California: notifying the DMV after you sell

California requires you to tell the DMV when you sell your car. Filing protects you from tickets, tolls or accidents involving the car after it leaves your hands.

At a glance

Required? Yes, by law
Deadline: within 5 calendar days of the sale and handing over the car (your pickup day)
Form: Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL), also called REG 138
Where to file: online at dmv.ca.gov, or mail REG 138 to DMV headquarters

How to file

Have these ready: your plate number, the last 5 digits of the VIN, the odometer reading at pickup, the pickup date, and Plug's name and address as the new owner (ask your Plug contact). Plug is a business, so enter the business name in the last name field.
Go to the California DMV's NRL page and click Start NRL. Or fill out REG 138 and mail it to DMV headquarters.
Save your confirmation.

Your license plates

Standard California plates stay with the car. Leave them on.
Personalized or specialty plates are yours to keep. Remove them before pickup.

Keep for your records

Your NRL confirmation
A copy of the signed title
Your Bill of Sale

Official source

California DMV: Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

← Back to all states · Related: After the sale: insurance, registration and plates

DMV rules change. Last reviewed October 2026. Check the California DMV site for the latest requirements.