Form REG 138. Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

The REG 138 - Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form is used by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to document the transfer of ownership of a vehicle and release the seller from any liability associated with the vehicle.

The form consists of several parts, including fields for the vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model of the vehicle, date of sale, and buyer and seller information. It also includes a section for the seller to certify that they have provided the buyer with a valid smog certificate (if required), and a section for the buyer to certify that they will register the vehicle within a certain timeframe.

When completing the form, it is important to provide accurate and complete information to ensure that the transfer of ownership is properly documented and the seller is released from liability. The form must be signed by both the buyer and seller, and additional documents such as the vehicle title and smog certificate may need to be attached.

Examples of when this form may be used include when selling or transferring ownership of a vehicle, or when a vehicle is gifted or donated. By using this form, both the buyer and seller can protect themselves from any liability associated with the vehicle.

Strengths of this form include its ability to document the transfer of ownership and release the seller from liability, while weaknesses may include the potential for errors or incomplete information. Opportunities for improvement may include the use of digital forms or automated processing systems.

Alternative forms or analogues may include bill of sale forms or other transfer of ownership documents, but these may not provide the same level of liability protection as the REG 138 form.

Overall, the use of the REG 138 form is essential for properly documenting the transfer of ownership of a vehicle and releasing the seller from any liability associated with the vehicle. The completed form should be submitted to the California DMV and a copy should be retained by both the buyer and seller for future reference.