California Air Resources Board

These instructions apply if you received a Registration Renewal Notice that that looks like this.
The recall numbers listed on your notice may be different.

I cannot register my VW/Audi 2.0 or 3.0 liter diesel vehicle because my DMV Registration Renewal Notice says I need to provide a Proof of Correction Certificate for a manufacturer’s recall. What should I do?

Mandatory Recall 

Some VW diesel vehicles have a mandatory recall for emissions related issues such as a “snowflap”, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) heater, or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst. If your DMV registration notice contains the recall campaign codes 23W1, 24CV, 24CX, 26K2, 26K4, or 26K6 recall work must be completed at a dealership (no cost to the owner) to register your vehicle. These recalls are unrelated to the approved emissions modifications (AEMs) resulting from the Consent Decree.
Once the above mandatory recall work is completed vehicle owners are issued a Proof of Correction (POC) certificate by the manufacturer. Typically, the manufacturer transmits it electronically to the DMV, but sometimes there is a delay. A delay can be problematic if you are very close to your registration due date. In that instance, present the POC certificate to the DMV to have the registration hold removed and the car registered.

Voluntary Recall

Some VW and Audi 2.0 and 3.0 liter diesel vehicle owners incorrectly received a DMV Registration Renewal Notice requiring a manufacturer’s recall (23Q3, 23T4, 23U3, 23U4, 23U7, 23V4, 23V5, 23V6, or 23V7) due to a data processing error. This recall is not required. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration hold for your vehicle has been removed and a POC certificate is not required.

Please review the scenarios below for appropriate registration procedures to receive your current registration and tags.

If you are a VW/Audi 2.0 or 3.0 liter diesel vehicle owner whose registration is current and you received a recall notification on your DMV Registration Renewal Notice.

If  recall 23Q3, 23T4, 23U3, 23U4, 23U7, 23V4, 23V5, 23V6, or 23V7 is listed on the renewal notice, the registration hold has been lifted. If your notice says you need a smog certificate, please have that with you when you register your vehicle. (If you have questions on why you need a smog check, please see our FAQ below on smog checks.)

• To renew by Mail
  Your renewal cannot be processed by mail using the original mail-in registration form. The DMV uses an automated letter opener /scanner that reads the renewal form and scans the contents for the proof of correction certificate (POC).  If the POC is not found, it will send the form back to you telling you to provide the POC to complete renewal. You can mail in a copy of your registration card instead of the DMV Registration Renewal Notice along with a check for the renewal fees to the DMV.
• To renew In person
  Your renewal can be processed in person at a DMV field office without needing a Proof of Correction.  The requirements for POCs have been removed. You may also renew at an AAA office if you are a member.
• You cannot renew online
  Your renewal cannot be processed online at the DMV website.

If you are a VW/Audi 2.0 or 3.0 liter diesel vehicle owner and have already paid for your vehicle registration, but received an Incomplete Registration notice from the DMV for the above recall, you can now:

• Take the notice into a DMV field office and receive your registration and tags.
• Call the DMV and have them check your VIN in their database. They will see that the hold is removed and  DMV will send your registration and tags.
• Take the notice to a AAA office if you are a AAA member and start the registration process there. AAA will process your registration.

If you are a VW/Audi 2.0 or 3.0 liter diesel vehicle owner and have missed the deadline for your vehicle registration fees due to confusion about the 23Q3, 23T4, 23U3, 23U4, 23U7, 23V4, 23V5, 23V6, or 23V7 recall notification on your DMV Registration Renewal form, you may be subject to late registration fees and/or penalty. The DMV by statue cannot waive these fees. You can now:

• Pay your registration and your late fees in person at DMV field office.
• Pay registration and your late fees in person at a AAA office, if you are a member.

I intend to participate in the VW buyback of affected 2.0liter TDIs later this year. My registration and smog check are due now. Must I register my car or can I put it into “non-operational status” with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and still be eligible to participate in the future buyback?

This issue is being handled by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Please contact them directly at 1-800-948-2181 or info@vwclasscounsel.com. Their staff is answering inquiries daily.

I followed the procedures above, but was still denied registration. What do I do now? 

Please call (916) 322-2990.