The Dealership has not provided me with the Registration, or I have not Received the Title of my Vehicle in California; what happens now?

Dealership and lender’s obligations

Dealerships are typically obligated to furnish the vehicle’s registration to the buyer within 90 days of the purchase date. In cases where the buyer pays the vehicle off completely, the lender is required to issue the title or a release of interest within 15 business days after the vehicle is paid off. Failure by the dealership or lender to comply with these obligations may entitle the buyer to pursue a breach of contract claim. Moreover, the dealership and/or lender may be liable for penalties, and the buyer may have additional legal remedies available.

What does the law say?

1. Time to provide the vehicle registration – Section 4456 of the California Vehicle Code
   According to Section 4456 of the California Vehicle Code, in part:
   “The dealer or lessor-retailer shall submit to the department [Department of Motor Vehicles] an application accompanied by all fees and penalties due for registration or transfer of registration of the vehicle within 30 days from the date of sale if the vehicle is a used vehicle, and within 20 days if the vehicle is a new vehicle.”
2. Time to provide the vehicle title – Section 5753 of the California Vehicle Code
   Section 5753 of the California Vehicle Code requires lenders to deliver the vehicle title within 15 business days after the vehicle has been paid in full.

Conclusion

Dealerships in California must follow specific deadlines or timeframes for submitting the required documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to process the vehicle registration and to deliver the vehicle’s registration to the buyer. Further, California law also sets specific deadlines for lenders to provide the vehicle title to the buyer when the buyer pays the vehicle off. If the dealership or lender does not do this, the dealership and/or the lender may, depending on the circumstances, have to pay the buyer penalties, and the buyer may have other legal claims.

Contact us Today

Luis Aguirre California Lemon Law Attorney 26060 Acero Suite 111
Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Telephone: 949.342.6199.

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