reassignment of title by virginia motor vehicle dealer

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I bought a car in Virginia, but the car dealer did not give me title. May I sue the dealer?

By Andrew J. Salinas

Under Virginia law, a Board[1] licensed car dealer may provide you with temporary license plates and a certificate of temporary registration after you fully or partially purchase a vehicle.[2] The vehicle registration certificate needs “its date of issuance, the name and address of the purchaser, the identification number of the vehicle, the registration number to be used temporarily on the vehicle, the name of the state in which the vehicle is to be registered, the name and address of the person from whom the dealer acquired the vehicle, and whatever other information may be required by the [DMV]” to be legally valid.[3]

Regardless of whether the dealer does or, through no fault of their own, does not have the original title for the vehicle at the time you buy, it is your responsibility to make sure the temporary registration certificate is recorded by the DMV.[4] Once that happens, you receive a copy of the temporary registration certificate, which allows you to get the vehicle insured and lawfully drive it around on the road while you wait for transfer of title.[5]

When am I entitled to receive title?

Those temporary certificates of registration are only valid until either 30 days after they are issued or until the dealer delivers title to you.[6]

It has been 30 days and I still haven’t received title. What now?

If the dealer fails to deliver the certificate of title or certificate of origin to you or the DMV within the first 30 days, a couple of things can happen.

First, you can get a full refund for what you paid for the vehicle and return it to the dealer.[7]

Second, if you decide to notify the dealer you still want to keep the car, the dealer is required to deliver an application for title, a “copy of the bill of sale, all required fees and a written statement of facts describing the dealer’s efforts to secure the certificate of title or certificate of origin to the vehicle” to the DMV within the first 30 days period.[8] When the DMV receives those documents, the DMV may in its discretion issue a secondary temporary certificate of registration that would be valid for another 30 days.[9]

If after this 60-day period the dealer is still unable to produce your vehicle’s title, the DMV may extend temporary registration for an additional 90-day period.[10]

Okay it has been 150 days and I still don’t have my title, what are my rights?

After the secondary temporary certificate of registration period and the additional period expires, you have a couple of options according to Virginia law:

A.     Return the car and get a refund

Your first and most obvious option is to get a full refund. Virginia law dictates that you have a right to a full refund of all the payments you made towards the vehicle as long as you give the dealer notice that you’re returning the car  before  a title is issued.[11] But, one court has ruled that this also means that you are not entitled to a refund while any of the temporary registration periods are running.[12] Also keep in mind that any damage incurred to the vehicle while you had the keys and any accrued mileage after you return it will come out of your refund.[13]

B.     File a complaint about the dealer with the DMV Commissioner

Another option you can take is to report the dealer to the DMV Commissioner.[14] If you really feel slighted by the dealer and think getting a refund isn’t enough, you can bring a complaint to the DMV Commissioner who after conducting a hearing can outright suspend the dealer’s ability to issue temporary certificates of registration.[15] Doing so won’t net you any monetary benefit, but it can send a message to the car dealer to never sell a vehicle without possessing title again. If you do choose to go this route, remember to have any paperwork, emails, or text messages relating to the sale and the dealer’s failure to provide you with title ready for the hearing.

Keep in mind that these two options only apply to licensed car dealers who are  unable  to deliver title because it was lost or in another’s possession.[16] If you fail to pick up the title of certificate from the dealer after the first 30 days, one court has ruled that you’re out of luck on getting a refund on the car or collecting damages from the dealer if your car is impounded.[17] Likewise, Virginia law considers title transferred if you drive the car off the lot and the dealer has already filled out the paperwork, even if it has not delivered the paperwork to the DMV yet.[18] As of this writing, it is an open question whether you can sue a licensed dealer specifically for failing to provide title after providing a buyer with a temporary certificate of registration under Virginia Code § 46.2-1542. A federal court in Virginia ruled in 2001 that a private right of action may exist from this part of the state code.[19]

What if the dealer never had the title to the car in the first place? What can I do then?

