What bill of sale form California requires

California does not have a single official DMV bill of sale form. Instead, the state accepts any bill of sale document that includes the required information — you can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store. The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not create or endorse a specific form for this purpose.

What matters to the DMV is not the form itself, but that the document contains all the information the department needs to process a title transfer. If you are selling a vehicle, you and the buyer must both sign the bill of sale, and it must travel with the vehicle's title when the new owner registers it.

Many people use the REG 135 form, which is California's official title transfer form. This form includes a bill of sale section built in, so if you use REG 135, you do not need a separate bill of sale document. However, REG 135 is designed for the buyer to complete and submit to the DMV, not for the seller to keep.

Key Takeaways

  • California does not require a specific bill of sale form — any written document with the required information will work, including one you write yourself.
  • The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both seller and buyer.
  • The REG 135 form combines the title transfer and bill of sale in one document, which many buyers use when registering the vehicle at the DMV.
  • The seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records, even though the buyer submits it to the DMV.
  • A bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the sale and can help protect you from liability if the buyer causes an accident after the sale.

What information must be on the bill of sale

Whether you write your own bill of sale or use a template, it must contain specific details about the vehicle and the transaction. The buyer will need this information when they register the vehicle, and the DMV may ask for it if there is a dispute about the sale.

Include the vehicle's full identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, the color, the current odometer reading, and the license plate number. Add the sale price, the date of the sale, and the names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Both parties must sign and date the document.

If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale. If the sale includes any items beyond the vehicle itself — such as a warranty or service records — you can list those too, though they are not required.

Where to find bill of sale templates

The California DMV website does not offer a bill of sale template, but the state's official forms page includes the REG 135, which serves the same purpose. You can read REG 135 from the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov under the "Forms" section.

Many free bill of sale templates are available online from legal document websites and office supply retailers. These templates are designed to meet California requirements and can be printed and filled out by hand or completed on a computer before printing. Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot sell pre-printed bill of sale pads that are already formatted for California.

If you choose to write your own bill of sale from scratch, keep the language straightforward and straightforward. A bill of sale does not need to be fancy or use legal jargon — it just needs to document who sold what to whom, for how much, and when. Both parties signing it is what makes it valid.

How the bill of sale connects to title transfer

The bill of sale is not the same as a title transfer, but the two documents work together. The bill of sale proves the sale happened and documents the terms. The title transfer — usually done on the REG 135 form or a separate process — officially moves ownership from the seller to the buyer in the DMV's records.

When you sell a vehicle in California, you sign the back of the title certificate and give it to the buyer. The buyer then takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name. The DMV uses the bill of sale to confirm the sale price and other details, then issues a new title in the buyer's name.

If you do not have a bill of sale, the buyer can still transfer the title using just the signed title certificate and the REG 135 form. However, having a bill of sale protects both of you by creating a clear record of the transaction.

Scam alert: Fraudulent bill of sale documents

Do not buy a pre-filled bill of sale from anyone other than an official retailer or the DMV. Scammers sometimes sell fake or altered bill of sale forms that do not meet California requirements, which can cause problems when the buyer tries to register the vehicle.

If you are buying a used vehicle, make sure the seller signs the bill of sale in front of you and that you receive a copy. Never accept a bill of sale that is already filled out with information you did not verify yourself. Check that the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the vehicle and on the title.

Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to skip the bill of sale or who refuse to sign one. A legitimate private sale should always include a signed bill of sale. If a seller avoids putting the sale in writing, that is a warning sign that something may be wrong with the vehicle or the transaction.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

As the seller, you should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records. This protects you if the buyer has an accident or gets a traffic ticket before they register the vehicle in their name. The bill of sale shows that you no longer owned the vehicle at that time.

You should also notify your insurance company that you have sold the vehicle and cancel your coverage. Do this as soon as the sale is complete, even before the buyer registers the vehicle. Your insurance company needs to know you are no longer the owner.

The buyer takes the signed title, the bill of sale, and the REG 135 form (if they are using it) to the DMV to register the vehicle. The DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name. This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on how busy the local DMV office is.

When you might need a notarized bill of sale

California does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for a private vehicle sale. However, some situations may make notarization a good idea. If you are selling a vehicle to someone out of state, or if the buyer is financing the purchase through a bank, the lender may require a notarized bill of sale.

A notarized bill of sale adds an extra layer of verification because a notary public witnesses the signatures and confirms the identities of both parties. If you want to notarize your bill of sale, you can visit a bank, a notary public's office, or some UPS stores and office supply retailers that offer notary services. There is usually a small fee, typically between five and fifteen dollars.

To get a bill of sale notarized, both the seller and buyer must be present with valid identification. The notary will watch you both sign the document and will add their seal and signature. Keep the notarized copy for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my own bill of sale instead of using a form?

Yes. California does not require a specific form. Write it by hand or type it, include all required information (VIN, sale price, date, names, addresses, and signatures), and it will be valid. Many people do this successfully.

What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I sell the vehicle?

The buyer has their copy, which is what matters for the DMV. However, you should keep your copy to protect yourself from liability claims if the buyer has an accident before registering the vehicle. If you lose it, ask the buyer for a copy or contact the DMV if a dispute arises later.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my vehicle at a dealership?

No. Dealerships handle their own paperwork and do not use a standard bill of sale. The dealership will provide you with documentation of the trade-in value and will handle the title transfer themselves.

What if the buyer does not register the vehicle right away?

That is the buyer's responsibility, not yours. However, you should keep your copy of the bill of sale. If the buyer gets a ticket or is in an accident before registering, your signed bill of sale proves you were no longer the owner at that time.

Can I sell a vehicle without a title if I have a bill of sale?

No. California requires the title certificate to transfer ownership. A bill of sale alone is not enough. If you have lost the title, you must get a replacement from the DMV before you can sell the vehicle.