Why each record matters
| Record | What it proves |
|---|---|
| Purchase or lease contract | The price used in the refund and the delivery date that starts every deadline |
| Repair orders | The number of repair attempts, the mileage at each one and the days out of service |
| Written notice and mailing receipt | That the manufacturer was told and had its final chance, where the state requires it |
| Loaner agreements | Which days count; Texas leaves out loaner days from its days test |
| Receipts for towing and rentals | Incidental costs that many states add to a refund |
Missing records are the most common reason a strong case becomes a weak one.
State forms to keep with your records
Some states use an official form or require a specific kind of mail. Keep a copy of the form and the receipt:
- Florida: the Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Form, sent by registered or express mail.
- Georgia: the Final Repair Opportunity Notice (Form A), by certified mail or overnight delivery.
- New Jersey: the certified final-chance letter and its signed return receipt, which the Lemon Law Unit application needs.
- Wisconsin: the Department of Transportation form you use to offer the vehicle back.
How to get missing repair orders
Ask the dealer’s service department for copies. Dealers keep repair orders on file and can print them by VIN. Your manufacturer’s customer care line can also list the warranty claims on your VIN. From now on, ask for a repair order at every visit, even when the dealer finds no problem.
Store copies safely
Keep paper originals in one folder and photograph each page. Our checker lets you attach those photos to each repair visit. They stay in your browser and print with your report.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a lemon law claim?
Your purchase or lease contract, the warranty booklet, every repair order, loaner or rental agreements, a copy of your written notice to the manufacturer with proof of mailing, and receipts for costs the defect caused, such as towing and rentals.
What if the dealer did not give me a repair order?
Ask the dealer’s service department for a copy; repair orders are kept on file by VIN. In the future, ask for a repair order on every visit, even when the dealer finds no problem.
Should I keep repair orders that say no problem found?
Yes. They show you reported the defect and gave the dealer a chance, which matters when the problem comes and goes.
Sources
Checked on October 13, 2026. Read how we verify every rule in our editorial policy.