In California, the general rule is that license plates stay with the vehicle. So, when you sell your car, the plates should usually remain with it. This is different from some other states where the plates stay with the seller. But remember, there are exceptions.
The registered owner or the person in physical possession of a vehicle being sold/transferred must submit a completed REG 138 to DMV within five calendar days of the sale (transfer). This can be done using a printed REG 138 or online, using the Internet Notice of Release of Liability (IRL) on the DMV Internet website.
If the buyer does not sign the title and mail or give it to DVS, then the seller's name stays on the title of the car. If the buyer doesn't transfer the title within 10 days, the car's registration is suspended. What should I do if I sold a car but didn't report the sale? You should report the sale to DVS immediately.
You can transfer ownership of the vehicle by mailing your completed form to DMV or visiting a DMV field office in person.
After you sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle or vessel to another party, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to let DMV know that ownership of the vehicle/vessel has changed.
Complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. The seller is responsible for reporting the change of ownership to DMV within 5 days from the date of sale. After DMV updates the information from the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, you will be cleared from future liability on the vehicle.
If the buyer does not sign the title and mail or give it to DVS, then the seller's name stays on the title of the car. If the buyer doesn't transfer the title within 10 days, the car's registration is suspended. What should I do if I sold a car but didn't report the sale? You should report the sale to DVS immediately.