How to Fix a Mistake on a Car Title: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering an error on your car title can be concerning, but it’s a situation many vehicle owners face. Whether it’s a minor typo in your name or a more significant issue like incorrect vehicle information, rectifying these mistakes is crucial for legal ownership and hassle-free vehicle transactions. This guide will walk you through the steps on How To Fix A Mistake On A Car Title, ensuring you have accurate documentation.

Car titles are legal documents, and any discrepancies can lead to complications when you decide to sell, trade, or even register your vehicle in the future. Fortunately, most motor vehicle agencies have established procedures to correct these errors. Let’s delve into the methods you can use to amend your car title and maintain its integrity.

Correcting Your Car Title: In-Person vs. By Mail

Generally, there are two primary methods to correct errors on your car title: visiting a motor vehicle agency in person or submitting a written request by mail. The best approach often depends on the nature of the error and your personal circumstances.

Correcting Your Title In-Person at a Motor Vehicle Agency

Visiting a motor vehicle agency offers a direct and often quicker way to resolve title errors. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather Proof of Error: Before heading to the agency, compile any documents that substantiate the mistake on your current title. This could include your previous title, purchase agreements, registration documents, or any official paperwork that highlights the correct information.
2. Visit a Motor Vehicle Agency: Locate your nearest motor vehicle agency. It’s advisable to check their website for specific locations and operating hours.
3. Present Your Case: Once there, explain the error to the agency representative and provide the proof you’ve gathered.
4. Fees and Payments: In many cases, if the error is clearly attributable to the motor vehicle agency itself, the correction might be free of charge. However, for other errors, a title correction fee may apply. Be prepared to pay a fee, which is often around $60. Motor vehicle agencies typically accept various payment methods, including credit cards (like American Express®, Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®), checks, money orders, and cash.

Correcting Your Title by Mail

If visiting an agency in person is not feasible, or if the specific error allows for mail-in correction, you can opt for submitting a written request. Here’s how:

1. Prepare a Written Request: Draft a letter detailing the error on your title and clearly state what needs to be corrected. Include your personal information, vehicle details (make, year, and Vehicle Identification Number – VIN), and your contact information.
2. Include Supporting Documents: Along with your letter, enclose the original title document and proof of the error. This could be copies of documents that show the correct information.
3. Payment: Unless you are certain the error was made by the motor vehicle agency, include a check or money order for the title correction fee (typically $60), payable to the relevant motor vehicle authority.
4. Mail Your Package: Send your complete package to the designated address for title corrections. Ensure you use a trackable mail service for added security.

Addressing Specific Car Title Errors

Certain types of title errors have specific procedures. Let’s look at some common scenarios:

Lien Error Corrections

A lien error occurs when a lien is incorrectly recorded on your title, preventing you from having a clear title. To correct this:

1. Obtain a Lien Release Letter: You’ll need a letter from the seller or the party incorrectly listed as the lienholder, stating that there is no lien on the vehicle and that the lien was marked in error.
2. Letter Requirements: This letter must include the vehicle’s make, year, and full VIN.
3. In-Person Correction: Bring this letter along with your title to a motor vehicle agency for correction. A fee will likely apply.

Incomplete Sale Corrections

If a vehicle sale falls through after the title has been partially filled out, the title is considered “spoiled.” To rectify this:

1. In-Person or Mail Correction: The current owner can either visit an agency or submit a mail-in request.
2. Required Information: For mail-in requests, include a letter explaining why the sale was incomplete and why the title is spoiled. Include the owner’s name, vehicle details (make, year, VIN), the original title, and payment for the correction fee.

Odometer Replacement Corrections (Mail Only)

For errors related to odometer replacements, corrections are typically handled by mail:

1. Mechanic’s Statement: You must provide a signed statement from the mechanic who replaced the odometer. This statement should detail the date of installation, the vehicle’s mileage before replacement, and any mileage added while the odometer was inoperable.
2. Additional Documents: Include the receipt for the new or used odometer, the original title, and payment for the correction fee.
3. Mail Your Package: Send all documents to the designated motor vehicle agency address for database corrections.

Conclusion

Correcting a mistake on your car title is a necessary step to ensure you have proper ownership documentation. Whether you choose to visit a motor vehicle agency or handle the correction by mail, being prepared with the right documents and understanding the specific procedures for your situation will make the process smoother. By taking prompt action to fix any errors, you safeguard your vehicle’s legal standing and prevent potential issues in the future.

Further Reading

• Certified title search (request a copy)
• Duplicate title (lost, stolen or damaged)
• Canceling a new car title
• Satisfying a lien
• Transferring ownership
• Vehicle registration application records
• Registration renewal/request duplicate
• Vehicles purchased without an existing New Jersey title (Improper Evidence of Ownership Procedure)
• Universal Title Application