Special Equipment

In California, Special Equipment Registration is a registration program offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for vehicles that are not designed or used primarily for transportation on the highways.

SER is available for certain types of commercial vehicles, such as construction equipment, cranes, forklifts, or other vehicles that are used off-road or on job sites, but may occasionally be driven on public roads. SER is intended for vehicles that are not designed or used primarily for transportation on the highways, and are not used to transport property or passengers for hire.

This allows these types of vehicles to be registered with the DMV for a lower fee than a regular commercial vehicle registration, and the vehicles receive a special license plate that indicates that it is registered under the SER program.

To qualify for SER, the vehicle must be primarily used for construction, maintenance, or repair work on job sites, not for transportation on the highways. The vehicle must also meet certain size and weight restrictions, and the owner must provide proof of ownership and a certificate of non-operation if the vehicle is not currently being used.

If you have a commercial vehicle that is not primarily used for transportation on the highways, but is used for construction, maintenance, or repair work on job sites, Special Equipment Registration may be a cost-effective registration option for your business. Contact the DMV or a registration service for more information on how to apply for SER.

Examples of Special Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Equipment

What is the registration period for special equipment?

5 years.

What is the initial cost?

$28

What is the annual cost?

$28

Do I get a title?

In general, Special equipment does NOT get a title and you must request it manually and is considered a separate transaction and request.

What is the difference between the PTI program and special equipment?

There are some units that are interchangeable between the two programs, but the biggest difference is that SE is mostly for equipment, and PTI are mostly for trailers. The PTI program is cheaper because it is only $10 per every 5 year, as opposed to $28.

What do I need to register a unit as SE?

There are 3 things that are needed: photos of the unit, the $28 fee, and the application itself.

Additional Questions Regarding Special Equipment

Contact our team @ 951-409-9091 or email us at [email protected] or complete the form below.

Links to Other Commercial DMV