"Ask George" - Expert Answers to Common DMV Questions

Do you have questions about general driving-related requirements like registration or insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has answers. For more information, visit the DMV Web site at http://www.DMV.ca.gov, where you can fill out the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form online without having to visit the DMV!

Reporting the sale or transfer of a vehicle to the department does not constitute a transfer of ownership. The record is not permanently transferred out of your name until the department receives a completed application for transfer of ownership and payment of appropriate fees from the new owner.

Q: I just sold my car to my neighbor. He told me he’d take care of all of the paperwork at the DMV for me but I want to make sure my name comes off the car. Is there something I can do to make sure this happens?

A: Yes. It is important that you report the sale or transfer of your vehicle to release you from liability. This is accomplished by completing and submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to the department.

When this form is properly completed and the information is recorded by the DMV, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from operation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the new owner.

Q: I recently moved. I put in a change of address form for my mail with the post office. Do I have to go to the DMV to update my driver license too?

A: You do need to change the address on your driver license, but you don’t need to go to the DMV to do it! Instead, you can change your residence or mailing address for your California Driver License online at http://www.DMV.ca.gov. Click on “Change of Address” to submit your new information. Don’t stand in line, go online!

Q: I want to buy specialized plates for my truck. Do I have to go into the DMV to see what my options are?

A: No. You can view all of your options for special interest license plates at http://www.DMV.ca.gov. Click on “Personalized Plates” to submit your order. Save the time, skip the line and go online!

Q: My driver license says that I wear corrective lenses. I just had Lasik eye correction surgery done. Do I need to let the DMV know?

A: Yes, you should notify the DMV. It is important that you make an appointment with the DMV to retake an eye exam.

If you recently had surgery to correct one eye for distance and the other for close-up vision, you may not meet the screening standard. A vision report from your eye specialist and a road test may be necessary. Once you have met all requirements, the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction noted on your driver license.

Updating your license to indicate you are no longer required to wear corrective lenses is especially important if you are stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation. Save yourself time. Just go online.