A.     Virginia Consumer Protection Act

The Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA) establishes a private right of action for a customer aggrieved by a fraudulent or deceptive consumer transaction within the Commonwealth of Virginia.[20] A “consumer transaction” includes the sale or offering for sale of “goods or services to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.”[21] This section applies to car sales.[22] The VCPA also prohibits misrepresenting goods for having certain characteristics and using any form of deception in connection with a consumer transaction.[23]

If you sue a car dealer under the VCPA and win, you would be entitled to recover actual damages as a result of your lack of title (e.g. impound and other registration costs).[24] If a court finds that the dealer willfully deceived you into thinking they had title, it may award you up to three times the actual damages you incurred.[25] You could also be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees – see our prior blog post about this here.[26]

B.     Common Law Breach of Contract and Fraud Claims

Under the Virginia common law, a plaintiff asserting a claim for breach of contract must prove the following elements:

1.     There exists a legally enforceable obligation of a defendant to a plaintiff; 2.     The defendant’s violation or breach of that obligation; and 3.     Injury or damage to the plaintiff caused by the breach of obligation.[27]

Virginia common law also provides a private right of action for fraud when a plaintiff can prove by clear and convincing evidence that:

1.     The seller intentionally and knowingly; 2.     Made a false representation; 3.     Of a material fact; 4.     That was relied upon by the plaintiff buyer; and that 5.     Resulted in damaged to the party misled.[28]

Under these common law claims you could be entitled to receive any costs associated with the non-transfer of title and potentially punitive damages that punish the dealer for their deceptive conduct. Keep in mind that if you are awarded damages under the VCPA, you are barred from recovery based on state common law.[29]

C.     Civil Penalties

Virginia law also states that it is a Class 3 misdemeanor to sell, trade, exchange, or barter a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer without first having secured title for it or without legally having in their possession a certificate of title for the vehicle.[30] This means the dealer could potentially receive a fine of up to $500.00[31] if you chose to report them to the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.[32]

Remember that VCPA and state common law claims have a two-year statute of limitations that accrue either when you discover the fraud or reasonably should have discovered the fraud.[33] If you have experienced a title issue from a licensed or unlicensed car dealer,  contact Steven Krieger, PLLC for a consultation .

[1] Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (§ 46.2-1503; 46.2-1542(A)). [2] § 46.2-1542(A). [3] Id. [4] § 46.2-1542(A)-(B); Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-630. [5] § 46.2-1542(A). [6] § 46.2-1542(B). [7] Id. [8] 46.2-1542(C) [9] Id. [10] § 46.2-1542(D). [11] § 46.2-1542(B). [12]  Rolander v. Luxury Auto Sales of Dumfries , 77 Va. Cir. 114, 2008 Va. Cir. LEXIS 129 (Prince William 9/17/2008). [13] § 46.2-1542(B). [14] § 46.2-1542(E). See also Lewis v. Commonwealth, 28 Va. App. 164, 170 (1998)(Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1542 provides that the issuance of a temporary certificate of ownership pursuant to § 46.2-1542 shall have the effect of vesting ownership to the vehicle in the purchaser for the period that the certificate remains effective.) [15] § 46.2-1542(E) [16]  Nigh v. Koons Buick Pontiac GMC, Inc. , 143 F. Supp. 2d 535, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5374 at *9 (E.D. Va. 2001), aff’d, 319 F.3d 119 (4th Cir. 2003)(ruling that § 46.2-1542’s provisions did not apply to car dealership who had possession of vehicle’s title when it sold the vehicle to plaintiff). [17]  Rolander , 77 Va. Cir. at 115-15, 118. [18]  Wicker v. Nat’l Sur. Corp ., 330 F.2d 1009, 1012-13 (4th Cir. 1964). [19]  Nigh , 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5374 at *2-*3 (E.D. Va. 2001), aff’d, 319 F.3d 119 (4th Cir. 2003) (holding that § 46.2-1542 only applies to licensed vehicle dealers and that, despite much of Title 46.2 only creating administrative remedies, a private right of action may spring from this statute). [20] Va. Code. § 59.1-200. [21] Va. Code. § 59.1-198. [22]  Alexander v. Southeastern Wholesale Corp ., 978 F.Supp.2d 615, 621-22 (E.D. Va. 2013). [23] Va. Code § 59.1-200(A)(5), (14). [24] Va. Code § 59.1-204(A). [25] Id. [26] Va. Code § 59.1-204(B). [27]  Sunrise Continuing Care, LLC v. Wright , 277 Va. 148, 671 S.E.2d 132, 135 (Va. 2009) (quoting  Filak v. George , 267 Va. 612, 594 S.E.2d 610, 614 (Va. 2004)). [28]  State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Remley , 270 Va. 209, 218, 618 S.E.2d 316 (2005)(quoting  Prospect Development Co. v. Bershader , 258 Va. 75, 85, 515 S.E.2d 291 (1999)). [29] Va. Code § 59.1-204(A). [30] Va. Code § 46.2-617. [31] Va. Code § 18.2-11. [32]To file a complaint, visit the Attorney General Office’s website at:  https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/file-a-complaint . [33] Va. Code §§ 59.1-204.1; 8.01-248.

