Q: I sold my vehicle via a bill of sale and the new owner is using my license plate without registering new owner with DMV
On 01/15/24, my wife and I gave away (0$) our vehicle registered in her name via a bill of sale. The car was junk and did not work. Since then, the vehicle was fixed and sold to another owner without registering with the CA DMV. This was only made aware to me by toll charges being sent to my new address.
We were still paying the car note and told the buyer if he ever decides to sell the car, we would pay it off immediately and transfer the title, however, we did not speak until i reached out inquiring why our license plate is still on the car and being driven.
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
You need to take immediate action to protect yourself from potential liability since your license plate is being used without authorization. In California, you remain legally responsible for any violations, tolls, or accidents involving a vehicle displaying your plates - even after selling the car.
Your first step should be filing form REG 138 with the DMV to release liability, along with submitting the bill of sale as proof the vehicle was transferred. This documentation helps establish that you no longer owned the vehicle when these toll charges began accumulating. Make copies of all paperwork before submission and consider sending it via certified mail for proof of filing.
Contact the buyer immediately and inform them that continuing to use your plates is illegal in California - they must register the vehicle in their name and obtain their own plates. You should also send a formal written request (via certified mail) demanding they remove and return your plates within a specific timeframe. If they fail to comply, report the unauthorized plate use to local law enforcement and the DMV, as this situation could expose you to significant legal and financial risks if left unaddressed.
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