How to File a Complaint With the DMV (50-State Guide)

If you are currently dealing with a dispute against a business regulated by the DMV and can’t seem to reach a resolution, consider filing a complaint with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  

In this article, we go over how to file a complaint with the DMV in all 50 states. 

In addition to filing a complaint with the DMV, consider 3 other ways to resolve your problem with the business: 

1. Send a Demand Letter

2. File a complaint with the BBB

3. Sue the business in small claims. 

Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a demand letter? Check out our demand letter tool.

A demand letter is a letter that outlines a set of requests you want the motor vehicle business to perform. For example, you canceled an extended warranty you purchased, and the car dealership you purchased the warranty from refuses to honor their refund policy. A demand letter also serves as notice to the motor vehicle business that if they don’t meet your demands, you intend to sue them in small claims court.

Here are some other good reasons to first send a complaint letter to a car dealership before taking legal action:  

1. Depending on the state you are filing a lawsuit in, you may be required to request payment before filing a small claims lawsuit. For example, in California small claims courts, you are required to first demand payment from the car dealership before suing. By sending a complaint letter, you are efficiently completing this requirement. 

2. A demand letter shows that you are serious about resolving the dispute and that you are willing to take action.

3. The most important reason to send a demand letter is that it may lead to a settlement without incurring court costs! 

Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a demand letter? Check out our demand letter tool.

The Better Business Bureau (“BBB”) accepts complaints from consumers directed towards motor vehicle businesses. 

• The Better Business Bureau serves as an advocate for consumers by forwarding complaints to the motor vehicle business in hopes of a response. 

• Although the BBB cannot force a motor vehicle business to comply with requests, many motor vehicle businesses take the BBB seriously, as your review will stay on the BBB website, and it will affect their reputation. 

• Learn more in our step-by-step guide to filing a complaint with the BBB.

Another way to deal with a complaint against a motor vehicle business is to sue the motor vehicle business in small claims court. In small claims court, a judge decides whether you or the motor vehicle business are in the right. Learn more on how to sue in small claims court in our 50 State Guide to Small Claims Court. 

If you have a problem with a motor vehicle business, you may want to file a complaint with the government agency in your state that regulates these types of consumer complaints. 

Here are examples of common complaints filed with the DMV:

• Undisclosed Damage. For example, you buy a used car from a dealer. The dealer says the car has not had any prior damage. After a few days with the vehicle, you notice a patch on one of the tires, indicating previous damage. 

• False Estimates. For example, you bring your car to a repair shop and ask for a written estimate of the parts and labor necessary for each repair. The estimate comes out to $750. You go back a week later to pay and pick up the car. You go to pay, and the repair shop owner charges you $900 for the “unexpected” labor.   

• Faulty Repairs. For example, you take your car to a repair shop to fix your squeaking brake. You go to pick up your vehicle, and after a few minutes of driving, you find that the problem comes back. 

Note that each state regulates motor vehicle businesses differently:

• Some states have specific government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), that both regulate and license motor vehicle businesses. 

• Other states don’t, (or they do have a specific agency, but they don’t handle motor vehicle business complaints) if your state’s regulating agency does not oversee motor vehicle business complaints, you may still be able to file a consumer complaint with another state agency.

• In some states, both the motor vehicle business-specific agency and an additional agency can accept consumer complaints against motor vehicle businesses. 

Below is a guide on how to file a government complaint against a motor vehicle business in all 50 states.

Although the Alabama Motor Vehicle Department regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Alabama Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, visit the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Alabama Attorney General at 1-800-392-5658.

Although the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Alaska Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.

• By Mail: Fill out the Motor Vehicle Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can mail it to the address listed at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Alaska Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit at 907-269-5200. 

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the Third Party Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can mail the form to the address listed at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 602.255.0072. 

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Download the Motor Vehicle Commission Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, the form can be sent to the mailing address at the top of the form.

• By Email: You can also email the Motor Vehicle Commission Consumer Complaint Form to [email protected].  

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (501) 682-1428. 

