Cal. VEH § 38121

(a) Prior to the expiration of the identification of an off-highway motor vehicle, if that identification is not to be renewed prior to its expiration, the owner of the vehicle shall file, under penalty of perjury, a certification that the vehicle will not be operated, used, or transported on public property or private property in a manner so as to subject the vehicle to identification during the subsequent identification period without first making an application for identification of the vehicle, including full payment of all fees. The certification of nonoperation is valid until the identification is renewed under subdivision (c).

(b) Each certification of nonoperation filed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be accompanied by a filing fee of fifteen dollars ($15).

(c) An application for renewal of identification, whether or not accompanied by an application for transfer of title to, or any interest in, the vehicle, shall be submitted to the department with payment of the required fees for the current identification period and without penalty for delinquent payment of fees imposed under this code if the department receives the application on or before the date the vehicle is first operated, used, or transported on public property or private property in a manner so as to subject the vehicle to identification and certification of nonoperation required pursuant to subdivision (a).

(d) A certification of nonoperation is not required to be filed pursuant to subdivision (a) for a vehicle on which the identification expires while being held as inventory by a dealer or lessor-retailer.