Cal. Veh. Code § 5501
The provisions of Sections 4457, 4458, and 4459 shall not apply when a vehicle is reported for dismantling. However, any person desiring to dismantle a vehicle shall, in accordance with Section 5500 or 11520, surrender to the department the certificate of ownership, registration card, and license plate or plates last issued for the vehicle. In the event the person so reporting is unable to furnish the certificate of ownership, registration card, and license plate or plates last issued to the vehicle, or any of them, the department may receive the report and application, examine into the circumstances of the case, and may require the filing of suitable affidavits, or other information or documents. No duplicate certificate of ownership, registration card, license plate or plates will be issued when a vehicle is reported for dismantling. No fees shall be required for acceptance of any affidavit provided pursuant to this section or on account of any stolen, lost or damaged certificate, card, plate or plates or duplicates thereof, unless the vehicle is subsequently registered in accordance with Section 11519.
Ca. Veh. Code § 5501