What is a declaration of non-ownership and how to file it in California?

Assert your non-ownership and avoid penalties with a simple legal document

If you’re a California driver and don’t own a vehicle, a declaration of non-ownership can be a lifesaver. By filing this legal form, you can assert under penalty of perjury that you don’t own a car, truck, or motorcycle, which can save you from having to install an ignition interlock device, contest traffic or parking tickets, and more. But what is this document, who can use it, and how do you file it? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a declaration of non-ownership and who can use it?

A declaration of non-ownership is a short legal document that California drivers can use to formally claim that they don’t own a vehicle. This document can be filed in court, with the DMV, or with other government agencies to assert that you’re not the owner of a car, truck, or motorcycle, and that you shouldn’t be penalized as such. The form only takes up a single page, but it can make a big difference in your legal case.

You can use a declaration of non-ownership if you have received a traffic or parking ticket that you believe is erroneous or if you have been ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) for a DUI conviction but don’t own a vehicle. In the latter case, the court may order you to install an IID in all vehicles that you own or can access, but if you don’t own a vehicle, you can use the declaration of non-ownership to avoid this requirement. By filling out the form and sending it to the court or DMV, you can show that you’re not the owner of a car, truck, or motorcycle and that you shouldn’t be forced to install an IID.

How to file a declaration of non-ownership in California?

Filing a declaration of non-ownership in California is easy, but you need to follow a few steps to ensure that your form is valid and effective. Here’s what you should do:

1. Enter your personal information, such as your name, address, and driver’s license number, on the form.
2. Check off the statement that confirms that you’re not the owner of a vehicle and that you’re signing under penalty of perjury.
3. Sign and date the form.
4. Mail the form to the appropriate government agency or court. The address will depend on why you’re filing the form. You can find the address on the form itself, the ticket, or the court order.

For example, if you’re using the form to contest a parking ticket, you may need to file it with the town or city that issued the ticket. Some California cities, such as Los Angeles and Glendale, have their own version of the form. If you’re using the form to be exempted from installing an IID, you need to send it to the DMV. The California DMV has its own form, known as Form DL 4062, which you can fill out and mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Mandatory Actions Unit, MS J233
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290

Act Quickly to Contest a Ticket: Your Timeline for Filing Form

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Contest a Ticket

If you’ve received a ticket or court order and want to contest it, you’ll need to act fast. The deadline for submitting a declaration of non-ownership is typically within 30 days. This crucial form must be postmarked by the deadline, or it may not be considered valid by the court or agency.

Consequences of Late Filing

Waiting too long to file the form could have serious repercussions. If you miss the deadline, you may be required to pay the ticket, even if you believe it was unjust. By failing to file the declaration on time, you may also be ordered to install an interlock device (IID), even if you don’t own a vehicle. Compliance with this requirement is expected by the court, and failure to do so may be seen as a violation of your DUI probation.

Additional Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ignoring the IID requirement or failing to comply with other terms of your probation could result in additional penalties, such as jail time. So it’s critical to take action quickly if you want to contest a ticket or court order. By submitting your declaration of non-ownership on time, you can protect your rights and avoid potentially severe consequences.