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Thanks for pointing out that it is our responsibility to make sure the temporary registration certificate is recorded by the DMV. This is helpful because my husband and I are planning to buy the car of our neighbor. We are hoping to find a reliable company on Monday that can help us get title registration the fastest way.

You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.

Can anybody give me advice on how I might get Koons Woodbridge Ford to register and send me the Maryland tags for my new car? Thank you.

Did you happen to get this issue sorted out? I’m having the same issue now and I’m not having any luck.

I purchased a new car from Koons Woodbridge Ford, Woodbridge, VA, on August 14, 2021. I paid cash. We live in Maryland. I was told that I should receive title within 60 days and was issued temporary VA tags and registration that I was obliged to renew on September 13. I received title to the car from the Maryland MVA around the end of September. I called the dealership several days after I received the title to confirm they had the tags. However, I was told they are having problems registering the car in Maryland through the CVR (Computer Vehicle Registration) system. Numerous calls to the dealership have produced no results and I am still without the permanent Maryland tags. I am unable to speak with the employees at the dealership responsible for insuring that customers receive their permanent tags rapidly nor have I received any indication when I will receive them. Also, the dealership has not so far renewed my temporary tags.

Hey, Thanks for sharing such a relevant and helpful blog. The way you described is quite amazing. Keep sharing such helpful articles.

I have the exact same problem and everyone says get a lawyer. Well i can't afford one. Not sure what to do. The dealer lost it then blamed me i have it all in Facebook messages. Almost 4 months no title

We had purchased a car in Virginia back in 2011 and paid it off fully 5 years later. i have sent letter after letter to the VA DMV to release the title so that i can register the car in nearby NC. NC has already issued citations as the car is not registered in that state past the grace period. The VA DMV now says they have never received the title (a lie, supported by dealership documentation notarized and scanned 5 years prior) and has more than once now cashed checks in an application for duplicate title while still claiming they've never received application for duplicate title. Again, I pay them to provide a lost title, they take the money, and then claim the title is lost, and demand additional payment. This is theft of services. All in all, the VA DMV maleficence in refusing to deliver a title for a car now 10 years old has cost us close to $5,000 in damages and lost time with no clear solution on how to obtain the title for a vehicle i had owned for 10 years.

In April of 2021, my daughter traded in a 2013 Hyundai that was still being financed that is registered in my husbands name for a newer car. Dealership was told that payments are still being made and that car is registered in her dads name. She was told no problem, that her dad didn’t need to sign anything right then and there, that they would email him and sign that way and that what ever the amount left over would be tacked onto her new car. Everything went fine. Couple days go by and still no email for my husband to sign off on the old car. I have her call back and she’s told don’t worry about it, they didn’t need it. In May they call her and tell her they need the title. She tells them she doesn’t have the title as payments were being made and that she told them this earlier. Well apparently, there was a miscommunication somewhere at the dealership and they didn’t add in the off balance to the old car onto her new one and told her she had to pay them $9500.00. I told her to let me call them. I called and told them that we were not going to pay them anything and that the only option I would consider is if they redo the loan paperwork and add back in the $2500.00 for the trade in and give us our old car back or I would get an attorney. They agreed to giving us our car back. I picked up the car, put the plates back on it as I hadn’t deactivated the plates yet and came home with it. This is where my problem comes in. Once home, my husband goes thru the car and finds sale paperwork and a temp. registration for the car to another person. I immediately get onto DMVNOW to check the registration that lists the cars registered in his name and the car is not listed. I call the dealership back to find out what’s going on and am told don’t worry the car is still registered to my husband and when told I have paperwork showing that they sold the car with temp. registration in someone else’s name they tell me that the car wasn’t sold and that we are good. It has now been 3-4 weeks and the car is still not showing up when I log onto DMVNOW and I can’t get into DMV until mid July. Both my husband and I have both called and left messages to the dealership to call us with no one returning our calls. Not sure what to do at this point as we can’t drive the vechicle without worrying about going to jail if pulled over.

