In some states, a release of liability form must be filed with the DMV whenever a vehicle is sold, donated, or gifted to someone else. In other states, the release form is optional and sent as a means to inform the DMV that the previous owner is no longer liable for the vehicle.

Clicking the link below allows individuals to view a list of state-specific release forms and the deadlines for filing with the DMV following the transfer of ownership.

State-Specific Forms
STATE	FORM – PDF OR ONLINE	REQUIRED?	FILING DEADLINE
Alabama	N/A	❌	N/A
Alaska	Report the Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle	✅	10 days[1]
Arizona	Sold Notice	✅	10 days[2]
Arkansas	Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle	❌	N/A
California	Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability	✅	5 days[3]
Colorado	Report Release of Liability – Link found under “Vehicle Services”	❌	5 days[4]
Connecticut	N/A	❌	N/A
Delaware	Report of Sale	✅	N/A
Florida	Notice of Sale	✅	N/A
Georgia	N/A	❌	N/A
Hawaii	Notice of Transfer: Hawaii Honolulu Kauai Maui	✅	10 days[5]
Idaho	Notice of Release of Liability	✅	5 days[6]
Illinois	Seller’s Report of Sale	✅	N/A
Indiana	N/A	❌	N/A
Iowa	Notice of Sale and Delivery of Title	❌	N/A
Kansas	N/A	❌	N/A
Kentucky	N/A	❌	N/A
Louisiana	Notice of Transfer of Vehicle	✅	15 days[7]
Maine	N/A	❌	N/A
Maryland	N/A	❌	N/A
Massachusetts	N/A	❌	N/A
Michigan	N/A	❌	N/A
Minnesota	Report of Sale	✅	N/A
Mississippi	N/A	❌	N/A
Missouri	Notice of Sale or Transfer	✅	30 days[8]
Montana	N/A	❌	N/A
Nebraska	N/A	❌	N/A
Nevada	N/A	❌	N/A
New Hampshire	N/A	❌	N/A
New Jersey	N/A	❌	N/A
New Mexico	Notice of Vehicle Sold	✅	N/A
New York	N/A	❌	N/A
North Carolina	N/A	❌	N/A
North Dakota	N/A	❌	N/A
Ohio	N/A	❌	N/A
Oklahoma	Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle	❌	N/A
Oregon	Notice of Sale or Transfer of a Vehicle	✅	10 days[9]
Pennsylvania	N/A	❌	N/A
Rhode Island	N/A	❌	N/A
South Carolina	Notice of Vehicle Sold	✅	N/A
South Dakota	Seller’s Report of Sale	✅	Immediately[10]
Tennessee	N/A	❌	N/A
Texas	Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification	❌	30 days[11]
Utah	Report a Sold Vehicle	✅	N/A
Vermont	N/A	❌	N/A
Virginia	Notify DMV	✅	N/A
Washington	Vehicle Report of Sale	✅	5 business days[12]
West Virginia	Sold Vehicle or Watercraft Notice	❌	N/A
Wisconsin	Private Seller Notification	✅	30 days[13]
Wyoming	N/A	❌	N/A