The California Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, visit the DMV complaint form and make sure your complaint fits the criteria set by the California DMV. Once completed, you can submit the form online.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 1-800-777-0133.

The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Auto Industry Division regulates motor vehicle businesses in Colorado and investigates complaints against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online. To file a complaint online, submit your consumer complaint on the Division’s website here. 

• By email. To file a complaint by email, complete the Complaint Form and email the form to [email protected].  

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (303) 205-5600.

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against Connecticut-licensed dealerships or repair shops. 

• By Mail: Fill out the DMV complaint form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address at the top of the form. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 860-263-5700.

Although the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Delaware Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Statement Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Attorney General at (800) 220-5424.

The Florida Department of Transportation regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle dealers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs oversees complaints filed against all other motor vehicle businesses.

• Online: Fill out the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs’s Consumer Complaint form. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Florida Division of Motorist Services Consumer Complaint Form to file a complaint against a motor vehicle dealer. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the correct address listed at the bottom of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at 1-800-435-7352.

Although the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at (404) 651-8600.

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Regulated Industries Complaints Office oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the motor vehicle sales complaint form. Once the form is completed, you can print then mail the form to:

OAHU OFFICE 

235 SOUTH BERETANIA STREET, 9TH FLOOR 

HONOLULU, HI 96813 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (808) 586-2653.

Although the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Idaho Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Attorney General’s complaint form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Print and complete the complaint form. After the form has been filled out, mail the form to the correct address located at the top of the document. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Idaho Attorney General at (208) 334-2424.

Although the Illinois Secretary of State regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Illinois Attorney General. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Illinois Attorney General at 1-800-386-5438.

Although the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address listed towards the bottom of the form. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Idaho Attorney General at 317-232-6330.

Iowa has two government agencies that oversee complaints filed against motor vehicle businesses. You can file a complaint with your local Bureau of Investigation and Identity Protection Investigator, or you can file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Email or Phone: To file a complaint by email or phone, go to the Bureau of Investigation and Identity Protection’s Contact Locator. Select your county and call or email your local investigator using the given contact information.

• By Mail: Fill out the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can print then mail the form to:

Office of the Attorney General of Iowa

Consumer Protection Division

Hoover State Office Building

1305 E. Walnut Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0106

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Iowa Attorney General at 515-281-5926.

Although the Kansas Department of Revenue regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against these motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Kansas Attorney General. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Investigation Request Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Kansas Attorney General at (785) 296-2215.

The Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission regulates complaints filed against car dealerships. Complaints against other motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Kentucky Attorney General. 

• Online: To file a complaint online with the Kentucky Attorney General, fill out the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint and Mediation Form. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission’s Vehicle Purchase Complaint Form to file a complaint against a motor vehicle dealer. Once the form is completed, mail it to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to The Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission at (502) 573-1000 or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (502) 696-5389. 

The Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission regulates complaints filed against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail it to the address located at the top of the form. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (504) 838-5207.

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints filed against motor vehicle businesses.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the General Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Petition Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the bottom of the form. If you have a complaint against a private seller, fill out and mail a Private Sale Complaint Petition instead. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (207) 624-9000.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration regulates complaints against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the Investigative Division Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 410-768-7000.

Although the Massachusetts Department of Transportation regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Attorney General at (617) 727-8400.

The Michigan Department of State regulates complaints against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Online Complaint Portal and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Automotive Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to:

 Michigan Department of State

Office of Investigative Services

P.O. Box 30046

Lansing, MI 48909-7546 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 888-767-6424.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety regulates complaints filed against motor vehicle businesses.

• By Email: To file a complaint by email, send your complaint by email to [email protected] (this information can also be found on the Complaint Procedure webpage). 

• By Phone: Call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Complaint Division at (651) 201-7136

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (651) 297-3298.

The Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission regulates complaints against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 601-987-3995.

The Missouri Department of Revenue regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail or Email: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the bottom of the form.

• By Email: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, email the form to [email protected]. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (573) 526-3669.

