🚨The Great California Plate Debate: To Keep or Not to Keep? 🚗
Dude, you're trying to offload your whip in the Golden State, and suddenly you're staring at those iconic plates, wondering, "Are we breaking up, or are you coming with me?" It's a classic California conundrum, a bureaucratic roller coaster that's less thrilling than a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway but way more important for avoiding a major headache later. So, grab a fresh avocado toast, because we're about to dive deep into the hilarious, yet mandatory, world of California DMV procedures.
Spoiler alert for your standard issue plates: They're staying put! That’s right. In a move that goes against what a lot of other states do, California plates usually belong to the car, not the person. They're basically loyal to the chassis. But, like everything with the DMV, there are totally exceptions, and if you mess this up, you'll be playing phone tag with the state for weeks.
Step 1: 🧐 Figure Out What Kind of Plates You're Rolling With
This is where the magic (or the misery) begins. The answer to "Do I keep my plates?" hinges on what kind of metal masterpieces are bolted onto your ride.
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| Do I Keep My Plates When Selling A Car In California |
1.1. The Standard Issue Plates (The Loyal Soldier)
These are the run-of-the-mill, seven-character plates. Think white with blue or black lettering. They are the default in California, and they are like a committed couple with the car.
General Rule: Leave them on the car! They stay with the vehicle, and the new owner simply registers the vehicle with those existing plates. Trying to remove them is like trying to separate a teenager from their phone—unnecessary drama.
1.2. The 'Fancy Pants' Plates (The Diva)
Did you shell out the extra dough for personalized plates (like "BYEFELICIA") or special interest plates (like the Whale Tail or Yosemite plate)? Aha! This is your exception!
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Personalized/Special Interest Plates Rule: You totally keep these! They are tied to you, the plate-holder, not the car. You have the right to retain them and transfer them to your next sweet ride (or keep them "on file" for later, which sounds way more official than it is). Do not leave these on the car unless you are intentionally selling the personalized plate configuration to the new owner (which almost never happens).
1.3. Special Recognition Plates (The V.I.P.)
Plates like Disabled Person (DP) or Disabled Veteran (DV) plates are also tied to the person.
Special Recognition Plates Rule: Remove them! These plates are definitely yours to keep/surrender to the DMV, not the buyer's. The buyer will need to apply for standard (or their own special) plates.
Step 2: ✍️ The Paperwork Hustle (This Ain't No Casual Email)
Selling a car in California is less about the handshake and more about the paper trail. Your main goal is to scream to the DMV, "It's not my problem anymore!"
2.1. The Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL)
This form is your get-out-of-jail-free card for future parking tickets, traffic violations, and general happenings involving the car. Seriously, don't skip this step, or you might find yourself explaining to a judge why you weren't the one running that red light three weeks after the sale.
How to do it: You can file this form (officially Form REG 138) online on the DMV website. It's the fastest and best way, because who has time to find a mailbox?
When to do it: You need to notify the DMV within 5 calendar days of the sale. Do this immediately after the exchange of cash and title.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
2.2. Handling the Title (The Pink Slip)
You need to complete the Assignment of Title section on the back of the California Certificate of Title (the famous "Pink Slip").
Seller's Job: Sign and print your name, fill in the odometer mileage reading (unless exempt, but let's be real, you're filling it out), and note the sale price and date.
Buyer's Job: They need to sign it too. Make copies for your records! This signed title is what the buyer uses to officially transfer the car into their name.
2.3. The Smog Certificate Saga
Unless your car is a total antique or you're transferring it to a family member, the seller (that's you!) is generally responsible for providing a valid Smog Certificate.
The Golden Rule: The inspection must be done within 90 days of the sale date. No valid smog, no legal sale. Simple as that.
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Step 3: 🛠️ The Plate Removal/Retention Action Plan
If you determined in Step 1 that you are keeping your plates (The Diva or V.I.P. options), here is your next move.
3.1. The Personalized Plate Transfer Tactic
If you want to keep your sweet vanity plate and slap it on your shiny new SUV (or your beat-up truck—no judgment!), you need to file a Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17).
Pro Move: You'll submit this form along with a retention fee. This holds the plate number for you, effectively reserving it until you’re ready to assign it to your new vehicle. You then physically remove the plates from the car you just sold. The buyer will then drive away plate-less (with their bill of sale and title) and get new, boring standard plates from the DMV when they register the car.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
3.2. Surrendering Special Recognition Plates
For plates like DP or DV, you'll physically remove them. You may need to surrender them to the DMV (some people just recycle them, but officially, surrendering is the move) or transfer them to another vehicle you own if you still qualify. The buyer, again, gets new standard plates.
3.3. The Standard Plate Chill
If you have standard plates, do nothing. Seriously. Leave them bolted on. The buyer needs them to drive legally (at least until they complete the transfer process). Your NRL submission is your shield. The plates are the car's problem now.
Step 4: 🤝 Sealing the Deal Like a Boss
You’ve got the cash, the title is signed, the plates are handled (or left alone). You are almost there.
Final Hand-off: Give the buyer the signed Certificate of Title, the current registration card, and the valid Smog Certificate.
Your Final Action: Double-check that you've submitted that NRL online. You can even print the confirmation page for your records—it’s better than gold. You have now successfully completed your California car-selling mission. Go treat yourself to a massive burrito!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I legally protect myself after selling my car in California?
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
You legally protect yourself by immediately filing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) with the California DMV online within 5 calendar days of the sale. This crucial step transfers all responsibility for the vehicle (like tickets or accidents) to the new owner starting from the date of the sale.
What should the buyer do with the license plates I left on the car?
If you left standard plates on the car, the buyer uses them to drive legally for a short period. The buyer must then officially complete the title transfer and registration process with the DMV within 10 days of the purchase, which will officially link those plates to their name and vehicle record.
Can I get a refund for my unused registration fees after selling my car?
Generally, no. California does not typically prorate or refund registration fees when a vehicle is sold privately. The registration fees are tied to the vehicle for the full year.
How do I transfer my personalized license plate to my new vehicle in California?
You transfer a personalized plate by filling out a Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) and paying a retention fee, which holds the plate number for you. You then physically remove the plates from the old car and can request to have them assigned to your new vehicle.
What happens if I forget to remove my personalized plates and the buyer drives off?
If you forget to remove your personalized plates, you should contact the DMV immediately and inform them that the plates were retained by the seller. This is critical because those plates are still registered to you and could lead to major liability issues until the buyer registers the car with new plates.
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