In California, donating your car to a charity can be a generous and impactful way to give back to the community. However, before you hand over your vehicle to a nonprofit organization, it’s important to know the steps you must take to ensure that the donation is legally processed. One of the key questions many car donors ask is whether they need to notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when they donate a vehicle. The answer is yes—proper notification to the DMV is crucial to protect yourself from potential liability and ensure the vehicle is officially removed from your name.
Why You Need to Notify the DMV
When you donate your car, the DMV needs to know that you no longer own the vehicle. Without informing them, the car might still be linked to you in the state’s records. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as receiving parking tickets, traffic violations, or even being held responsible for accidents involving the car after it has been donated.
Notifying the DMV that you have donated the car ensures that your ownership is officially transferred and that you are no longer accountable for any future incidents or legal issues involving the vehicle. Furthermore, the DMV keeps track of vehicle ownership in California, and it’s important to update their records to avoid confusion.
The Process of Notifying the DMV
The process for notifying the DMV when you donate your car in California is relatively straightforward. Here are the main steps to follow:
- Complete the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL):
When you donate your car, you must complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form (Form REG 138), which notifies the DMV that you have transferred ownership of the vehicle. This form can be submitted online through the DMV’s website, mailed in, or submitted in person at a DMV office. The form requires details such as the vehicle’s make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), along with the date of transfer. - Provide Proof of Donation to the Charity:
Many charities will provide you with a receipt confirming the donation, which can also be used for tax purposes. While this document is important for your personal records, you do not need to submit it to the DMV. However, make sure to keep it for your own reference and for possible tax deductions. - Remove License Plates (if required):
In California, the license plates stay with the vehicle when it is sold or transferred to a new owner. However, if you are donating your car to a nonprofit that will sell the vehicle, it’s a good idea to remove the plates before handing the car over, especially if the charity plans to scrap the car. You can then either transfer the plates to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV. - Confirm the Transfer with the Charity:
Ensure that the charity has completed the transfer of ownership with the DMV, particularly if they plan to sell the vehicle. Reputable organizations often handle this process, but it’s a good practice to confirm that the car has been officially recorded as no longer belonging to you.
Conclusion
Notifying the DMV after donating a car in California is essential for protecting yourself from potential liability and ensuring the vehicle is properly removed from your name. By filling out the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form and following the steps outlined above, you can make sure that your car donation is properly documented and that you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle. Always remember to keep records of the donation and the charity’s receipt for your own records, especially for tax purposes.
