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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!
I work at a DMV field office and can confirm that our online system has been having intermittent issues with confirmation emails lately. The good news is that if you made it through the entire submission process (especially if you saw any kind of processing or "please wait" screen), there's about a 90% chance it went through on our end even without the confirmation. When you call, ask the agent to search by your driver's license number and the date you submitted - that's usually the fastest way for us to locate it. Also, don't worry if you have to wait on hold for a while - we're required to help you resolve this issue and get you proper documentation. Just be patient with us! 😊
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!
This is incredibly helpful! Thank you for sharing your insider knowledge. Quick question - when you mention proof of relationship, would a copy of my parent's birth certificate work if it shows my grandpa as the father? And is there a specific affidavit form I should look for on the DMV website, or do they provide it at the office?
Hey OP, whatever you do, DON'T drive until you're fully reinstated. It's not worth the risk. I know someone who got caught driving on a suspended license and it made everything 10x worse. Just be patient and do it right!
For California DMV license reinstatement, you'll want to gather these documents before you go: 1) Proof of payment for all outstanding fines/fees (keep those receipts!), 2) SR-22 insurance form if required, 3) Completion certificate for any court-ordered classes, 4) Valid ID, and 5) the reinstatement fee (usually around $55). Also, call ahead to confirm what specific forms you need - sometimes they have additional requirements depending on your situation. The DMV website has a reinstatement checklist that's pretty helpful too. Good luck!
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 😉
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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Jason Brewer
•This is such comprehensive advice! I never thought to check my spam folder - that's such a simple thing that could save a lot of stress. The tip about contacting the buyer to see if they got any DMV correspondence is really clever too - that would be a great way to confirm the transfer processed from the other end. I'm definitely going to try calling during those off-peak hours you mentioned. It's so reassuring to hear yet another success story where the "failed" submission actually went through! This whole thread has been amazing - so many different approaches to try. Feeling much more confident about getting this sorted out now. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙏
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Butch Sledgehammer
This whole situation sounds super stressful! I went through something similar when I transferred my motorcycle title last year. One thing that really helped me was checking my credit card or bank statement to see if any DMV fees were actually charged - if they took payment, there's a good chance your submission went through even without the confirmation page loading. Also, I'd recommend trying the DMV's online chat feature if they still have it active - sometimes it's faster than calling and they can look up your transaction using your license plate or VIN. The chat agents were surprisingly helpful when I used it. If all else fails, you can always file a duplicate notice and they'll sort out any duplicates on their end. Better to be extra cautious when it comes to liability issues! Hope you get it resolved quickly! 🤞
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Zachary Hughes
•That's really solid advice about checking for charges on your bank statement! I hadn't thought about using that as proof the transaction went through. The online chat feature is a great suggestion too - I always forget about that option but you're right, it's often faster than waiting on hold. Really appreciate you mentioning the duplicate filing option as a backup plan. It's reassuring to know the DMV can handle duplicates on their end if needed. Thanks for sharing your motorcycle transfer experience - gives me hope this will work out! 🙏
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