Don't Let A Recall Become A Roadblock When Renewing Your Vehicle Registration In Florida
If you are a young adult Floridian and have never had the experience of renewing your vehicle registration, it's important that you understand that failing to correct a recalled defect could prevent your registration renewal from being completely processed. Here's what you need to know.
You cannot renew registration until the defect is corrected
If there is a safety recall that affects your vehicle, you won't be able to renew your registration until after you've taken your vehicle to a mechanic for servicing for the recall. When you first registered your vehicle, your name, vehicle VIN, and mailing address became part of a database that can be accessed by vehicle manufacturers for the sole purpose of issuing recall notifications.
Go to a dealership to correct the defect listed on the recall notification
These notifications give details about the recalled parts or systems and where you can take your vehicle for servicing, which is usually a mechanic at a dealership that specializes in your particular make of vehicle. When you take your vehicle in, the dealership will notify the vehicle manufacturer that you made the necessary corrections. The manufacturer will then forward this information to the DMV. If you take your vehicle to a mechanic or shop that is not listed as a service provider for the recall, your vehicle will probably not be updated in the database, which means your renewal application will not be approved.
Keep your vehicle and driver information updated
If you have moved to a different address since you first registered your vehicle, you should update your mailing address with the DMV as soon as possible. You can do this either at your nearest driver's licensing center or through an online processing service. However, you may have already missed a mailing or two regarding any recalls for your registered vehicle.
Fortunately, the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration has a searchable database that can allow you to look up any and all recalls for your particular make and model of vehicle. The database also includes recalls for car seats, tires, and after-market equipment. Check your vehicle against the database to see if there have been any recalls that you may not have received notification about. If you do find a recall and your vehicle registration is due to expire soon, you'll need to schedule the recall correction as soon as possible so it doesn't become a roadblock to getting your registration renewed.