Hello, I purchased a car from Virginia dealership as an Out of State Purchase. Its been over 90 days and no Title in mail. My Bank loan went into defaulter list due to missing title per Bank’s policy. Meanwhile, Bank needs some documents stating dealership has made title appeal to DMV but dealership isn't cooperating on getting those documents.Per my contract i am eligible to turn back my car in with full refund minus any damages or mile depreciation set by IRS rules. The dealership saying for out of state Tag title transfers they have backup for couple of months. What are my best chances to get compensated for all the troubles including loan default and getting refunds on car? Thanks in Advance

It was helpful when you explained that car dealers can provide temporary license plates and registration upon purchase of a vehicle. According to my knowledge, there are even some ways for dealers to optimize placement of the license plates such as using tag bags to easily attach them. It's a good idea to check the laws in your state to make sure requirements for temporary license plate placement are being met.

Purchased vehicle from Landmark Honda on Feb. 24, 2021. Less than two weeks later (today), they have already cited some "issue" regarding registering my car in Maryland where I live (Baltimore). They claim needing a copy of my old registration card for the car I traded in- an old 2000 Honda Civic. ; I made an appointment with Maryland Motor Vehicle Department and was told by an agent and supervisor that the dealer was mistaken: once I turn the plates in I have no further association with the old car; the dealer has the car and its title in its possesion, and this has no bearing on registering the newly purchased car. My question – What is this dealer attempting to do? Why the lack of an explanation? Thank you for your consideration of my comment David Johnson (443) 690 -6166

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Steven Krieger  and guests (lawyers and non-lawyers) will periodically post about topics relevant to his firm and practice areas. Your  comments and feedback  are always welcome. 

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Form vtr-41-a. dealer's reassignment of title for motor vehicle.

The VTR-41-A form, also known as the Dealer's Reassignment of Title for Motor Vehicle, is a crucial document regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This form serves the purpose of facilitating the transfer of ownership for motor vehicles between dealerships or licensed entities in Texas.

The form comprises several sections that need to be completed accurately. It includes fields for the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, body style, and license plate number of the vehicle being reassigned. Additionally, the form requires the name and address of both the original buyer and the new buyer, along with their signatures.

When filling out the VTR-41-A form, it is vital to ensure that all information provided is correct and matches the corresponding vehicle and parties involved. Accuracy is crucial to avoid any potential legal issues or complications during the transfer process.

To complete the form, specific data will be required, such as the VIN, vehicle details, buyer's and seller's information, and authorized signatures. In addition to the completed form, dealers must attach the original title certificate and any supporting documentation, such as lien releases or power of attorney forms, if applicable.

This form is commonly utilized by licensed dealerships or entities engaged in selling motor vehicles. Its purpose is to properly reassign the title from the dealer to the subsequent buyer, ensuring a seamless transfer of ownership.

An example scenario where the VTR-41-A form would be used is when a licensed dealership sells a vehicle to an individual, but the buyer decides to resell the vehicle before titling it in their name. In this case, the dealer would complete the form, providing the necessary buyer and vehicle information, and sign off on the reassignment section, effectively transferring the title to the new buyer.

It is important to note that there are related forms, such as the VTR-34 (Application for Certified Copy of Title) and VTR-265-M (Mechanic's Lien Foreclosure). These forms serve different purposes within the motor vehicle transfer and sales process in Texas.

Once completed, the VTR-41-A form can be submitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles through various methods, including mail or in-person at a local county tax office. The department maintains electronic records of submitted forms, ensuring secure storage and accessibility for future reference .

