Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability FAQs

After you sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle or vessel to another party, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to let DMV know that ownership of the vehicle/vessel has changed.

When you sell or transfer your vehicle or vessel to another party, you are required to submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL). This notifies DMV that ownership of the vehicle has changed and protects you from liability for parking violations, traffic violations, and civil litigation involving the vehicle.

The NRL is only used when ownership of the vehicle or vessel has changed. Legal owner transfers (transfers between lenders or removal of a lienholder from the title) do not require an NRL.

Frequently Asked Questions

After you properly complete the NRL and DMV receives the notice of transfer information, any liability for parking violations, traffic violations, or civil litigation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the subsequent purchaser. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §5602

Additionally, after we receive the NRL information and the vehicle record is marked, no further vehicle registration renewal notices will be mailed to you for the reported vehicle.

In the case of a suit or complaint, the court is responsible for determining if you have complied with the law and are exempt from civil and/or criminal liability.

You are required by law to notify DMV within five calendar days from the date you sell or transfer the title or interest in your vehicle, and deliver possession of the vehicle to another owner. CVC §5900

No. Only the buyer’s application for transfer, using the endorsed title received from you, can remove your name from the vehicle record.

We are required to collect the following information per CVC §5900:

• Description of the vehicle or vessel, including the:
  • Vehicle license plate or vessel CF number (don’t key or print any symbols in the license plate configuration, e.g. ).
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) or vessel hull identification number (HIN).
  • Vehicle make or vessel builder*.
  • Model year*.

  If any of this information is missing, we may be unable to update the vehicle record, which may disqualify your liability exemption.

  * This information is automatically provided when using the online application.

  How will I prove that I filed an NRL online? plus minus

  You will receive a confirmation when the NRL is sent to DMV. Print a copy of the confirmation and keep it in your records.

  Do I have to complete the NRL myself? plus minus

  No. However, submitting the NRL yourself is the best way to ensure that DMV gets all the information in a timely manner. You may have someone else submit the NRL on your behalf, but you are still responsible if any information is missing.

  What if I can't remember the name of the person to whom I sold or transferred the vehicle? plus minus

  You may put “unknown” in the new buyer’s name and address fields.

  However, if any of this information is missing, we may be unable to update the vehicle record. This may disqualify your liability exemption.

  What if there isn't a match on my plate or VIN number? plus minus

  Check to make sure that you entered the correct information. If it is correct and you continue to receive an error message indicating that there is no match, you will need to contact us at 1-800-777-0133.

  If I file an NRL electronically, do I still need to submit a paper copy? plus minus

  No. Once you file an electronic NRL, the vehicle record will be updated within one business day.

  Can I file a paper copy instead of filing online? plus minus

  Yes. You can complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) and mail it to the address on the form.

  For your protection, you should make a photocopy of the completed REG 138 for your file.

  If any of the information is missing or illegible, DMV may be unable to update the vehicle record, which may disqualify your liability exemption.

  How do I obtain a copy of the NRL I submitted? plus minus

  You can complete a Request for Record Information (INF 70) and mail it, along with the required fee, to the address on the form.

  In the odometer field, what do "actual mileage," "exceeds mechanical limits," and "not actual mileage," mean? plus minus

  • Actual mileage: The odometer reflects the actual mileage on the vehicle.
  • Exceeds mechanical limits: The odometer has reached the highest number mechanically available and has started renumbering at 1(in other words, the odometer has “rolled over”).
  • Not actual mileage: The odometer is broken or has been replaced, or the current owner is unsure of the true mileage.
  How do I stop receiving registration renewal notices for a vehicle I no longer own? plus minus

  If you receive a registration renewal notice for a vehicle that you no longer own, either:

  • DMV didn’t receive your NRL.
  • The NRL was incomplete or illegible.

  In either case, you must submit another NRL for the record to be updated.

  Registration renewal notices are computer generated more than 60 days prior to the expiration date. Occasionally, the renewal notice and the NRL cross in the mail. If this occurs, you may submit another NRL to ensure that the record is updated.

  If the original NRL was submitted online, do not send the renewal notice or the confirmation page to DMV again. Your confirmation page is proof that the NRL was submitted.

  Can the online NRL form be used if the buyer or seller is a business? plus minus

  Yes. Enter the business name in the last name field, and continue into the first name field if necessary.

  Need something else?

  Titles

  Everything you need to know about California Certificates of Title, title transfers, and title changes.

  Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) Program

  The ELT Program keeps California Certificates of Title in an electronic format on our database.

  Renew Your Registration

  You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Keep your registration up-to-date.

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