Related Questions from DMV Answers

• What is required to obtain an abandoned vehicle title?

  Obtaining an abandoned vehicle title for a vehicle left on your property is usually a joint process between the DMV and law enforcement. To find the specific requirements for your state, try contacting your local DMV office. You'll either be given the exact requirements or directed to your local law enforcement agency. Though exact abandoned vehicle requirements vary with each state, they generally all begin with determining if the abandoned vehicle is stolen. Most police agencies will handle the search, based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the vehicle is deemed abandoned, a public notice will be posted, giving the last registered owner anywhere from 30 to 60 days to make a claim (the exact number of days depends on state). If no one responds to the notice, you'll be then given the green light to begin filing car title forms with your DMV. In most instances you will need a notice or form from the police declaring that the vehicle has been officially categorized ...
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• Where do I submit my accident report form?

  Most states require you to file an accident report form at your DMV or other state driver license or motor vehicle agency (for purposes of this grid, “DMV” covers all those) or law enforcement agency following a car accident. Many states provide the forms online or in your local office, but you might need to obtain one from the police or your insurance agency.Each state sets its own accident criteria (i.e. how much property damage, whether an injury or death occurred) and the amount of time you have to file the accident report form. Be sure to file within that time period; otherwise, you could face penalties such as fines or license suspension.Note that even if the grid doesn’t mark the police for your state, you might still be required to contact them immediately following a car crash. Check for your state in the grid below.
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• What if my car fails the vehicle inspection?

  The grid below highlights how your state requires you to handle a failed vehicle inspection.Generally, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs and return the vehicle for another inspection. However, some states offer perks such as free re-inspections for returning the vehicle within a certain amount of time and/or to the same auto inspection station. In addition to taking advantage of any freebies your state offers, it’s important to make the repairs and return for a re-inspection in a timely manner in order to handle vehicle registration or registration renewal on time, as well as avoid late fees, citations, and other penalties.NOTE: If the grid states you don’t have to get a vehicle inspection in your state, be sure to double-check with your motor vehicle licensing agency. Some states do require certain kinds of inspections, such VIN inspections before registering out-of-state vehicles, salvage vehicles that have been rebuilt, or custom-built vehicles, or emiss...
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• Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?

  Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
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• Where can I get a release of liability form?

  Not every state requires a specific release of liability form (see grid below) during a title transfer. If, however, you do reside in a state that requires this form, you can grab one from your local DMV office. Or, in some instances, download a copy from your state's DMV Web site. This form goes under many names. Arizona, for example, calls it a Sold Notice. California refers to it as a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. And Ohio names it a Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration form.Keep in mind that just because your state does not require a specific Release of Liability form, does not mean you're free from notifying your DMV office. In lieu of a specific form, many states substitute surrendering the vehicle's license plates as adequate notification. Others require a letter in writing. And some don't require any notification at all. The advantage of getting a release of liability on record is that should the new owner not properly file title transfer paperwork,...
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