California's Bill of Sale Form for the DMV: What You Need to Know

California does not require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title at the DMV

California's Department of Motor Vehicles does not have an official bill of sale form, and you do not need one to complete a title transfer. The state uses the REG 135 form (process for Title or Registration) as the legal document that records the sale. When you submit REG 135 to the DMV with the signed title and payment, that becomes your proof of the transaction.

However, a bill of sale is still useful to create for your own records. It documents the sale price, the date, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and both the buyer's and seller's signatures. If a dispute arises later — about the condition of the vehicle, the price paid, or who owned it on a specific date — a bill of sale protects both parties. It is also helpful if you are selling a vehicle with a lien on it, because it shows the buyer understood the debt situation.

Key Takeaways

California does not require a bill of sale form to transfer title; the REG 135 form filed with the DMV serves as the official record of sale.
You can create your own bill of sale using a template for personal protection and documentation, even though it is not legally required by the state.
The seller must sign the title in the designated area and provide it to the buyer along with the vehicle keys and registration documents.
The buyer submits the signed title and REG 135 form to the DMV within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name appears on the title, and the lien must be paid off before the title can transfer to the new owner.

What information to include if you write your own bill of sale

If you decide to create a bill of sale for protection, include the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to prevent alteration. Add the date of sale, the odometer reading, and the condition of the vehicle (as-is, with warranty, or with specific repairs completed). Both the seller and buyer should print their names, sign, and date the document.

You can also note whether the vehicle has a lien, the loan balance if known, and the name of the lienholder. If the seller is transferring the vehicle with outstanding repairs or known mechanical issues, documenting that in the bill of sale protects the buyer from later claims. Some sellers include a statement that the vehicle is sold "as-is" with no warranty, which limits the buyer's recourse if problems appear after the sale.

California does not mandate a specific format for a bill of sale, so you can write one by hand or type it. What matters is that both parties sign it and each keeps a copy. The bill of sale does not go to the DMV — it stays with you and the buyer as a private record.

How the REG 135 form replaces the bill of sale in the DMV process

The REG 135 is the form that officially tells the California DMV a vehicle has changed hands. The seller completes the top section with their name and address, signs it, and gives it to the buyer. The buyer then completes their section, signs, and submits the form to the DMV along with the signed title, proof of payment, and any other required documents.

When the DMV receives the REG 135 and the signed title together, they record the buyer as the new registered owner. This is the moment the transfer becomes official in California's system. The REG 135 serves as the state's record of who sold the vehicle and who bought it, so in that sense it functions as the bill of sale does in other states — it is the legal proof of the transaction.

When a bill of sale becomes important despite not being required

A bill of sale matters most when the sale price is disputed, the vehicle has hidden damage, or the buyer later claims they did not know about a lien. If you sell a vehicle and the buyer later sues you, a signed bill of sale showing they bought it "as-is" can protect you. If you buy a vehicle and the seller misrepresented its condition, a bill of sale documenting what was promised can help you prove your case.

A bill of sale is also valuable if you are selling a vehicle with a lien still on it. The document can state that the buyer understands the lien exists and agrees to allow the seller to use the sale proceeds to pay it off. This prevents confusion later if the lienholder takes time to release the title.

If you are selling a vehicle privately rather than to a dealer, creating a bill of sale takes a few minutes and costs nothing. It is one of the easiest ways to document that both parties agreed to the terms of the sale.

The timeline for submitting documents after a sale

California law requires the buyer to submit the signed title and REG 135 form to the DMV within 10 days of purchase. If the buyer does not meet this important date, they may face a penalty and the vehicle may not be registered in their name. The seller should also submit their portion of the title to the DMV within 10 days to clear their name from the registration.

If you are the seller, do not wait for the buyer to handle the paperwork. Sign the title, complete your section of the REG 135, and hand both documents to the buyer in person. Keep a copy of the bill of sale (if you created one) and a photo of the signed title for your records. Once the buyer has submitted everything to the DMV, you will receive confirmation that the vehicle is no longer registered to you.

Vehicles with liens and how a bill of sale helps

If you are selling a vehicle that still has a loan against it, the lienholder's name appears on the title. You cannot transfer a clear title to the buyer until the lien is paid off. A bill of sale in this situation should state that the buyer understands the lien exists and that the seller will use the sale proceeds to pay it off before the title transfers.

Some buyers are uncomfortable with this arrangement because they do not own the vehicle free and clear until the lien is released. A bill of sale that spells out the timeline — for example, "Seller will pay off the lien within 5 business days of this sale" — gives the buyer confidence that the process will move forward. Once the lender releases the lien, the seller can sign the title and submit it to the DMV with the buyer's information.

Where to find a bill of sale template

California does not provide an official bill of sale template because the state does not require one. However, you can find templates online through legal document websites, the California Secretary of State's office resources, or by searching "California bill of sale template." Most templates are free and include the standard information: vehicle details, sale price, date, buyer and seller names, and signature lines.

You can also write a bill of sale from scratch using plain language. The document does not need to be notarized or witnessed in California, though some buyers and sellers choose to have it notarized for extra protection. If you do have it notarized, keep that document with your records — it may help if a dispute arises later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notarized bill of sale in California?

No, California does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. A handwritten or typed bill of sale signed by both parties is legally valid. Notarization adds an extra layer of proof that both parties signed it, but it is not necessary for the sale to be official.

What happens if I sell a car without a bill of sale?

The sale is still legal as long as you sign the title and submit the REG 135 form to the DMV. However, without a bill of sale, you have no written record of the sale price, the date, or the condition of the vehicle. If a dispute arises later, you will have a harder time proving what was agreed to.

Can I use a bill of sale instead of signing the title?

No. The signed title is what the DMV requires to transfer ownership. A bill of sale documents the sale between you and the buyer, but the title is the legal proof of ownership. Both documents serve different purposes, and you need both to complete the transfer.

What if the buyer does not submit the paperwork to the DMV within 10 days?

The buyer may face a late registration penalty. You, as the seller, should also submit your portion of the title to the DMV to remove yourself from the registration. If the buyer never registers the vehicle and it is involved in an accident or crime, you could be held liable. Keep a copy of your bill of sale and the signed title as proof you completed your part of the sale.

Should I keep a copy of the bill of sale after the sale is complete?

Yes. Keep a copy for at least three to five years. If a dispute arises about the condition of the vehicle, the price paid, or the date of sale, your copy of the bill of sale is your proof of what was agreed to. It also protects you if the buyer later claims they did not know about mechanical problems or liens.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.