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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 4Ch. 1§ 10504 Stolen Vehicle Registration Block

§ 10504 Stolen Vehicle Registration Block

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10504 Stolen Vehicle Registration Block

This law says that if a car is stolen or taken without permission, the DMV will put a special note in their computer system. This note stops anyone from getting new papers for that car until the police say it's okay.

Key Takeaways

  • •If your car is stolen, the DMV will put a special note in their system.
  • •This note stops anyone from getting new papers for your car.
  • •The note stays in the system for at least one year or longer if the DMV decides.

Example

Someone steals your car and tries to get new registration papers.

The DMV will see the note in their system and stop them from getting the papers. They will also tell the police.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10504 Stolen Vehicle Registration Block

The department upon receiving a report of a stolen vehicle, or of a vehicle taken or driven in violation of Section 10851, shall place an appropriate notice in the electronic file system which will identify such vehicles during the processing of new certificates of registration, ownership, or registration and ownership. When such vehicles are thus identified, processing shall be discontinued and the Department of Justice shall be notified. New certificates shall not be issued until cleared by the Department of Justice. Notices shall remain in the Department of Motor Vehicles system until a Department of Justice deletion is received. A report of a stolen vehicle, or of a vehicle taken or driven in violation of Section 10851, is effective for a period of not less than one year from the date first reported or longer as the department may determine. (Amended by Stats. 1972, Ch. 98.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

stolen vehicleSection 10851Department of Justicecertificates of registrationelectronic file system

Related Statutes

  • § 10503 Stolen Vehicle Reporting Requirements
  • § 12520 Tow Truck Driver Certification
  • § 1656.1 Traffic Stop Conduct Video
  • § 1668 Fingerprint Service Fees
  • § 10554 Stolen Vessel Reporting Process

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 10504.
View Official Source