File within five calendar days
California DMV requires the seller to submit the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five calendar days of the sale or transfer. Use the official online service or current REG 138 form. Keep the confirmation with your sale records.
Gather accurate buyer details
Record the actual buyer, sale date and vehicle information. Check the VIN and plate details before submitting. Do not leave the purchaser unidentified or substitute the transport driver for the purchasing entity.
The buyer still has a transfer task
The notice reports your sale; it does not itself complete the buyer’s title transfer. Retain the signed transaction records and respond promptly if DMV asks for corrections.
Official sources.
Sources reviewed September 26, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.
Continue with your California sale.
Keeping California personalized or special-interest platesDecide whether to retain, transfer or release California special-interest plates before pickup. Use the plate-specific DMV instructions rather than assuming ordinary-plate rules apply.California vehicle pickup and sale recordsFor a California pickup, prepare the ownership documents, agree the buyer and amount, arrange access and keep the sale record. Complete the separate DMV sale notification afterward.California car-selling forms and document checklistChoose California vehicle forms by the task: replacement title, sale notification, representation or permanent disposal. An ordinary sale does not require every form in this directory.