Shouldn't legal possessor of a vehicle exist the registered owner? In many some cases they are, but not e'er. If a vehicle is function of a financing agreement, the legal possessor will exist the individual or entity that provides the financing, and is referred to as the lienholder. The registered owner is responsible for maintaining compliance with DMV laws and regulations. At that place are several circumstances that make the distinction between the two of import:

  • Selling a Vehicle – When a vehicle is sold, the seller should submit a detect of transfer and release of liability within 5 days. This documentation relieves the owner(due south) of responsibility for parking and traffic violations also equally ceremonious or criminal actions involving the vehicle after the date of sale.
  • Buying a Vehicle – The electric currentregistration menu will list the name of the legal owner of the vehicle. All liens must be satisfied earlier legal ownership can be transferred.
  • Taxes –If a vehicle is purchased from adealer in California, the dealer is responsible for reporting and paying sales tax. If, however, a vehicle is not purchased from a dealer, the buyer must pay use taxation.
  • Satisfied Lien – After a vehicle loan has been repaid, the lienholder (i.e., legal owner) volition release the lien by signing the title and forwarding information technology to the new legal owner (i.eastward., the registered possessor).
  • Refinancing – When a vehicle is refinanced, the proper noun and address of the new lender, (i.e., the new legal owner) volition exist submitted to the DMV with a transfer fee. Once the transaction is processed, a new registration card volition be issued to the registered owner.
  • Fourth dimension Constraints – The DMV requires that any changes in ownership, registered or legal, be updated inside x days of the result.
  • Accidents –California Vehicle Code Section 17150 states:

"Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for expiry or injury to person or belongings resulting from a negligent or wrongful deed or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business organisation of the possessor or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner."

Therefore, if a vehicle is involved in an accident and the driver of the vehicle cannot exist identified, legal activeness can be taken against the registered owner.

Finding the legal and registered possessor information

This notated illustration shows where to detect relevant facts regarding registered and legal ownership of a vehicle on the Certificate of Title.

Nosotros're here to help

Do you have a concern about the legal buying of a vehicle? Is a lienholder consequence preventing you from completing a transaction? The experts at Quick Motorcar Tags understand the DMV requirements and they can help you resolve your problems.

Penalty:

  • Machine Owners