So you just sold your car in California? Congrats! But hold up – before you celebrate, did you file that CA DMV release of liability? If not, buckle up because I learned this lesson the hard way. Back in 2019, I sold my old Honda Civic to a guy on Craigslist. Two months later? A stack of parking tickets showed up at MY door. Turns out the new owner never registered it, and DMV still thought I owned the car. That headache cost me $300 and a whole lot of stress.
That’s why I’m breaking down everything about the California DMV release of liability form. This isn’t legal advice – just real talk from someone who’s been through the wringer. Whether you sold your car, junked it, or transferred plates, missing this step can wreck your wallet.
What Exactly is a CA DMV Release of Liability?
Think of a CA DMV release of liability as your "I’m out" card. It’s a legal notice to the DMV saying you’re no longer responsible for a vehicle after:
- Selling or gifting it to someone
- Sending it to the junkyard
- Having it stolen (yes, really!)
- Transferring plates to another vehicle
Without this form? You could be on the hook for parking tickets, toll violations, accidents – even if the car’s long gone. DMV doesn’t magically know you sold it.
Pro Tip: I always snap photos of the signed title AND the buyer’s driver’s license. Saved me when a buyer ghosted after a fender-bender last year.
Exactly When to File Your Release of Liability
Deadline matters. California gives you 5 days from the sale/transfer date to file. But honestly? Do it the same day. Here’s why:
| Situation | When to File | What Happens If Late? |
|---|---|---|
| Private sale to new owner | Within 24 hours | Risk tickets/towing fees if buyer delays registration |
| Donating to charity | Day donation paperwork is signed | Charity might not notify DMV for weeks |
| Junking at a scrapyard | Before leaving the yard | Yards sometimes "forget" to file paperwork |
| Vehicle stolen | Within 48 hours of police report | Thief racks up violations in your name |
My neighbor waited 10 days to file after selling his truck. Got slapped with $1,200 in unpaid bridge tolls because the new owner blew through FasTrak lanes daily. Took him 3 months to fight it.
Required Info for Filing (Don't Skip Anything!)
Grab these details BEFORE the buyer drives off:
- Vehicle license plate number (CA plates only)
- Last 5 digits of VIN – find it on dash/driver’s door
- Sale date & price (even if $0)
- Buyer’s full name & address – make them write it legibly!
DMV release of liability filings get rejected most often for incomplete buyer info. That kid who bought my motorcycle wrote his address as "Near 7-Eleven, Fresno." Yeah, that didn’t fly.
How to File Your CA Release of Liability: 3 Methods Compared
California offers three ways to submit – here’s the real scoop on each:
| Method | Time to Process | Cost | Best For | Annoyance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online at CA DMV Website | Instant confirmation | Free | Most sellers (if you have buyer’s info) | ⭐ (Super easy!) |
| Mail Form REG 138 (Download from DMV site) |
4-6 weeks | Free | No internet access | ⭐⭐⭐ (Slow and risky) |
| In-Person at DMV Office | Same day | Free | Complex cases (e.g., missing title) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bring snacks!) |
Online Filing Walkthrough
I’ve done this 4 times – here’s how it works:
- Go to CA DMV’s Online Services
- Click "Release of Liability" under Vehicles
- Enter plate number, last 5 VIN digits, sale date
- Type buyer’s FULL name and address (triple-check spelling!)
- Enter your email for confirmation
Boom! You’ll get a confirmation number instantly. Save this number like gold – it’s your only proof until DMV updates records (takes 1-2 weeks).
Why Mailing the Form Sucks
You’d think mailing Form REG 138 would be simple. But last year, DMV admitted 40% of mailed releases get "lost" or delayed. My cousin mailed hers and got a red-light camera ticket 6 weeks later. No record of her form. She had to refile online while fighting the fine.
Critical Mistakes That Void Your Release of Liability
Screw these up, and your filing is worthless:
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Typos in buyer’s address | DMV can’t verify transfer | Photocopy buyer’s license |
| Wrong VIN digits | Links to wrong vehicle | Check registration card |
| Filing after buyer gets tickets | Doesn’t erase prior liabilities | File BEFORE handing keys over |
| Assuming dealer/junkyard filed | They often delay or forget | File it yourself anyway |
Warning: Filing a CA release of liability doesn’t cancel your insurance! Call your insurer immediately after filing to avoid gaps in coverage.
"But What If..." – Handling Messy Situations
Real life isn’t textbook. Here’s how I’ve seen people handle curveballs:
Buyer Refuses to Give Their Address
Happens more than you’d think. Solution: Use the address where the vehicle is parked (ask neighbors!). Or write "UNKNOWN" but include their phone/email. DMV may still accept it.
Car Was Totaled or Junked
You still need to file! For junkyards, get their business name and license number. For insurance write-offs, note "TOTAL LOSS" in buyer field with insurance co. details.
Stolen Vehicles (Nightmare Scenario)
File the CA DMV liability release immediately after police report. DMV requires the police report number. Keep a copy – I know someone whose stolen car got 27 parking tickets while impounded.
Proving Your Release Was Filed
DMV’s system updates slower than dial-up. Protect yourself with:
- Online confirmation code (print/screenshot)
- Certified mail receipt if filing by post
- DMV office stamped copy for in-person filings
California legally must honor filings within 5 days – but bureaucracies drag feet. When tickets arrive:
- Call DMV at (800) 777-0133 with confirmation#
- If unresolved, submit Form REG 256 (Statement of Facts)
- Send evidence via CERTIFIED MAIL
Top 10 CA Release of Liability FAQs
Q: Does filing release me from loan obligations?
A: Nope! If you still owe money, the lien stays. Notify your lender separately.
Q: Can I file if I lost the license plate number?
A: Yes, but you’ll need the FULL VIN. Find it on old insurance papers or registration.
Q: What if the buyer never registers the car?
A: Your release still protects you after 5 days. They’ll get cited for expired tags, not you.
Q: Do I need to notify my insurance?
A: Absolutely! The DMV liability release doesn’t cancel insurance. Do this immediately.
Q: Is digital signature valid for mailed forms?
A: No – DMV requires wet ink signatures on paper forms. Online filings are electronically signed.
Why Skipping This Will Cost You
I’ll be blunt: California makes it easy to file releases online because they profit from folks who forget. Unpaid tickets accrue penalties up to 300%. Towing companies charge $200/day storage. Worse? If the car’s used in a crime, police knock on YOUR door first.
Last summer, a San Diego man didn’t file after selling his RV. New owner dumped it on public land. He got fined $18k for environmental cleanup. Took 9 months to clear his name.
Bottom line: Filing a CA DMV release of liability takes 4 minutes online. Fighting liabilities takes months. Do it the moment the buyer drives away.
Got Stuck? DMV Contacts That Actually Help
Regular DMV lines are useless for release issues. Use these:
- Release of Liability Unit: (916) 657-8093 (M-F 8am-5pm)
- Email: [email protected] (include full name, plate, VIN)
- FAX: (916) 403-6344 (Send confirmation + explanation)
Pro tip: Call at 7:58am – you’ll skip the 2-hour hold music torture.
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