REG 138 SP Form – Selling or transferring a vehicle in California? The REG 138 SP Form (Aviso de Traspaso y Liberación de Responsabilidad) is your official way to protect yourself from future liability. This Spanish-language version of the DMV’s Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability helps Spanish-speaking drivers notify the California DMV quickly and correctly.
Filing the REG 138 SP releases you from parking tickets, traffic violations, and civil or criminal liability after the sale date. It is required by law (California Vehicle Code §§5602 and 5900) and must be submitted within 5 calendar days of the transfer.
What Is the REG 138 SP Form?
The REG 138 SP is the official Spanish-language Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is the bilingual (primarily Spanish) counterpart to the English REG 138 form.
This form notifies the DMV that you have sold, transferred, or returned a leased vehicle or vessel. Once processed, liability for any incidents after the sale date shifts to the new owner. It does not transfer title or ownership—that is handled separately by the buyer using the endorsed title.
The current revision is REG 138 SP (REV. 3/2024), matching the official PDF you can download here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/12/REG-138-SP-R3-2024-AS-WWW.pdf
Why Filing the REG 138 SP Form Matters
Without a properly filed Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle even after you sell it. This can include:
- Parking or traffic tickets issued after the sale
- Civil lawsuits or criminal actions related to the vehicle
- Renewal notices and fees sent to your address
Submitting the REG 138 SP (or its English version) within 5 days protects you and stops future DMV mailings for that vehicle. The DMV updates its records, and you receive no confirmation if mailed (online gives instant receipt).
Who Needs to File the REG 138 SP Form?
Any California-registered vehicle or vessel owner who:
- Sells or transfers the vehicle to a new owner
- Returns a leased vehicle
- Gives the vehicle as a gift (price = $0)
The seller (or person in physical possession) is responsible. Businesses can file by entering the company name. You can have someone file on your behalf, but you remain accountable for accuracy.
How to Download the Official REG 138 SP PDF?
- Visit the trusted link provided: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/12/REG-138-SP-R3-2024-AS-WWW.pdf
- Download and print the two-sided form (free and official).
- Keep a photocopy for your records.
The form is also listed on the DMV Spanish forms page and matches the latest revision (3/2024).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling Out the REG 138 SP Form
Print clearly in capital letters using black or blue ink. Complete every field—missing or illegible information may invalidate your release.
Front side fields (in Spanish):
- Descripción del vehículo o embarcación
- Número de placa (license plate) or CF number
- Marca o fabricante (make)
- Año de modelo (year)
- Número de serie del vehículo o casco (VIN or hull number – last 5 digits recommended)
- Nombre y dirección del nuevo dueño
- Apellido del nuevo dueño (or company name)
- Primer nombre
- Dirección + número de apto.
- Ciudad, estado, código postal
- Lectura del odómetro (odometer reading – no decimals; motor vehicles only)
- Fecha de venta, traspaso o devolución (month/day/year)
- Su información como vendedor o arrendatario
- Apellido (or company) + primer nombre
- Dirección + apto.
- Ciudad, estado, código postal
- Precio de venta (whole dollars; enter “0” for gift)
- Firma del vendedor (signature)
Back side includes mailing instructions, privacy notice, and a detachable copy for your records.
Pro tip: Double-check the new owner’s information. If unknown, you may write “unknown,” but this could delay processing.
How to Submit the REG 138 SP Form – Online or Mail?
Fastest option (recommended):
File online at dmv.ca.gov/nrl (English interface, but accepts the same data). You get instant confirmation. The DMV updates records within 1 business day.
Paper option (REG 138 SP):
Mail the completed top portion to:
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
P.O. BOX 942859
SACRAMENTO, CA 94259-0001
Use first-class postage. Keep the bottom detachable section for your files. No additional documents (like bill of sale) should be included.
Deadline: File Within 5 Calendar Days
California law requires submission within 5 calendar days of the sale/transfer date. Late filing may leave you liable. Online is fastest; mail works but offers no receipt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with REG 138 SP
- Illegible handwriting or missing fields
- Incorrect VIN, plate, or new owner details
- Forgetting to sign
- Sending extra documents
- Waiting longer than 5 days
- Not keeping a copy
Any error can prevent the DMV from updating the record and void your liability release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about REG 138 SP
Can I file REG 138 SP online?
The online NRL tool (dmv.ca.gov/nrl) is the quickest method. Use the Spanish paper form if you prefer to mail a completed Spanish document.
Do I need to file if I already filed online?
No—do not mail a duplicate.
How do I prove I filed it?
Online: save the confirmation. Mailed: keep your photocopy. For official copies later, request INF 70.
Is the REG 138 SP only for Spanish speakers?
Yes, it is the official Spanish version, but anyone can use it.
What if the new owner is unknown?
You may enter “unknown,” but accuracy is best for fast processing.
Protect Yourself Today – Download and File REG 138 SP
The REG 138 SP Form is your free, official tool to release liability after selling a California vehicle. Download it directly from the DMV here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/12/REG-138-SP-R3-2024-AS-WWW.pdf
File online at dmv.ca.gov/nrl for fastest results or mail the paper form within 5 days. Always keep a copy for your records.
For the latest official information, visit the California DMV Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability page. Safe driving and smooth transfers!