Do you have questions about general driving-related requirements like registration and insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. “Save Time by Going Online” at www.dmv.ca.gov.     

Q: My mobile home is due for a registration renewal. Can I do this online and avoid the drive to and wait at a DMV field office?

A: Yes, you can renew your mobile-home registration online, but first you must:

•have already reported any change in your mailing address or the location address of the mobile home or commercial modular to the department.

•have a Visa or MasterCard.

•have the decal number for your mobile home or commercial modular.

To register your mobile home online, visit www.dmv.ca.gov, click on the Online Services tab, then click on mobile-home renewal registration.

Q: How can I check to see the current license status of businesses licensed by the DMV?

A: The DMV has license status information online for the following business categories: ATV schools, dismantlers, distributors, driving schools, lessor-retailers, manufacturers, mature driver programs, registration services, remanufacturers, traffic violator schools,transporters, vehicle dealers (including auto brokers) and vessel agents.

Visit the DMV’s website at https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/olinq2/ welcome.do to begin your search.

Q: I lost my title and can’t find the seller who sold me the vehicle. Can I do a lien sale?

A: No. You cannot conduct a lien sale on a vehicle in which you have a monetary interest. You must contact the prior seller to obtain a bill of sale. 

The Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227) can also be used by the registered owner as a releasing document when the original title has been lost, stolen or mutilated.

To download this form, visit www.dmv.ca.gov and click on the Forms tab.

Q: Where do I sign my vehicle title transfer? I find the form a little confusing.

A: The registered owner of a vehicle releases the title by signing and dating line 1 on the face of the title. The DMV’s website now has a video that walks you through signing your vehicle transfer, step by step.

To view the video, visit www.dmv.ca.gov and click on Vehicle Registration, Buying and Selling and finally on Video: Title Transfer—Where Do We Sign. This video is not only convenient, but ensures that your vehicle title is filled out accurately and completely.

Remember to also report the sale online at www.dmv.ca.gov or complete a Release of Liability (Reg 138) as well to notify the department you’ve sold the vehicle and to protect yourself against any liability for its use after the sale. 

Q: Can I “junk” my own vehicle?

A: The definition of a “junked” vehicle is one that’s been dismantled because it was wrecked, abandoned or is a lowvalued vehicle impounded and acquired from an enforcement agency and no longer operable. Individual vehicle owners who aren’t licensed as a dismantler can junk and/or dismantle their vehicle by presenting the vehicle documents to the DMV. The requirements are:

•The California Certificate of Title. The title must be endorsed for transfer of ownership if the vehicle is not registered in your name.

•The license plates on the vehicle.

•Fees are due if the vehicle record does not indicate the vehicle is currently registered or has planned nonoperation status.

For more information, visit www.dmv.ca.gov and click on Vehicle Registrations Checklists.