Under California law, dealers must pay off your trade-in vehicle within 21 days from purchase. If the dealer fails to do so, you may have a claim against them.

If your trade-in vehicle is not paid off, you may be liable for additional payments. If you do not make these payments, your credit may be affected.

In addition, if a dealer causes damage to your credit due to their failure to pay off the trade-in vehicle, you may have additional claims, as well as statutory damages.