District of Columbia · D.C. Code — Title 50, Motor and Non-Motor Vehicles and Traffic

D.C. Code Title 50 § 50-1209: Entry of lien or assignment where certificate is not available; Recorder to obtain certificate

What this law says, in plain English

When a lien or assignment must be recorded but the certificate is unavailable, the Recorder can demand the certificate holder surrender it. Upon surrender, the Recorder processes the lien or assignment the same as if presented together.

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