Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 23 of 38

Chapter 22: Corrections and Adjustments

22.060 Lienholder/Legal Owner Omitted (CGC §818.5)

When a lienholder/legal owner (LO) name is omitted on the California Certificate of Title because it was not shown on the registration application or due to a DMV error and an application is received to correct the omission, the application must be forwarded to the Involuntary Transfer Section (ITS) in DMV headquarters.

If the
 ITS Will
Omission is a DMV error
  • Cancel the incorrect title.
  • Issue a corrected title to the LO, provided the vehicle has not been encumbered with another lien.
DMV has issued a title to a second LO due to another lien taken on the vehicle
  • Place a stop on the vehicle record.
  • Notify all parties that any outstanding California Certificate of Title will not be honored until the matter is resolved.
NOTE: A resolution may be to submit the properly released California Certificate of Title or a court order.
Title was used by the registered owner to transfer ownership of the vehicle and a new title has been issued to the buyer

A courtesy stop may be placed on the vehicle record for 30 days to allow the dealer or LO to obtain a restraining order and stop the issuance of any title until a resolution can be made.