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Quick question - how did the title end up in the wrong name in the first place? Might affect the process depending on the situation.
@Sebastián Stevens Sorry for your loss. Since it s'an inherited vehicle, you ll'definitely need the death certificate like others mentioned. Also, check if your grandpa had the title in his possession - if it s'a clear title, the process might be easier. If there was a lien or the title is missing, that adds extra steps. The DMV inheritance process can be tricky, but they deal with it all the time so they should be able to guide you through it.
@Sebastián Stevens I just went through this exact situation with my dad s'truck last month. Definitely bring multiple copies of the death certificate - they kept one and I needed extras for insurance updates. Also, if you have any documentation showing your grandpa intended to give you the car like (a handwritten note or even text messages ,)bring those too. The DMV agent told me any proof of intent helps speed up the process. Hang in there, it s'tedious but totally doable!
I work at a DMV field office and see inherited vehicle cases daily. Since this was your grandfather's car, you'll need: death certificate (certified copy), proof of your relationship to him (birth certificate showing parent's name matching his name), and ideally any documentation showing he intended to transfer it to you. If the car's value is under $166,250, you can use a simple affidavit process. If it's worth more, probate might be required. Also, bring the current registration and your ID. The fee is usually around $23 for the transfer. Call ahead to confirm which forms you need - saves a trip back!
Hey OP, just a heads up - some states are offering extensions on expiring licenses due to the backlog from COVID. Might be worth checking if that applies in your area!
I feel for you! I went through the exact same thing last year. Here's what worked for me: try refreshing the appointment page every few hours throughout the day - I noticed new slots would randomly pop up when people cancelled. Also, consider looking at AAA offices if you're a member - they can do some DMV services and usually have way shorter waits. And definitely call the DMV first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - that's when I finally got through to someone who helped me find a cancellation slot. Don't give up! 🙏
Same thing happened to me! The DMV website is notorious for this. I'd suggest calling the automated phone line first (1-800-777-0133) before waiting for a live agent - sometimes you can check the status of your submission by entering your info. If that doesn't work, definitely call and speak to someone. Also, make sure you have the sale date, buyer's name, and their address handy since they'll ask for all that info to verify. Don't stress too much - even if it didn't go through, you can always resubmit!
Just wanted to chime in with another data point - I had this exact same issue about 6 months ago when I sold my Honda. The website crashed right after I hit submit and I was panicking thinking I'd have to start over. Called the DMV the next day and they found it in their system no problem! Apparently their confirmation emails are pretty unreliable. The agent told me that as long as you got through the payment screen (if there was one), the submission usually goes through even if the page crashes afterward. Definitely still call to confirm though - better safe than sorry with liability issues!
This is really helpful to know! I'm in the exact same boat right now and was freaking out about potential liability issues. Good point about the payment screen - I think I did make it through that part before the page crashed. Still gonna call to double check, but this definitely makes me feel better about the whole situation. Thanks for sharing!
Pro tip: if you cant get through on the main line, try calling a different DMV office and ask them to transfer you. Sometimes works like a charm 😉
Carmella Popescu
Hey! I just went through this exact same nightmare a few weeks ago. The DMV website is absolutely terrible - I swear it crashes more often than it works! Here's what ended up working for me: I called the main DMV number (800-777-0133) early in the morning around 8 AM and surprisingly got through pretty quickly. The rep was able to find my "lost" submission by searching with my license plate number and VIN. Turns out it actually DID go through, even though I never got confirmation! She said this happens constantly and they usually find the submissions buried in their system. Definitely try calling first before paying for any callback services or driving to an office. And next time (hopefully there won't be one!), I'm definitely taking screenshots of every single page like others mentioned. Good luck! 🤞
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Luca Ricci
•This is so encouraging to hear! The 8 AM timing tip is really smart - I bet that's when the phone lines are least busy. It's such a relief to know that your submission was actually found in their system even without confirmation. That gives me a lot of hope that mine went through too! I'm definitely going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning with my plate number and VIN ready. Thanks for sharing your success story - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now! 🙏
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Harper Collins
I had this EXACT same issue last month! The DMV website froze right after I submitted my notice of transfer and I was freaking out about liability. Here's what worked for me: First, check your email spam folder - sometimes the confirmation emails end up there even when the website doesn't show it went through. Second, if you have the buyer's contact info, reach out to them and ask if they've received any DMV correspondence about the transfer - that can be another way to confirm it processed. Third, try calling the DMV automated line at (800) 777-0133 during off-peak hours (like 7-8 AM or after 6 PM) - I had better luck getting through then. The automated system was actually able to confirm my transfer went through using just my license plate number! Don't panic too much - you're still well within the 5-day window and from what I've learned, most of these "failed" submissions actually do make it into their system. Keep all your sale paperwork handy just in case though. You got this! 💪
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