California DMV Title Correction: How to Fix an Error

An error on a California vehicle title can delay a sale, prevent a transfer, affect a loan or create problems when registering the vehicle. Even a small mistake involving a name, mileage, lienholder or vehicle description may need to be corrected before the transaction can move forward.

Common California Vehicle Title Errors

Title errors may involve:

• A misspelled or incorrect owner name

• A missing owner or lienholder

• Incorrect vehicle information

• An inaccurate odometer reading

• Information that does not match a bill of sale or loan agreement

• A mistake made during a previous transfer

• California DMV records that do not match the supporting documents

The appropriate correction process depends on how the error occurred, the documents available and the parties involved.

Gather the Available Documents

Begin by collecting everything connected to the vehicle and transaction. This may include the title, registration, bill of sale, purchase agreement, loan documents, odometer information and correspondence from the California DMV.

Avoid writing on, erasing or altering the title unless the California DMV or a qualified professional specifically instructs you to do so. Additional changes to the document could make the correction more complicated.

Identify Where the Error Started

Some mistakes originate with a seller, dealership, lender or previous owner. Others may have been entered incorrectly into California DMV records.

Understanding where the error began can help determine which documents, signatures or supporting statements may be required. Complicated ownership histories may require information from more than one party.

Get Help with Difficult Title Corrections

Straightforward corrections may sometimes be handled directly with the California DMV. However, cases involving previous owners, lienholders, mileage discrepancies, incomplete documents or stalled transactions can be more difficult.

TLB Vehicle Registration Services is an independent service provider. We are not the California Department of Motor Vehicles, are not affiliated with any government agency and do not provide legal advice.