In summary, the VTR-41-A form is an essential document used by licensed dealerships or entities in Texas to reassign the title of a motor vehicle during a resale transaction. By providing accurate information and adhering to the necessary requirements, this form facilitates a smooth transfer of ownership while complying with state regulations.

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How to Sign an Assignment of Title by a Registered Owner

When you're ready to sell a car, sign the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner to get the buyer on his way to transferring the title into his name. Most states require the Assignment of Title -- which can be found on the back of your personal title -- as proof that the sale is legitimate. Signing the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner should take mere minutes. Once it's gone, your vehicle is as good as registered to someone else.

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Flip over your car title to find the Assignment of Title by Owner.

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Print your name, the date you're selling the vehicle and the price of the sale.

Fill in the odometer reading, if necessary. In Tennessee, for example, an odometer reading is only required on vehicles newer than 10 years.

Sign your name as the seller, where indicated.

Give the form to the buyer. She should fill out her name and address and then sign as the buyer.

Bring the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner to the office that issues new motor vehicle titles. In Virginia, for example, it's the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Title Transfers and Changes

To prove vehicle ownership, it’s important to have a valid, up-to-date, and accurate California Certificate of Title. Here’s how you can transfer and change a title. 

Transfer your Title online!

You can now transfer a title online. Learn more about the steps and get started.

How to Transfer a Title

Anytime there’s a change to a vehicle or vessel’s registered owner or lienholder, that change must be updated in DMV’s records within 10 days and the California Certificate of Title must be transferred to the new owner.

A change in ownership is usually due to:

• Sale, gift, or donation
• Adding or deleting the name of an owner
• Inheritance
• Satisfaction of lien (full payment of car loan)

To transfer a title, you will need:

• Either the California Certificate of Title or an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (if the title is missing). 
• The signature(s) of seller(s) and lienholder (if any).
• The signature(s) of buyer(s).
• A transfer fee .

Depending on the type of transfer, you might need to complete and submit additional forms. See below for other title transfers and title transfer forms.

Submit your title transfer paperwork and fee (if any) to a DMV office or by mail to: 

DMV PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269

Rush Title Processing

If you need us to expedite your title processing, you can request rush title processing for an additional fee.

Transfer Fees

Depending on the type of transfer, you may need to pay the following fees:

• Replacement title
• Use tax, based on the buyer’s county of residence
• Registration

See the full list of fees .

Renewal fees and parking/toll violation fees don’t need to be paid to issue a replacement California Certificate of Title.

Title Transfer Forms

These forms may be required when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel:  Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form (call the DMV’s automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133 to have a form mailed to you) Statement of Facts (REG 256) Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166) Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Smog certification Vehicle Emission System Statement (Smog) (REG 139) Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) Bill of Sale (REG 135) Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)

Other Title Transfers

When you’re buying a new car or a used car from a dealership, the dealer will handle the paperwork and you’ll receive your title from DMV in the mail.

When vehicle ownership is transferred between two private parties, it’s up to them to transfer the title. If you have the California Certificate of Title for the vehicle , the seller signs the title to release ownership of the vehicle. The buyer should then bring the signed title to a DMV office to apply for transfer of ownership. 

If you don’t have the California Certificate of Title , you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder’s release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.

Make sure you have all signatures on the proper lines to avoid delays.

Other Steps for the Seller When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• 10 years old or older.
• Commercial with a GVW or CGW of more than 16,000 pounds.
• New and being transferred prior to its first retail sale by a dealer.
• Complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

Once the seller gives the buyer all required documentation and DMV receives the completed NRL, the seller’s part of the transaction is complete.

*If the vehicle has been sold more than once with the same title, a REG 262 is required from each seller.

Other Steps for the Buyer When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• Current registered owner(s), how names are joined (“and/or”), and lienholder/legal owner (if any).
• License plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and registration expiration date.
• Title brands (if any).
• Words “Nontransferable/No California Title Issued,” indicating a California title was not issued and a REG 227 cannot be used (see FAQs).
• Get a smog inspection (if applicable).

Once the buyer has provided the DMV with all the proper documents and fees, the vehicle record is updated to reflect the change of ownership and a registration card is issued.

A new title is issued from DMV headquarters within 60 calendar days.

