Buying a Vehicle

Be a Smart Shopper

Before signing a vehicle purchase contract, protect yourself by following these essential steps:

  • No “Cooling Off” Period: There is no automatic right to cancel a purchase unless you buy a Contract Cancellation Option (available for specific used cars from licensed dealers).
  • Research Value & History: Compare prices via guides or ads. Dealers must provide a NMVTIS title report; for private sales, get one at vehiclehistory.gov. Check for unrepaired safety recalls at safercar.gov.
  • Review All Documents: Read the purchase contract, manufacturer’s warranty, and any service contracts thoroughly. Do not sign anything you don’t understand.
  • Automation Features: For partially self-driving vehicles, dealers must provide a detailed list of driver-assistance features and their limitations.
  • Financials & Fees: Compare interest rates and verify all DMV fees charged to you.
  • Ownership Terms: On titles, “Or” allows either owner to sell the vehicle; a slash (“/”) or “And” requires signatures from both.

To register a complaint against a local business, you can contact the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org or find their contact information in a local directory. Many television and radio stations also offer free consumer assistance through dedicated hotlines or websites.

Other Alternatives

DMV can assist you with the requirements necessary to transfer the title of a vehicle.

You may also contact your local DMV Investigations office for any of the following issues:

  • Counterfeit, fraudulent, or forged DMV documents.
  • Dealer overcharging for DMV fees.
  • Misrepresentations by a dealer (such as a document preparation fee).

To make a complaint, complete and mail DMV’s Investigations Record of Complaint Form (INV 172A) (PDF). The form is also available by calling 1-800-777-0133 to have it mailed to you, or at your local field office.

The form provides the addresses of DMV Investigations district offices for mailing.

When buying a new vehicle, it is important to distinguish between the included manufacturer’s warranty and an optional dealer service contract, which costs extra. Because these service contracts are separate agreements with the dealer, you should shop around and compare prices with your insurance agent or credit union before signing. If you find the terms or exclusions confusing, do not sign the contract; instead contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-HELP (4357) for assistance or to handle any refund disputes or write to:

California Department of Insurance
300 South Spring St., South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013

The California Department of Consumer Affairs, (DCA) Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), is responsible for regulating automotive repair facilities. BAR provides brochure information on how to maintain your newly purchased vehicle and where to resolve disputes for repairs made by a licensed repair shop. There are 13 BAR field and region offices in the state of California. If you are unable to locate an office near you, you may contact:

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10949 North Mather Blvd.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Telephone: 1-800-952-5210
or visit www.dca.ca.gov

Department of Motor Vehicles
Investigative Support Unit
PO Box 932391, MS L234
Sacramento, CA 94232-3890
Telephone: (916) 657-7244
or visit dmv.ca.gov

For questions regarding odometer disclosure requirements, misrepresentations, or suspected odometer tampering, contact:

California requires the manufacturer of a new motor vehicle to provide a manufacturer’s written warranty that covers the cost to repair the vehicle during the warranty period. If you are dissatisfied with the repairs or have questions regarding your repair invoice, see the Lemon Law Buyback Vehicles (FFVR 17) Fast Facts  brochure, or contact:

Department of Motor Vehicles
New Motor Vehicle Board
1507 21st Street, Suite 330
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 445-1888
visit www.nmvb.ca.gov


OR


Department of Consumer Affairs
Or visit www.dca.ca.gov
Keyword: newmotorvehicleboard

And see DCA’s Lemon-aid for Consumers brochure.

BAR regulates the smog check program and provides brochures on smog check inspections, repair stations, and inspection dispute information available at www.smogcheck.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-952-5210.

Questions regarding collection or payment of sales or use taxes on the purchase or lease of a vehicle should be directed to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) at:

Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Consumer Use Tax Section MIC: 37
PO Box 942879
450 N Street
Sacramento, CA 94279-0037
Telephone: 1-800-400-7115
or visit: www.cdtfa.ca.gov

For information regarding safety issues or complaints, or to obtain recall information for your vehicle, contact:


National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
West Bldg.
Washington, DC 20590
Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393


OR


Center for Auto Safety
1825 Connecticut Ave., NW, Ste. 330
Washington, DC 20009-5708
Telephone: (202) 328-7700
or visit www.autosafety.org

Whenever possible, you should attempt to resolve the problem with the other party or firm. If you are unable to obtain a resolution, and the agencies listed here are unable to assist you, you may consider contacting a private attorney or the small claims division of the county court in your community. Refer to the County Government section of your local telephone directory for the county court in your area. You may also contact a legal aid group for assistance. Legal aid groups can provide free legal advice or represent people who cannot afford private counsel. Legal aid groups are listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory or visit www.courts.ca.gov.

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