What an Affidavit of Non-Use does and when you need it

An Affidavit of Non-Use is a form you file with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to tell them you are not driving a registered vehicle and do not plan to drive it. The DMV uses this to suspend your vehicle registration without cancelling it entirely — meaning you can reactivate it later without re-registering from scratch. You file this when you want to stop paying registration fees for a vehicle that is parked, stored, or otherwise off the road for an extended period.

The form itself is REG 256, the official Affidavit of Non-Use. Filing it stops your registration renewal notices and halts registration fees, but it does not remove your vehicle from DMV records. If you later want to drive the vehicle again, you can reactivate the registration by filing a new form (REG 257, the Affidavit of Use) instead of starting over with a full registration.

You cannot drive the vehicle while the non-use affidavit is in effect. If you do, you are driving an unregistered vehicle, which carries fines and potential impound. The suspension lasts until you file the Affidavit of Use or until two years have passed, whichever comes first — after two years, the registration cancels automatically and you will need to register the vehicle again from the beginning.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 256 (Affidavit of Non-Use) suspends your registration and stops renewal fees while keeping your vehicle in the DMV system for later reactivation.
  • You must not drive the vehicle while the affidavit is in effect, or you face fines and possible impound for driving unregistered.
  • The suspension lasts up to two years; after that, the registration cancels and you must register the vehicle again from scratch.
  • You can reactivate a suspended registration by filing form REG 257 (Affidavit of Use) instead of paying for a full new registration.
  • You can file the affidavit by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through certain authorized third parties, but not online.

How to get and complete form REG 256

You can obtain the Affidavit of Non-Use form in three ways. The easiest is to read it directly from the California DMV website (search "REG 256" on dmv.ca.gov). You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office, or request one by mail from the DMV.

The form asks for your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, current registration expiration date, and the reason you are not using the vehicle. Common reasons include storage, repair, or personal circumstances. You do not need to provide extensive detail — a few words is sufficient. You will sign the form in front of a notary public; the DMV requires a notarized signature, not just your own.

Before you sign, make sure the vehicle is not currently registered to a lienholder (a bank or finance company that holds the title). If the vehicle is financed, you may need the lienholder's permission to file non-use. Contact your lender first to confirm their policy.

Where and how to file the form

You have three filing options. The first is by mail: send the completed, notarized form to the DMV address listed on the form itself (this varies by region). Include your current registration card if you have it. Mail delivery typically takes two to three weeks for processing.

The second option is in person at a DMV office. Bring the notarized form, your registration card, and your driver's license. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary. Processing is usually when ready or within a few days.

The third option is through an authorized third party — some DMV-authorized vehicle registration services and certain insurance agents can file the form on your behalf. They will charge a service fee (typically $10 to $30 beyond the DMV's cost) but handle the notarization and filing for you. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service.

The DMV does not accept online filing for this form, so mail or in-person submission is required.

What happens after you file

Once the DMV receives and processes your affidavit, your registration enters a suspended state. You will stop receiving renewal notices, and you will not owe registration fees for the vehicle while it is suspended. The DMV will send you a confirmation letter within two to four weeks, depending on whether you filed by mail or in person.

Keep this confirmation letter. You will need it if you later want to reactivate the registration. Do not drive the vehicle during the suspension period — California law treats a suspended registration the same as an expired one for enforcement purposes.

If you move to a new address during the suspension, you should update your address with the DMV so the confirmation letter and any future notices reach you. You can do this online through the DMV website or by mail.

Reactivating your registration with form REG 257

When you are ready to drive the vehicle again, file form REG 257 (Affidavit of Use) with the DMV. Like REG 256, this form requires a notarized signature. You will provide your VIN, license plate, and the date you intend to resume driving.

Filing REG 257 reactivates your registration without requiring a full re-registration. You will owe registration fees for the current year, calculated from the date you file. The DMV will send you a new registration card within two to three weeks.

If more than two years have passed since you filed the non-use affidavit, the registration will have cancelled automatically. In that case, you cannot use REG 257 — you will need to register the vehicle as if it were new, which means paying full registration fees and providing proof of smog certification (if required for your vehicle's age and type).

Costs and what you save

Filing the Affidavit of Non-Use itself costs nothing — the DMV does not charge a filing fee. However, you will need to pay a notary public to notarize your signature, which typically costs $5 to $15 depending on the notary's location and whether they are affiliated with a bank or other institution.

The savings come from avoiding registration renewal fees. California registration fees vary by vehicle type and weight, but most passenger vehicles cost between $200 and $400 per year. If you suspend a vehicle for two years, you save that amount annually — a significant savings if the vehicle is not being driven.

If you use a third-party service to file the form, add their service fee (usually $10 to $30) to the notary cost. Even with this added expense, you still come out ahead compared to paying two years of registration renewal.

What you cannot do while the affidavit is in effect

The most important restriction is that you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the vehicle will show as unregistered in the system, and you face a citation. Fines for driving an unregistered vehicle in California start at $250 and can go higher if you have prior violations.

You also cannot renew your vehicle's registration while the non-use affidavit is active. If you need to drive the vehicle before two years have passed, you must file the Affidavit of Use first, wait for the DMV to process it, and then you can legally drive.

If the vehicle is involved in an accident while the affidavit is in effect, your insurance may deny a claim because the vehicle was not registered. Check your insurance policy before filing non-use, and notify your insurer that you are suspending the registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an Affidavit of Non-Use if my vehicle has a loan on it?

You may be able to, but you need permission from the lender first. The lienholder has a financial interest in the vehicle and may require it to remain registered. Contact your lender to ask their policy on non-use affidavits. Some will allow it; others will not.

What if I file non-use and then need to drive the vehicle before two years are up?

File form REG 257 (Affidavit of Use) with the DMV. Once it is processed, your registration is reactivated and you can legally drive. You will owe registration fees for the current year. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need the vehicle soon.

Does filing non-use affect my driver's license or insurance?

It does not affect your driver's license. It may affect your insurance if you do not notify your insurer — some policies require you to report when a vehicle is not in use. Contact your insurance company before filing to confirm their requirements and whether your rates change.

What happens if I move and do not update my address before filing non-use?

The DMV will mail the confirmation letter to your old address, and you may not receive it. Update your address with the DMV before filing, or do so when ready after. You can update online through the DMV website or by mail. Keep any confirmation you receive, as you will need it to reactivate the registration later.

Can I file an Affidavit of Non-Use online?

No, the DMV does not offer online filing for form REG 256. You must file by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third-party service. Mail filing takes longer but requires no trip to the DMV.