California's bill of sale is a signed record between you and the buyer or seller that documents the vehicle transfer

California does not have a single official bill of sale form that the DMV requires. Instead, the state accepts any written agreement between buyer and seller that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both parties. You can write this on plain paper, use a template, or purchase a pre-printed form from an office supply store — the DMV does not care which format you use as long as the essential information is present.

The bill of sale itself is not submitted to the DMV. Instead, it stays with you as proof of the transaction. When the seller transfers the title, they complete the back of the California Certificate of Title (the pink slip) and give it to the buyer. The bill of sale is a separate document that protects both parties if questions arise later about the sale price, condition, or terms.

Key Takeaways

  • California does not require a specific bill of sale form — any written agreement with the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures will work.
  • The bill of sale is not filed with the DMV; it remains with the buyer and seller as a private record of the transaction.
  • The actual title transfer happens on the back of the pink slip (Certificate of Title), which the seller signs and gives to the buyer.
  • If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must release it before the title can transfer, and this release is separate from the bill of sale.

What Information Must Be on a California Bill of Sale

At minimum, write down the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year. Include the sale price in dollars, the date of the sale, and the full names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Both parties must sign and date the document. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), note the lienholder's name and the loan payoff amount.

Many people also include the odometer reading, the vehicle's condition (as-is or with any known defects), and whether any warranties are included. These details are not required by the DMV but can prevent disputes later. If you are selling a vehicle with known problems, writing "sold as-is" on the bill of sale protects you from later claims that you misrepresented the condition.

How a Bill of Sale Differs from the Title Transfer

The bill of sale is a receipt and proof of sale. The title transfer is the legal handoff of ownership. In California, the title transfer happens when the seller signs the back of the pink slip (the Certificate of Title) and gives it to the buyer. The buyer then takes that signed pink slip to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name.

You can have a bill of sale without transferring the title — for example, if you sell a vehicle but the buyer has not yet registered it. You cannot legally transfer the title without some written record of the sale, though that record does not have to be a formal bill of sale. The bill of sale is straightforward the clearest way to document what happened and when.

When You Need a Bill of Sale in California

If you are buying or selling a vehicle in California, a bill of sale is not legally required by the state, but it is strongly recommended. The DMV does not ask for it, and you do not submit it. However, if a dispute arises — the buyer claims the seller misrepresented the vehicle, or the seller claims the buyer never paid — the bill of sale is your proof of what was agreed to and when.

A bill of sale is especially important if you are selling a vehicle privately (not through a dealer). Dealers issue their own paperwork, but private sellers should create one. If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller and they do not offer a bill of sale, write one yourself and ask them to sign it before you hand over money.

Handling Liens and Loans on the Bill of Sale

If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, the lienholder's name appears on the title. The seller cannot transfer a clear title to the buyer until the loan is paid off. The bill of sale should note the lienholder and the payoff amount so both parties understand the situation.

In most cases, the seller pays off the loan at the time of sale using the buyer's money. The lienholder then releases the lien, and the seller receives a clear title to sign over. The bill of sale documents the sale price; the loan payoff is a separate transaction between the seller and their lender. If the buyer is taking over the loan (which is rare and requires the lender's permission), this should be stated clearly on the bill of sale.

What Happens After You Sign a Bill of Sale

Once both parties sign the bill of sale, the buyer should keep a copy and the seller should keep a copy. The buyer then takes the signed pink slip (Certificate of Title) from the seller to the DMV, along with the completed process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343). The buyer pays the registration and transfer fees, and the DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name.

The bill of sale is not part of this DMV transaction, but it is useful to have on hand. If the DMV questions the sale price (for tax purposes) or if there is any confusion about who owned the vehicle and when, the bill of sale settles it. Keep your copy for at least a few years after the sale.

Using a Template or Pre-Printed Form

You can find bill of sale templates online, purchase a form at an office supply store, or read one from the California DMV website. Common sources include legal document websites, eBay's bill of sale form (if you sold through eBay), and general templates from sites like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer. Any of these will work as long as they include the required information: VIN, sale price, date, and signatures.

If you use a template, fill in all blanks completely and make sure both parties sign in ink (not digitally, unless you are both comfortable with that). Some people prefer to handwrite a bill of sale on plain paper because it is faster and there is no confusion about what form to use. The format does not matter to the DMV — only the content does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notarize a bill of sale in California?

No, notarization is not required by California law. A bill of sale is valid as long as both parties sign it. However, some people choose to have it notarized for extra protection, especially in high-value sales. A notary public can verify that both parties signed willingly, which can help if a dispute arises later.

What if I lost the bill of sale after I bought the vehicle?

If you have the title in your name, you do not need the bill of sale to prove ownership. The title is the official record. The bill of sale is useful only if there is a dispute about the sale itself — the price, the date, or the condition. If you no longer have it, you still own the vehicle legally.

Can I write a bill of sale on my phone or email it?

Yes, as long as both parties sign it. You can type it in an email, write it in a notes app, or fill out a digital form. Both the buyer and seller should sign — either by printing and signing in ink, or by typing their names if you both agree that counts as a signature. Keep a copy for your records.

Does the bill of sale have to show the exact price I paid?

Yes, the bill of sale should show the actual sale price. The DMV uses this information to calculate sales tax and registration fees. If you write a false price on the bill of sale to avoid taxes, that is tax fraud. Write the true amount both parties agreed to.

What if the seller will not give me a bill of sale?

Ask them to write one before you pay. A bill of sale protects you, not the seller, so if they refuse, that is a red flag. You can write one yourself and ask them to sign it. If they still refuse, consider whether you trust this person enough to buy from them. A straightforward bill of sale takes five minutes and is standard practice.