How to File a California DMV Release of Liability

What a Release of Liability Does

A Release of Liability is a form you file with the California DMV to remove your legal responsibility for a vehicle you no longer own. When you sell, donate, or transfer a car, filing this form protects you from traffic tickets, parking violations, accidents, and other liability tied to that vehicle after it leaves your possession.

Without a Release of Liability on file, the DMV may still list you as the registered owner. This means you could be held responsible for violations or damages caused by the new owner, even though you no longer have any control over the vehicle. The form creates an official record that you are no longer the owner as of a specific date.

California law does not require you to file this form, but filing it is the only way to legally protect yourself. If you sell a car privately, donate it, or trade it in, you should file a Release of Liability within 5 days of the sale or transfer.

Key Takeaways

File a Release of Liability within 5 days of selling or transferring a vehicle to protect yourself from future liability tied to that car.
You can file the form online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — online is fastest and requires no fee.
You will need the vehicle's license plate number or VIN, the date of sale or transfer, and the buyer's name and address if you have it.
If the new owner does not register the vehicle within 30 days, the DMV will send you a notice — file the Release of Liability when ready to avoid liability for their violations.

How to File Online

The fastest way to file a Release of Liability is through the California DMV website. Go to dmv.ca.gov, find the Release of Liability section, and select the online filing option. You will need your vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the date you sold or transferred the vehicle, and the buyer's name and address if you have it.

Fill in the required fields with accurate information. The DMV uses this data to update its records and notify the new owner that they must register the vehicle. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records — it proves you filed the Release of Liability on a specific date.

There is no fee to file online. The form is processed within a few business days, and you do not need to print, sign, or mail anything. This method works if you have the buyer's information, but you can still file if you do not — just leave the buyer's details blank and provide what you know.

Filing by Mail or in Person

If you prefer to file by mail, read the Release of Liability form (Form REG 138) from the DMV website. Print it, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include the vehicle's license plate number or VIN, the date of sale, and the buyer's information if you have it. Mail takes longer than online filing — typically 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

You can also file in person at any DMV office. Bring the completed form, your driver's license or ID, and the vehicle's registration or title if you have it. An employee will process the form on the spot and give you a receipt. This method is useful if you want when ready confirmation, but you may need to wait in line.

Whether you file by mail or in person, sign the form in front of a notary public or DMV employee. The DMV will not process an unsigned form. If you file by mail, your signature must be notarized before you send it.

What Information You Need

Before you file, gather the following details about the vehicle and the transaction. You will need the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — either one is sufficient. You also need the date you sold or transferred the vehicle. This date should be the day the buyer took possession, not the day you signed paperwork.

If you have the buyer's information, include their name and address. This helps the DMV notify them that they must register the vehicle. However, you can file without the buyer's details — the form will still protect you, though the DMV may take longer to update its records.

If you no longer have the vehicle's registration or title, you can still file using just the license plate number or VIN. The DMV's database will pull up the vehicle record automatically. Do not delay filing because you are missing one piece of information — file with what you have.

What Happens if the New Owner Does Not Register

If the new owner does not register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase, the DMV will send you a notice. This notice means the vehicle is still registered in your name, and you remain liable for any violations or damages. When you receive this notice, file a Release of Liability when ready if you have not already done so.

Include a copy of the bill of sale or any proof of transfer with your filing. This documentation shows the DMV that you sold the vehicle on a specific date and are no longer responsible for it. If the new owner continues to drive an unregistered vehicle, the DMV will eventually flag the registration and may attempt to contact the buyer.

If you receive a traffic ticket or parking violation notice for a vehicle you no longer own, respond to the notice and include a copy of your Release of Liability confirmation. Provide the date you filed and the confirmation number. The DMV or court can then update their records and dismiss the violation.

Protecting Yourself After the Sale

File the Release of Liability as soon as possible after the sale — do not wait until the 5-day window is almost closed. The sooner you file, the sooner the DMV updates its records and the sooner you are protected. Keep the confirmation number or receipt in a safe place for at least three years.

If you sold the vehicle privately, ask the buyer to sign a bill of sale that includes the date of transfer and both of your names and addresses. This document proves you no longer own the vehicle and can protect you if a dispute arises. Even if you do not have a formal bill of sale, the Release of Liability filing itself creates an official record.

If you traded in the vehicle at a dealership, the dealership typically files the Release of Liability on your behalf. Ask the dealership to confirm that they have filed it. If you donated the vehicle to a charity, the charity should file the Release of Liability, but you can file it yourself to be certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I sold the car but do not have the buyer's name or address?

You can still file the Release of Liability without the buyer's information. Leave those fields blank and provide the vehicle's license plate number or VIN and the date of sale. The DMV will update its records based on the vehicle information alone, though it may take longer to notify the new owner that they must register the vehicle.

Can I file a Release of Liability if I lost the title?

Yes. You do not need the title to file a Release of Liability. The DMV can look up the vehicle using the license plate number or VIN. If you are filing in person, bring your driver's license or ID. If you are filing online, you will not need any documents.

How long does it take for the Release of Liability to be processed?

Online filings are processed within a few business days. Mail filings take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person filings are processed when ready, and you receive a receipt on the spot. The processing time does not affect when you are protected — you are protected as of the date you file.

What if I receive a ticket for a car I sold after I filed the Release of Liability?

Respond to the ticket and include a copy of your Release of Liability confirmation or receipt. Provide the filing date and confirmation number. The DMV or court will verify that you filed the form and should dismiss the violation. Keep your confirmation number for this reason.

Do I need to file a Release of Liability if I traded the car in at a dealership?

The dealership usually files the Release of Liability for you as part of the trade-in process. Ask them to confirm in writing that they have filed it. If you want to be certain, you can file it yourself — filing twice does not cause problems, and you will have proof of protection.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.