How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in California in 2026
California provides an online system for canceling vehicle registration through the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. The California Department of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration programs statewide, with processing available through the online portal, in person at DMV field offices, or by mail.
When you sell, donate, or transfer ownership of your vehicle, submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability protects you from future liability and initiates the registration cancellation process for your records.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Vehicle owners in California must cancel registration under various circumstances:
- Transferring vehicle ownership through private sale or gift
- Trading in your vehicle at a dealership
- Donating the vehicle to a charitable organization or nonprofit entity
- Establishing residency in another state and registering the vehicle there
- Surrendering a vehicle to a dismantler or automotive recycling facility
- Filing a total loss claim with your insurance carrier
- Reporting a stolen vehicle that law enforcement has not recovered
- Placing a vehicle in non-operational storage for an extended period
- Terminating liability insurance without plans to use the vehicle on public roadways
Online Registration Cancellation Process
California allows vehicle owners to cancel registrations electronically through the state's online services platform. This method provides immediate confirmation and protects you from liability after the transfer of ownership.
Completing the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Online
Access the DMV online services to initiate the registration cancellation. California law requires notification to the DMV within five calendar days whenever you sell or transfer your vehicle.
Required Actions:
- Navigate to the DMV Virtual Field Office online services portal
- Select "Complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability"
- Enter your vehicle information, including license plate number and vehicle identification number
- Provide buyer or recipient information, including name and address
- Enter the date of sale or transfer
- Submit the completed notice electronically
- Retain the confirmation number for your records
License Plate Handling
After selling or transferring your vehicle, you may remove the license plates and either retain them for transfer to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV. California allows you to transfer your license plates to a replacement vehicle you purchase. If you choose not to transfer the plates, you should destroy them by cutting them in half or surrendering them at any DMV field office.
In-Person and Mail Processing Options
Vehicle owners may also complete registration cancellations in person at any DMV field office or by submitting documentation through mail.
Required Documentation:
- Valid California driver's license or government-issued identification card
- Completed Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) form
- Vehicle license plates if surrendering
- Original certificate of registration
In-Person Processing:
Visit a DMV field office during business hours with all required documentation. DMV staff will process your notice, collect license plates if applicable, and provide a receipt confirming the transaction. Processing occurs immediately during your visit.
Mail Processing:
Mail your completed REG 138 form to:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Ave., Mail Station C271
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Include all vehicle and buyer information on the form. The DMV will process your submission upon receipt and update its records accordingly.
Refund of Registration Fees
California law permits vehicle owners to request refunds of registration fees under specific qualifying conditions. Refunds are calculated on a proportional basis when registration is canceled before the expiration date.
Refund Eligibility
The California Department of Motor Vehicles evaluates refund applications for these situations:
- Fees paid erroneously or in amounts exceeding statutory requirements
- Proportional unused registration fees following cancellation before expiration
- Duplicate registration fee payments for the same renewal period
- Registration fees paid for vehicles subsequently declared total losses
- Fees collected for registrations that were not legally required
Refund Application Procedures
Step 1: Complete Required Forms
Obtain and complete the Application for Refund (ADM 399) from the California DMV website. Provide complete vehicle information, detailed refund justification, and your current mailing address.
Step 2: Assemble Supporting Materials
Gather documentation substantiating your refund claim:
- Surrendered license plates or verification of plate return
- Original registration payment receipt or canceled check
- Bill of sale, title transfer documentation, or insurance total loss letter
- Police report for stolen vehicles
- Confirmation of your Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability submission
Step 3: Submit Application Package
Mail your completed ADM 399 form and all supporting documents to:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Ave., Mail Station C271
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Alternatively, deliver your application in person to any DMV field office where staff can verify completeness and forward it for processing.
Step 4: DMV Review and Determination
The Registration Operations Division reviews submitted applications under procedures established in California Vehicle Code Section 42231. The DMV determines eligibility, calculates the refund amount based on unused registration months, and issues payment by check to the address provided. Processing typically requires four to six weeks from receipt of a complete application.
Important: File your refund application promptly after canceling registration. The refund amount is based on the complete unused months remaining in your registration period. Delays in filing reduce the refund amount you may receive.
Governing Laws and Regulations
California vehicle registration cancellation procedures are governed by state statutes codified in the California Vehicle Code:
- California Vehicle Code Section 5900 establishes requirements for the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability when transferring or selling vehicles
- California Vehicle Code Sections 5500 - 5506 establishes requirements for surrendering license plates and registration cards
- California Vehicle Code Section Chapter 1 Article 6 addresses refusal of vehicle registration
Government Agencies
California Department of Motor Vehicles
California Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
DMV Online Services
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
DMV Field Offices
California operates DMV field offices throughout the state to serve local communities. The following offices serve California's largest metropolitan areas:
DMV Los Angeles Office
3615 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Los Angeles Office
DMV San Diego Office
3960 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV San Diego Office
DMV San Jose Office
111 W Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV San Jose Office
DMV San Francisco Office
1377 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV San Francisco Office
DMV Fresno Office
655 W Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Fresno Office
DMV Sacramento Office
4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Sacramento Office
DMV Oakland Office
5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Oakland Office
DMV Long Beach Office
3700 East Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Long Beach Office
DMV Bakersfield Office
3120 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Bakersfield Office
DMV Riverside Office
6280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Official Website: DMV Riverside Office
