Form REG 138 at a glance
What it is: REG 138 is the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
Who signs: The seller or lessee signs on the Seller's or Lessee's Signature line.
Where and when to file: Save time by filing online at dmv.ca.gov/nrl or scan the QR Code (print a receipt for your records), or mail this completed form to the DMV.
You are required by law to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within five days from the date you sell or dispose of a vehicle or vessel.
A filled-in Form REG 138 example: a gift of a car
How to fill out Form REG 138, box by box
New owner's last name (or company name), address, city, state and zip code, and odometer reading (no tenths)
Enter the new owner's last name (or company name), first name, address, city, state and zip code, and the odometer reading (no tenths).
Date of sale, transfer, or lease return
Enter the date of sale, transfer, or lease return: MO. DAY YR.
Seller's or lessee's last name (or company name), address, city, state and zip code
Enter the seller's or lessee's last name (or company name), first name, address, apt number, city, state and zip code.
Selling price (no cents)
Enter the selling price in whole dollars (no cents); if the vehicle is a gift, enter 0 for the selling price.
Vehicle license or CF number, make or builder, year model, vehicle ID or vessel hull number
Enter the vehicle license or CF number, make or builder, year model, and vehicle ID or vessel hull number.
From:
Fill in the lines after From:. Postage is required.
Detach and keep this part for your records
On the part you detach and keep for your records, write the vehicle license or CF number, make or builder, year model, vehicle ID or vessel hull number, odometer reading, date of sale, transfer, or lease return, selling price (if vehicle is gift, enter 0), name of new owner and address of new owner.
More rules for Form REG 138
You must include the vehicle/vessel description, the date of sale, transfer or lease return, the odometer reading, the new owner's name and address (the buyer's name/address), and your name and address, or the information will not be updated or retained.
Submit this form within five days. You must provide accurate, legible information or it will not be updated or retained. No notice will be provided.
Complete the form and use capital letters in black or blue ink.
Pay careful attention to write the new owner's information in the new owner section and the seller's information in the seller's section.
The filing of this form does not constitute application for transfer of ownership (title); before your name is removed from DMV records related to this vehicle/vessel, the new owner must apply for transfer using the endorsed Certificate of Ownership (Title) received from you, and the new owner must complete all transfer requirements.
When this form is properly completed and the information is recorded by the DMV, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from the operation of the vehicle/vessel after the date of sale, transfer, or lease return, becomes the responsibility of the subsequent new owners(s).
Keep a copy of the completed form for your records because collection notices can be received months/years after the vehicle/vessel has been sold. Do not ignore any collection notice.
You may want to verify the new owner's identification to ensure the new owner is providing you with accurate name information.
Refer to California Vehicle Code §5602 for requirements about releasing liability and any liability disputes.
Failure to provide mandatory information may result in DMV's inability to update vehicle record and disqualify your liability exemption.
If your situation is different
You have or sell multiple vehicles at the same time
If you have or sell multiple vehicles at the same time, submit individual forms for each vehicle.
You are completing this form instead of filing online
If you are completing this form instead of filing online at dmv.ca.gov/nrl, detach and keep this part for your records and mail the top card to the DMV. Do not mail a copy of a bill of sale or any other documentation with this form.
Common questions about Form REG 138
What is a reg 138 form?
REG 138 is the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. This form must be provided to the DMV to report a vehicle/vessel sale or transfer.
Who signs it?
The seller or lessee signs on the Seller's or Lessee's Signature line.
Is there a deadline?
File this form within five days of the transaction taking place.
Where do I file it?
If you do not file this form online at dmv.ca.gov/nrl, complete and mail the top card to the DMV at P. O. Box 942859, Sacramento, CA 94259-0001. This form may also be mailed, but no notification will be sent confirming the DMV has received it.
Sources
[1] Form REG 138 (REV. 3/2024), Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, California Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).
