Transfer and Release of Liability
Responsibilities When Selling a Vehicle

Someone finally bought your old car and now you’re thinking you’re off the hook and rid of being responsible, correct? Not so fast! When selling or transferring a vehicle to another person you must take the correct precautions to protect yourself in the future. In this case, the preventative measure is titled Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, also known as a NRL. A NRL is a form that must be filled out and submitted to the DMV to fully transfer a vehicle to its new owner. This is a crucial step of car selling that many forget to take and the California Department of Motor Vehicles wants to ensure that you aren’t one of those people. Below are several frequently asked questions regarding the NRL:

Am I required to notify the DMV when I sell or transfer my vehicle to another owner?
Yes. By law you are required to notify the DMV within five calendar days from the date you sell or transfer the title and deliver the vehicle to another owner.

How does the NRL protect me?
When properly completed and the information has been recorded by the DMV, liability for parking and traffic violations which resulted after the date of sale become the sole responsibility of the vehicle’s purchaser/new owner.
Is the NRL something that I can fill out and submit online?
Yes! We encourage you to take advantage of the DMV’s online services and complete this process using our Web site, www.DMV.ca.gov. From the homepage, click on the Online Services tab and then scroll down the page until you see Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. After you have completed your transaction, be sure to print a copy of the e-mailed confirmation to keep for your records.

What information is necessary when submitting the NRL?
When filling out the NRL, the following information is required:
- Description of the vehicle including the license plate number, vehicle identification number, vehicle make and vehicle model
- New owner’s name and address
- Vehicle odometer reading at time of sale
- Date of sale
- Seller’s name and address
If any of the above information is missing, the DMV may be unable to update the vehicle record and therefore the seller may remain liable for the vehicle.

By filling out a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability you will be obligation and worry-free of any incidents that occur between your old car and its new owner.

For more information regarding the selling of your vehicle and all of the additional services provided by the DMV online, visit www.dmv.ca.gov. Save time. Go online!
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