How long must California car dealers keep records under the CARS Act?
Quick answer
Two years from the date each record is created (Civil Code 1784.44). Dealers must keep total-price ads and first written quotes, signed purchase, finance and lease papers, add-on and GAP proof, cancellation requests, refunds and trade-in returns, and written complaints. Failing to keep any required record is itself a violation, in force since October 1, 2026.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Retention period | Two years from the date the record is created (Civil Code 1784.44(a)) | Official source |
| Ads and quotes | Records showing total-price ads and communications comply, including internet listings (1784.44(a)(1)) | Official source |
| Deal papers | All signed purchase orders, finance and lease documents, and related written communications (1784.44(a)(2)) | Official source |
| Add-ons | Service contracts, GAP agreements, proof of timely add-on payment, GAP loan-to-value calculations (1784.44(a)(3)) | Official source |
| Cancellations and complaints | Cancellation requests, refund and trade-in return proof; written complaints and add-on inquiries (1784.44(a)(4)-(5)) | Official source |
| Failure to keep records | Is a violation of the Act (1784.44(b)); DMV says it can lead to DMV/BAR enforcement | Official source |
| Last verified | October 19, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Which records does a California dealer have to keep?
Five groups: total-price advertising and first written communications; every signed purchase order, finance or lease document and the written sales communications with that buyer; add-on proof including service contracts, GAP agreements and loan-to-value math; cancellation requests, refunds and returned trade-ins; and written complaints and add-on or vehicle inquiries.
Do online listings and payment calculators count?
Listings do: the statute says advertisements include internet listings showing a vehicle's total price, features or financing terms. Records generated only by interactive tools where the shopper changes down payment, credit tier, rate or term are not required, as long as the tool does not alter or misrepresent the advertised total price.
What happens if a dealer cannot produce the records?
Section 1784.44(b) makes failure to keep any required record a violation of the CARS Act. The DMV memo says it can lead to DMV or Bureau of Automotive Repair enforcement and makes it harder to prove compliance. The Act sets no fixed dollar fine for it.
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What else do people ask?
Can the records be kept electronically?
Yes. Records may be kept in any legible form and in the same manner, format or place the dealer already uses in the ordinary course of business (1784.44(b)).
Do customer reviews count as complaints?
No. Responses to customer surveys, reviews and testimonials posted on the internet are not complaints for this rule (1784.44(a)(5)).
Does this replace other record rules?
No. Section 1784.44(c) says it does not limit the requirements of Civil Code 2984.5.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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