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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1Art. 4§ 4453 Registration Card Requirements

§ 4453 Registration Card Requirements

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4453 Registration Card Requirements

The registration card must include the date issued, owner details, registration number, and vehicle description as per the application. Specific vehicles, such as those rebuilt from salvage or previously used in law enforcement, must be identified on the card.

The director may modify the card's form and content for efficiency .

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4453 Registration Card Requirements

(a) The registration card shall contain upon its face, the date issued, the name and residence or business address or mailing address of the owner and of the legal owner, if any, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle as complete as that required in the application for registration of the vehicle. (b) The following motor vehicles shall be identified as such on the face of the registration card whenever the department is able to ascertain that fact at the time application is made for initial registration or transfer of ownership of the vehicle: (1) A motor vehicle rebuilt and restored to operation that was previously declared to be a total loss salvage vehicle because the cost of repairs exceeds the retail value of the vehicle. (2) A motor vehicle rebuilt and restored to operation that was previously reported to be dismantled pursuant to Section 11520. (3) A motor vehicle previously registered to a law enforcement agency and operated in law enforcement work. (4) A motor vehicle formerly operated as a taxicab. (5) A motor vehicle manufactured outside of the United States and not intended by the manufacturer for sale in the United States. (6) A park trailer, as described in Section 18009.3 of the Health and Safety Code, that when moved upon the highway is required to be moved under a permit pursuant to Section 35780. (7) A motor vehicle that has been reacquired under circumstances described in subdivision (c) of Section 1793.23 of the Civil Code, a vehicle with out-of-state titling documents reflecting a warranty return, or a vehicle that has been identified by an agency of another state as requiring a warranty return title notation, pursuant to the laws of that state. The notation made on the face of the registration and pursuant to this subdivision shall state “Lemon Law Buyback.” (c) The director may modify the form, arrangement, and information appearing on the face of the registration card and may provide for standardization and abbreviation of fictitious or firm names on the registration card whenever the director finds that the efficiency of the department will be promoted by so doing. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 451, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

registration cardtotal loss salvage vehicleLemon Law Buybackdirector

Related Statutes

  • § 4450 Vehicle Ownership Registration
  • § 4451 Certificate Of Ownership Contents
  • § 4453.2 Farm Labor Vehicle Labeling
  • § 4453.6 Lessee Information For Investigations
  • § 4454 Vehicle Registration Card Requirement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 4453.
View Official Source