To transfer a vehicle between family members, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title properly signed or endorsed on line 1 by the registered owner(s) shown on the title. Complete the new owner information on the back of the title and sign it.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) for use tax and smog exemption (if applicable).
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 10 years old.
• Transfer fee .

You may transfer a vehicle from an individual to the estate of that individual without signatures on the Certificate of Title.

Submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title. On the back of the title, the new owner section must show “Estate of (name of individual)” and their address. Any legal owner/lienholder named on the front of the title must be re-entered on the back of the title.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) confirming the owner is deceased and Letters Testamentary have not been issued. The person completing the statement must indicate their relationship to the deceased.

Use tax and a smog certification are not required.

Vehicle ownership can be transferred to a deceased owner’s heir 40 days after the owner’s death, as long as the value of the deceased’s property in California does not exceed:

• $150,000 if the deceased died before 1/1/20.
• $166,250 if the deceased died on or after 1/1/20.

If the heir will be the new owner, submit the following to a DMV office:

• The California Certificate of Title. The heir must sign the deceased registered owner’s name and countersign on line 1. The heir should complete and sign the back of the title.
• Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) , completed and signed by the heir.
• An original or certified copy of the death certificate of all deceased owners.

If the heir prefers to sell the vehicle, the buyer also needs (in addition to the items above):

• Bill of Sale (REG 135) from the heir to the buyer.
• Transfer fee (two transfer fees are due in this case).

To transfer vessel ownership, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Ownership. The registered owner signs line 1. The legal owner/lienholder (if any) signs line 2. Complete the new owner information on the back of the certificate and sign it.
• Bill(s) of sale, if needed to establish a complete chain of ownership.
• A Vessel Registration Fee .
• Use tax based on the tax rate percentage for your county of residence.

After you sell a vessel, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within five days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

How to Update or Change a Title

Because a California Certificate of Title is a legal document, it is important to keep it accurate and up-to-date. Here’s how you can update or change a title. 

Order a Replacement California Certificate of Title

You must order a replacement California Certificate of Title when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, illegible, or not received. 

To order a replacement title, submit the following:

• Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) .
• The original title (if you have it).
• California photo driver license (if submitting form in person).
• Replacement title fee .
• If another replacement title was issued in the past 90 days, a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This requirement only applies if the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records*.

You can submit your application either in-person* at a DMV office or by mail:

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, California 94269-0001

If you’re submitting your form to a DMV office, we recommend you make an appointment so you can avoid any lines. 

You’ll receive your title by mail 15-30 calendar days from the date you submit the replacement title application.

*If you’re applying for a replacement title and the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records (except for obvious typographical errors), you must submit your application in person with proof of ownership (e.g. registration card) and an acceptable photo ID (e.g. driver’s license/ID card).

Online Replacement Title Request

Visit our Virtual Office to request a replacement title online.

Change or Correct a Name on a Title

Your true full name must appear on your vehicle or vessel California Certificate of Title and registration card. If your name is misspelled, changes (e.g as a result of marriage or divorce), or is legally changed, you need to correct your name on your title.

To change or correct your name, submit:

• California Certificate of Title with your correct name printed or typed in the “New Registered Owner” section
• A completed Name Statement in Section F of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) .

You may submit your application to any DMV office or by mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Removing Information that was Entered by Mistake

If a name or other information is entered on a title by mistake, complete a Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) .

Frequently Asked Questions

If the vehicle has a legal owner/lienholder, then section 5 of the REG 227 needs to be notarized. If the registration does not show a legal owner/lienholder, notarization is not required.

Need help finding the lienholder on your vehicle title? We keep a listing of banks, credit unions, and financial/lending institutions that may have gone out of business, merged, changed their name, or been acquired by another financial institution.

No. You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required

Contact us for more information .

Need something else?

Fee calculator.

Use our fee calculator to estimate any applicable registration or title transfer fees.

Renew Your Vehicle Registration

You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Make sure your registration is up-to-date.

Make an Appointment

Some applications can be submitted to a DMV office near you. Make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line.

General Disclaimer

When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information.

When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Use caution when using a public computer or device.

The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by the third-party vendors and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the content resulting from the use of the translation service.

The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.

Google™ Translate Disclaimer

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.

The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.

The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate:

• Publications
• Field Office Locations
• Online Applications

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