What Part A and Part B forms do, and when you need both

Most states use a two-part registration system where Part A is the process for registration and Part B is the vehicle ownership declaration. You fill out Part A to request the registration itself — it asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the dates you owned the car. Part B is where you declare that you own the vehicle and that the information you provided is correct. Some states combine these into a single form; others keep them separate and require both pages signed and submitted together.

The reason for two parts is straightforward: Part A collects the facts about the vehicle and owner, while Part B is your sworn statement that those facts are true. If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in your state, transferring ownership from another state, or renewing a registration that has lapsed, you will typically need both sections completed and signed.

Not every state calls them Part A and Part B — some use "process" and "Certification" or similar names — but the structure is the same. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the exact form name and current version, because forms change and an outdated version can delay your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Part A is the process section where you enter vehicle details and ownership dates; Part B is your signed declaration that the information is accurate.
  • Both parts must be completed, signed, and submitted together — submitting only one will result in rejection.
  • You will need your VIN, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a valid ID to complete the forms correctly.
  • Most states allow you to submit these forms by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an online portal, though processing time varies by method.
  • Signing Part B in front of a notary public is required in some states but not others; check your state's instructions before you sign.

What information goes on Part A

Part A asks for identifying information about you and the vehicle. You will need to enter your full legal name, current mailing address, and phone number. The form also asks for your driver's license number or state ID number — this helps the DMV match you to your driving record and any existing registrations.

For the vehicle itself, you will provide the VIN (a 17-character code found on the dashboard, driver's side, or on your title document), the vehicle's year, make, and model, and the odometer reading at the time of registration. You will also enter the date you purchased the vehicle and, if applicable, the date you received the title from the previous owner. Some forms ask whether the vehicle is new, used, or a transfer from another state — answer this accurately because it affects registration fees and tax calculations.

If you are registering the vehicle under a business name rather than your personal name, Part A will have a section for that, and you may need to provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or business license number. Read the instructions carefully; using the wrong name on the registration can cause problems later when you try to renew or sell the vehicle.

What Part B requires and why notarization matters

Part B is a certification section where you sign under penalty of perjury that the information on Part A is true and correct. This is a legal statement, not just a signature box. By signing Part B, you are telling the state that you own the vehicle, that you have not hidden any liens or loans against it, and that the VIN and ownership dates are accurate.

Whether you need a notary public to witness your signature on Part B depends on your state. Some states require notarization; others do not. A few states allow you to sign Part B in front of a DMV employee instead. Check your state's DMV website or the form instructions — they will clearly state whether notarization is required. If it is required and you sign without a notary, the DMV will reject the form and you will have to resubmit it, which delays your registration by several weeks.

If notarization is required, you can get your signature notarized at a bank, a UPS Store, a public library, or a dedicated notary office. Notarization typically costs between $5 and $15 per signature. Bring your valid ID and Part B to the notary; they will watch you sign and then add their seal and signature to the form. Do not sign Part B before you meet the notary — they need to witness your signature.

Documents you need to submit with both forms

Submitting Part A and Part B alone is not enough. The DMV will also ask for supporting documents that prove you own the vehicle and that it is insured. The most common required documents are:

  • Proof of ownership: This is usually the vehicle title, a bill of sale, or a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new. If you are transferring a registration from another state, bring the out-of-state title or registration document.
  • Proof of insurance: Your auto insurance company will provide an insurance card or a declarations page showing your policy number, coverage dates, and the vehicle's VIN. The DMV needs this to confirm the vehicle is insured before it will issue a registration.
  • Valid ID: Bring your driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The DMV uses this to verify your identity matches the name on Part A.
  • Proof of residency (sometimes): If your ID does not show your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and address.

If you are registering a vehicle with a lien (a loan against it), you may also need to provide the lender's name and address. Some states ask for this on Part A itself; others ask for it as a separate document. Check your state's form instructions to see whether a lien section is included.

How to submit Part A and Part B

You have three main options for submitting your forms: by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through your state's online portal if one exists.

By mail: Print Part A and Part B, fill them out completely, sign Part B (with a notary if required), and mail them along with copies of your supporting documents to your state DMV. Include a check or money order for the registration fee — do not send cash. Mail processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, and you will receive your registration certificate and plates by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

In person: Visit your local DMV office with the completed forms and original documents. Bring Part A and Part B already filled out and signed (notarized if required). A DMV employee will review your documents, collect the registration fee, and you will usually receive your registration certificate and temporary plates the same day. Processing time is typically 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is. Check your state's DMV website for office hours and whether you need an appointment.

Online: Some states allow you to fill out and submit Part A and Part B through their DMV website. You will upload scans of your supporting documents and pay the fee by credit card. Online submission is usually the fastest option — many states process online registrations within 5 to 10 business days. However, not all states offer this, and some states only allow online renewal, not initial registration. Check whether your state's DMV has an online portal before you plan to use it.

Common mistakes that delay registration

The most frequent reason a registration is rejected is a mismatch between the name on Part A and the name on your ID or title. If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, make sure the name on Part A matches your current ID. If it does not, update your ID first, then submit the registration.

Another common error is leaving Part B unsigned or signing it without a notary when notarization is required. The DMV will not process an incomplete Part B, and you will have to resubmit. Similarly, if you provide an insurance card that has expired or does not list the vehicle's VIN, the DMV may reject it and ask you to resubmit a current declarations page.

Providing the wrong VIN is also a frequent problem. Double-check the VIN on your title, your insurance card, and the vehicle itself — they should all match exactly. A single digit wrong will cause the registration to be rejected. If you discover an error after you have submitted the forms, contact your state DMV when ready to ask whether you can file an amended form or whether you need to resubmit everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize Part B if I submit it in person at the DMV?

It depends on your state. Some states do not require notarization if you sign Part B in front of a DMV employee. Others require notarization regardless of where you sign. Check your state's form instructions or call your local DMV office to confirm before you go in. If notarization is not required and you bring a notarized signature anyway, it will not hurt — the DMV will straightforward accept it.

What happens if I submit Part A without Part B?

The DMV will reject your process and return it to you, usually with a letter explaining that Part B is missing. You will need to complete Part B, have it notarized if required, and resubmit both forms along with your documents. This adds 2 to 4 weeks to the process depending on whether you submit by mail or in person.

Can I use an electronic signature on Part B instead of signing by hand?

Most states do not accept electronic signatures on Part B because it is a sworn statement. A few states are beginning to allow digital signatures through their online portals, but this is not yet standard. If you are submitting by mail or in person, you must sign by hand. If your state offers online registration, check whether it accepts electronic signatures before you attempt to use one.

What if the VIN on my title does not match the VIN on the vehicle?

Stop and contact your state DMV or the title issuer before you submit Part A and Part B. A mismatched VIN usually means there is a clerical error on the title, a problem with the vehicle's history, or a potential fraud issue. The DMV will not process the registration until this is resolved. Your state's title office can issue a corrected title if the error is on their end.

How long does it take to get my registration after I submit Part A and Part B?

Processing time varies by state and submission method. Mail submissions typically take 2 to 4 weeks. In-person submissions at a DMV office usually result in same-day or next-day registration. Online submissions often process within 5 to 10 business days. Some states issue temporary registration when ready and mail the permanent certificate later. Check your state's DMV website for specific timelines.