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California Department of Motor Vehicles

Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

Welcome to the DMV Online Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) System.

Reporting the sale or transfer of a vehicle or vessel to the department does not constitute a transfer of ownership. The record is not permanently transferred out of your name until the department receives a completed application for transfer of ownership and payment of appropriate fees from the new owner.

When this form is properly completed and the information is recorded by DMV, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from operation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the new buyer.

To process an NRL you must have the:

  • License plate number
  • Last five digits of the vehicle identification number
  • New owner's name and address

For more information, please refer to the NRL FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).