California's Bill of Sale Form: What You Need and How to Use It

California does not have an official DMV bill of sale form

California does not require a specific bill of sale document to transfer a vehicle title. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish or mandate a particular form for this purpose. Instead, California law allows you to use any written agreement between buyer and seller that includes the required information — or you can use forms created by third parties, including the DMV-adjacent forms available online.

What matters to the DMV is not the form itself, but that the title document (the pink slip, or Certificate of Title) is signed and dated by the registered owner and submitted with the transfer paperwork. The bill of sale is a separate record for your own protection and proof of the transaction.

Many buyers and sellers use the REG 135 form, which is a bill of sale template available through the California DMV website, or they write their own agreement. Both are legally acceptable as long as they contain the information the DMV expects to see.

Key Takeaways

California law does not require a specific bill of sale form; any written agreement with required details works, or you can use the REG 135 template from the DMV website.
The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer itself — the title document (pink slip) is what the DMV needs signed and submitted.
A bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date of sale, buyer and seller names and addresses, and odometer reading.
Both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale for their records, even though only the title transfer is filed with the DMV.

What information must be on a California bill of sale

Whether you use the REG 135 form or write your own bill of sale, include these details:

Full name and address of the seller (the current registered owner)
Full name and address of the buyer
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Year, make, and model of the vehicle
License plate number (if available)
Sale price or statement that the vehicle was gifted
Date of sale
Odometer reading at the time of sale
Signatures of both buyer and seller

If the vehicle is being transferred as a gift rather than a sale, write "gift" or "$0" in the price field and note that no money changed hands. The buyer will still need to register the vehicle and pay transfer fees, but the sale price affects the calculation of registration fees in some cases.

The REG 135 form includes all these fields and is designed to match what the DMV expects. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office.

How the bill of sale differs from the title transfer

The bill of sale is a record of the transaction between you and the other party. The title transfer is the legal document that changes ownership in the DMV's system. They serve different purposes and are filed separately.

When you sell a vehicle, you sign the back of the pink slip (Certificate of Title) and give it to the buyer. The buyer then takes that signed title, along with the bill of sale and other required documents, to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name. The DMV processes the title transfer based on the signature on the pink slip, not on the bill of sale.

The bill of sale is your proof that the transaction occurred, the price paid, and the condition of the vehicle at the time of sale. If a dispute arises later — about whether the sale actually happened, what was promised, or what the odometer reading was — the bill of sale is the document you refer to. The DMV does not keep a copy of the bill of sale on file; it only records the title transfer.

Where to find and read the REG 135 form

The California DMV publishes the REG 135 form on its official website under the title and registration section. You can search for "REG 135" on dmv.ca.gov and read a PDF version to print and fill out by hand, or you can fill it out on screen and then print it.

The form is also available at any California DMV office if you prefer to pick up a printed copy. Some DMV offices have forms at the counter; others keep them in a rack near the entrance. If you cannot find it, ask a staff member.

You do not need to obtain the form from the DMV before you sell the vehicle. You can write your own bill of sale as long as it includes all the required information. Many people use a straightforward template they find online or create themselves in a word processor.

What to do with the bill of sale after the sale

Both the buyer and seller should sign and date the bill of sale. Each party should keep a copy for their records. The buyer will need to bring their copy (or the original) to the DMV when they register the vehicle, though the DMV does not always require it — the signed title is the primary document needed.

The seller should keep a copy to prove they no longer own the vehicle and that they transferred it on a specific date. This protects you if the buyer does not register the vehicle promptly and it is later involved in a traffic violation or accident. You can show the bill of sale to prove you were no longer the owner at the time the incident occurred.

If you sell a vehicle privately and the buyer does not register it within a reasonable time, you may want to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (Form REG 138) with the DMV. This form tells the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle and protects you from liability for violations or accidents involving that vehicle after the sale date. The bill of sale supports this claim.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

The most common error is leaving out the odometer reading. California law requires this information, and the buyer needs it for their own records. If you do not include it, the buyer may have trouble registering the vehicle or proving the mileage to a future buyer.

Another mistake is not having both parties sign the document. A bill of sale signed by only the seller is less useful as proof of the transaction. Both signatures show that both parties agreed to the terms and the sale price.

Do not leave the sale price blank or vague. Write the exact amount in numbers and words (for example, "Five thousand dollars ($5,000)"). If the vehicle is a gift, write "gift" or "$0" clearly. Ambiguity about price can cause problems if the buyer later disputes the transaction or if there are questions about registration fees.

Make sure the VIN is correct. Copy it directly from the title document or the vehicle itself (usually on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb). A wrong VIN makes the bill of sale useless for proving what vehicle was sold.

Using a bill of sale when buying a used vehicle

If you are buying a vehicle, ask the seller to complete a bill of sale before you hand over money. This protects you by creating a written record of what you bought, the price you paid, and the condition of the vehicle at the time of sale (including mileage).

Review the bill of sale carefully before signing. Make sure the VIN matches the title, the price is correct, and the odometer reading is accurate. If the seller says the vehicle has been in an accident or has mechanical problems, ask them to note this on the bill of sale so there is a record.

Keep your copy of the bill of sale with your other vehicle documents. You will need it when you register the vehicle at the DMV, and you may need it later if you sell the vehicle to someone else or if a dispute arises about the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my own bill of sale instead of using the REG 135 form?

Yes. California law does not require a specific form. As long as your written agreement includes the vehicle VIN, sale price, date, odometer reading, and signatures of both buyer and seller, it is legally valid. Many people use straightforward templates they create themselves or find online.

Does the DMV need a copy of the bill of sale?

No. The DMV only needs the signed title (pink slip) and the registration transfer paperwork. The bill of sale is for your records and proof of the transaction. You do not file it with the DMV, though the buyer may bring a copy when they register the vehicle.

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

If you are the seller and need to prove you transferred the vehicle, you can file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) with the DMV. This form protects you from liability for violations or accidents after the sale date, even without the original bill of sale. The buyer can also contact the DMV to confirm the transfer.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am gifting a vehicle to a family member?

Yes. Even for a gift, a written bill of sale is useful. Write "gift" or "$0" in the price field, have both parties sign and date it, and keep copies. This creates a record of when the transfer occurred and protects both parties if questions arise later.

What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price after the sale?

The bill of sale is your proof of what was agreed to at the time of sale. If you both signed a bill of sale stating the price, that is the record of the transaction. This is why it is important to have both parties sign before money changes hands and to keep a copy for your records.

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.