3.070 Statute of Limitation

Chapter 3 Collection and Payment of Fees and Penalties

3.070 Statute of Limitation (VC §9800)

DMV’s lien for renewal, transfer, use tax, parking violations, and other fees due expires three years from the date the fee(s) first became due, unless the lien is perfected as explained in this section (VC §9800(d)). Continued use of a vehicle beyond the registration expiration date does not extend the statute of limitation date.

Fees deposited during the 3-year period must be used for the year represented and cannot be used for any subsequent year.

To determine the date that the DMV’s lien expires, subtract three years from the date of the application.

• Any fees which became due prior to that date cannot be collected because DMV’s lien has expired, unless the lien has been perfected.

Example: On applications presented 06/22/2015, fees due prior to 06/22/2012 cannot be collected. However, if fees were deposited for the prior year(s), the fees cannot be refunded or used for any subsequent year.

Perfected Lien (VC §9800(d))

A lien is perfected when notice is mailed to the registered and legal owners of record and recorded on the vehicle record(s). It expires five years from the date of perfection.