QUICK AUTO TAGS – THE DMV EXPERTS YOU NEED TO GET IT DONE FAST!

When filing an Affidavit Of Non-Use is the right choice for you..

Filing an Affidavit is for a very specific scenario: This is an option when it is TOO LATE or TOO EARLY to file for a non-operation (non-op) status on your vehicle. The non-op can only be filed 70 days before or 90 days after the expiration date– so what do you do when you are out of the window AND you don’t want to continue paying for insurance for a vehicle that is not being used? You file an ANU.

Having auto insurance that meets the California limits of liability is a legal requirement if you are operating a vehicle in California. When you remove the insurance from a registered vehicle your insurance carrier notifies the DMV electronically that it no longer has insurance. The DMV in turn notifies you by mail of their intent to suspend your vehicle registration. If after roughly 3-4 weeks you do not get insurance on your vehicle, the DMV will suspend your registration and charges a $14 reinstatement fee. A suspended registration stops you from being able to get stickers or registration on your vehicle until you obtain insurance on your vehicle again. You can avoid getting suspended by filing a Affidavit(ANU).

There are a couple of reasons why you may need to file the Affidavit:

The vehicle is no longer operable and you have no intention of driving it any time soon
You purchased a vehicle whose tags are current, but whom you only wish to store
You can’t afford the insurance any more, and want to store the car.
You simply are not using the car any more.

Let’s take a moment to look at the definition of affidavit: “a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation”. You’re telling the DMV that you are affirming that the vehicle will NOT be in use.

Filing an affidavit tells the DMV two things:

That you are not operating the vehicle
That you will be removing the insurance for the vehicle.

Here are the conditions to be able to file an Affidavit.

Your vehicle cannot be currently be suspended due to not having insurance – unfortunately, this will preclude you from being able to file the ANU.
Your vehicle cannot be parked on the street and you definitely cannot be operating this vehicle.
Having an ANU on file is NOT the same as filing a non-operation status on your vehicle – it is imperative that you file the non-op as soon as you can. If you do not file the non-op in a timely fashion you will incur penalties – the ANU will not save you from that.
As it says on the department of motor vehicle’s website, you are are subject to penalties: “This vehicle is not being operated or parked on any California roadway so as to require evidence of financial responsibility. I understand that if the vehicle is operated or parked on a California roadway prior to complying with all applicable registration and financial responsibility laws, I will be subject to citation.”
Make sure to do the ANU BEFORE you remove the vehicle from your insurance policy.
This is an option that cannot submitted through the DMV’s field offices, it can only be submitted the following ways:
Submit it online through DMV’s website: Affidavit of Non Use
Automated Phone system @ 800-777-0133 [not a live person]
Mail in the form REG 5090 to DMV-VIP PROGRAM, PO BOX 997408 M/S N305, SACRAMENTO, CA 95899-7408

Note: Option 1 by far is the best, because you get a confirmation you can print/save for your records after you submit the ANU. You must have your license plate number and the vehicle identification number.

It is strongly advised that you be close to a printer so you can print the Affidavit confirmation or have software that lets you capture the confirmation on your computer and save it on your computer. The Department of Motor Vehicles has a way for individuals to recover the proof that an affidavit was filed, HOWEVER, it is a pain in the butt to obtain & it takes months.

If you don’t qualify for an ANU, here’s a few notes:

The maximum penalty you will incur if you remove the insurance is $14 (this is the reinstatement penalty for suspended registration) – so from a financial perspective the penalty is not bad at all – it is far cheaper to pay the $14 reinstatement fee than insurance premiums on a vehicle you no longer want to operate and insure.
If you cannot afford to pay the insurance – take the insurance off, but make sure to NEVER drive your vehicle without insurance and also keep it off of the roads.
You can still file a non-op even if your vehicle registration is suspended

Other things to take note about the ANU:

It is free if you do it online
If there is an Affidavit filed – when you’re ready to put the car back on the road – you must file to remove the ANU on file.
Quick Auto Tags can do this for you as a service for $10 (just have your license plate and vehicle identification number ready)

If you have any questions, fill in the following form or give us a call and we’ll answer your questions!

QUICK AUTO TAGS – THE DMV EXPERTS YOU NEED TO GET IT DONE FAST!

When filing an Affidavit Of Non-Use is the right choice for you..

Crashed Vehicle

In-operable Vehicle

Car in Storage

QUICK AUTO TAGS – THE DMV EXPERTS YOU NEED TO GET IT DONE FAST!

Quick Auto Tags