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, fill out the Complaint Form. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Kansas Attorney General at (406) 444-6880.

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can mail the form to the address at the bottom of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 402-471-2281.

Although the  New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the New Hampshire Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: First, download and complete the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, send the form to the address at the top of the form.

• By Email: 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the New Hampshire Attorney General at 603-271-3641.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can mail the form to the address at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (973) 504-6200.

Although the  New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division regulates motor vehicle business licenses, complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the New Mexico Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, you can mail the form to the address at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 1-844-255-9210.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Complete the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, the form can be sent to the address at the bottom of the form.

• By Email: Complete the Consumer Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, email the form to [email protected]. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to  (518) 474-8943.

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the License and Theft Bureau Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (919) 715-7000.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation regulates motor vehicle businesses. They do not oversee complaints filed against those businesses. Complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the North Dakota Attorney General. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the bottom of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Attorney General at (701) 328-3404.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles regulates motor vehicle businesses. They do not oversee complaints filed against those businesses. Complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Ohio Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 800-282-0515.

The Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission regulates complaints issued against used motor vehicle businesses and new motor vehicle businesses. You can file a complaint against a used motor vehicle business through the Used Motor Vehicle Commission Consumer Complaint Form. You can file a complaint against a new motor vehicle business through the New Motor Vehicle Commission Consumer Complaint Form.

• By Mail: First, download and complete the correct form listed above. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the correct address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to The Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission at (405) 607-8227.

The Oregon Department of Justice regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 1-877-877-9392.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulates motor vehicle businesses. They do not oversee complaints filed against those businesses. Complaints against motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General at 1-717-787-9707.

The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 401-462-5746.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints filed against car dealerships. Complaints against other motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. 

• Online: To file a dealer complaint online, go to the Dealer Complaint form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form. To file a general motor vehicle complaint, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 922-1594.

The South Dakota Division of Consumer Protection oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, create an account online.

• By Mail: Fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail it to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the South Dakota Division of Consumer Protection at (605) 773-4400.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance oversees complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 615.741.4737.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 1 (888) 368-4689.

The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints filed against car dealerships. Complaints against other motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Utah Department of Commerce.

• Online: To file a complaint against a general motor vehicle business online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: To file a complaint against a dealership by mail, fill out the Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Utah Department of Commerce at 801-530-670.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints filed against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Enforcement and Safety Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 802.828.2000.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• By Mail: First, download and complete the Law Enforcement Investigation Request Form. Once the form is completed, send the form to the address located at the top of the form.

• By Email: First, download and complete the Law Enforcement Investigation Request Form. Once the form is completed, email the form to [email protected]. 

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to (804) 367-1678.

The Washington State Department of Licensing regulates complaints issued against motor vehicle businesses. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to 360-902-3900

The West Virginia Attorney General oversees complaints issued against businesses regulated by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. You can file a complaint with the Attorney General.

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Motor Vehicle Complaint Form. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address located at the bottom of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the West Virginia Attorney General at 1-800-368-8808.

The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles regulates complaints filed against car dealerships. Complaints against other motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

• Online: To file a complaint against a dealership online, go to the Dealer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form. To file a complaint against a general motor vehicle business online, go to the General Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at (608) 224-5012

The Wyoming Department of Transportation regulates complaints filed against car dealerships. Complaints against other motor vehicle businesses can be filed with the Wyoming Attorney General.

• Online: Fill out the Wyoming Attorney General Consumer Complaint form. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• By Mail: Fill out the Wyoming Department of Transportation Dealer Complaint Form to file a complaint against a motor vehicle dealer. Once the form is completed, mail the form to the address listed at the bottom of the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the Wyoming Attorney General at (307) 777-6397.

The District of Columbia Attorney General oversees complaints issued against businesses regulated by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. 

• Online: To file a complaint online, go to the Consumer Complaint Form and fill out the requested information. Once completed, you can submit the form.

• Questions? Any questions you may have can be directed to the District of Columbia Attorney General at 202-442-9828.