CVC 4463(a) Forgery of Vehicle Registration Explained - How to Fight Your Ticket
Forging, counterfeiting, or falsifying vehicle registration documents
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 4463(a)?
Forging, counterfeiting, or falsifying vehicle registration documents
Common scenarios
- You bought a used car and later found out the previous owner had altered the registration papers without telling you.
- Your registration sticker was stolen and someone else used it illegally, but you had no part in it.
- An officer stopped you and said your registration looked fake, but you had just renewed it online and never changed any documents.
Key facts
- Forgery is a serious charge: Faking or changing vehicle registration is illegal and can lead to fines or even criminal charges.
- Proof matters: Showing genuine registration documents or evidence you didn’t alter them can help your defense.
- You have the right to fight the ticket: You can ask for a court hearing to explain your side and present evidence.
Fine breakdown for CVC 4463(a)
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 4463(a)?
CVC 4463(a) means you’re accused of forging, faking, or changing vehicle registration papers. This is serious because registration documents prove your car is legally allowed on the road.
If you got this ticket, you might feel worried or confused. That’s normal. Let’s break it down simply:
- Forgery means making a fake registration or changing one without permission.
- Counterfeiting means copying official registration papers to trick people.
- Falsifying means lying or altering information on registration documents.
Why does this matter? The DMV and police need to trust your registration is real. If it’s not, they can’t be sure your car is legal.
What should you do?
- Don’t ignore the ticket.
- Check if your registration is actually valid.
- Think about if someone else might have used or changed your papers without you knowing.
- Consider getting help to fight the ticket if you believe it’s wrong.
You’re not alone. Many drivers feel stuck with these charges, but there are ways to defend yourself. Keep reading to learn more about common defenses and what might apply to your case.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You did not create or alter the registration documents. Someone else may have used your papers without your knowledge.
Defense 2
The registration documents you have are genuine and were never changed or faked.
Defense 3
There was a mistake or misunderstanding by the officer or DMV about your registration status.
Defense 4
You had permission from the vehicle owner to use the registration documents, and no forgery occurred.
Defense 5
The documents were altered due to a clerical error or DMV mistake, not by you.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 4463(a) online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 4463(a)
What happens if I’m found guilty of CVC 4463(a)?
You could face fines, points on your driving record, or even criminal penalties depending on the case.
Can I fix the registration and avoid the ticket?
Fixing registration issues is good, but it might not cancel the ticket. You still need to address the forgery claim.
Should I talk to a lawyer about this ticket?
If you believe you didn’t forge or falsify documents, or if the situation is complicated, a lawyer can help explain your options.
Can someone else be responsible if they altered my registration papers?
Yes. If you can prove someone else changed the documents without your knowledge, that can be a strong defense.
How do I prove my registration is real?
Keep your official DMV registration card, renewal notices, and any receipts showing you followed the rules.