expected, you will have to reactivate the registration before you can legally operate it.

How to File the Form

The form you need is Form REG 256, titled "Affidavit of Non-Use of Vehicle." You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and your signature.

You have three ways to submit the form. You can mail it to the DMV address listed on the form along with your vehicle registration card. You can also bring it in person to any California DMV office and submit it at the counter. Some authorized vehicle registration services (often called "DMV services" or "registration services") also accept this form and will submit it on your behalf, though they may charge a small fee.

There is no fee to file the Affidavit of Non-Use itself. You are straightforward notifying the DMV that you will not be renewing your registration. Once the DMV receives and processes your form, you will stop receiving renewal notices, and no registration fees will be charged while the affidavit is in effect.

What Happens After You File

After the DMV processes your affidavit, your registration enters a suspended state. You will no longer receive renewal notices in the mail, and you will not owe registration fees for that vehicle. Your vehicle remains registered to you in the DMV system, but it is flagged as non-use.

If you receive a renewal notice after filing the affidavit, it means the DMV has not yet processed your form. You can disregard the notice, or you can contact the DMV to confirm that your affidavit was received. Processing typically takes a few weeks by mail.

The affidavit stays in effect indefinitely until you take action. You can cancel it at any time by filing another form or by reactivating your registration when you want to drive the vehicle again.

How to Reactivate Your Registration

When you are ready to drive the vehicle again, you must reactivate the registration before operating it on public roads. To do this, submit a new vehicle registration renewal form (Form REG 14) to the DMV along with payment for the current registration year. You can mail it, submit it in person at a DMV office, or use an authorized registration service.

The registration fees you pay will be based on the current year and your vehicle's value and type. You will not owe back fees for the years the affidavit was in effect — you only pay for the year you are reactivating. Once the DMV processes your renewal, you will receive a new registration card and can legally drive the vehicle.

If your vehicle's registration has expired while the affidavit was active, you may also need to pass a vehicle inspection or smog test before reactivating, depending on your vehicle's age and type. The DMV will notify you of any additional requirements when you submit your renewal.

Affidavit of Non-Use vs. Registration Cancellation

An Affidavit of Non-Use is different from canceling your registration. When you file a non-use affidavit, the registration is suspended but remains in your name. When you cancel a registration, you are permanently ending it, and the vehicle is no longer registered to you.

Use the non-use affidavit if you think you will drive the vehicle again in the future. Use cancellation if you are selling the vehicle, scrapping it, or permanently removing it from your name. If you cancel your registration and later want to register the vehicle again, you will have to start the registration process from the beginning, which takes longer and costs more.

If you are unsure which option is right for your situation, contact the California DMV directly. They can explain the difference and help you decide based on your plans for the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an Affidavit of Non-Use if my registration has already expired?

No. If your registration has already expired and you have not renewed it, your vehicle is already inactive in the DMV system. You do not need to file an affidavit. If you want to drive the vehicle, you will need to renew your registration and may owe late fees depending on how long it has been expired.

Do I need to remove my license plates when I file the affidavit?

No. You can keep your plates on the vehicle or remove them — the affidavit does not require you to do either. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads while the affidavit is in effect. If you keep the plates, do not use them on another vehicle.

What if I file the affidavit but then need to drive the vehicle before I expected?

You will need to reactivate your registration before you can legally operate the vehicle. Submit a renewal form and payment to the DMV. Processing usually takes a few weeks by mail, so if you need to drive the vehicle sooner, submit your renewal in person at a DMV office for faster processing.

Will filing an Affidavit of Non-Use affect my driver's license or insurance?

Filing an affidavit does not affect your driver's license. However, you should notify your insurance company that the vehicle is not being driven. Many insurers offer lower rates for vehicles that are stored and not in use, or you may be able to suspend your policy temporarily.

Can someone else file the affidavit on my behalf?

Yes. If you authorize someone else to handle it, they can submit the form to the DMV by mail or in person with your signed form. You can also use an authorized vehicle registration service to file it for you, though they will charge a service fee.