California Bill of Sale
Create a free California bill of sale for a vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or any item. In California a bill of sale is not generally required to title/register a vehicle (the signed title transfer governs), it does not need to be notarized or witnessed, and the DMV publishes an official optional form, the Bill of Sale (REG 135). Fill in the form, preview it live, and download a PDF.
California requirements
In California a bill of sale is not generally required to title/register a vehicle (the signed title transfer governs), it does not need to be notarized or witnessed, and the DMV publishes an official optional form, the Bill of Sale (REG 135).
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle Details
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⚠ In California a bill of sale is not generally required to title/register a vehicle (the signed title transfer governs), it does not need to be notarized or witnessed, and the DMV publishes an official optional form, the Bill of Sale (REG 135).
Vehicle Bill of Sale (California)
1. Parties
This Bill of Sale is made on ________________ between [SELLER NAME] ("Seller") and [BUYER NAME] ("Buyer"). The Seller sells and transfers to the Buyer all of the Seller's right, title, and interest in the vehicle described below.
2. Description of Vehicle
[Enter the vehicle details]
3. Purchase Price
For valuable consideration, the Buyer pays the Seller the total purchase price of $________, paid in full, receipt of which the Seller acknowledges.
4. Delivery
The Seller delivers possession of the vehicle to the Buyer on ________________, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
5. Federal Odometer Disclosure
Federal law (the Truth in Mileage Act, 49 CFR Part 580) generally requires the Seller to disclose the vehicle's mileage at the transfer of ownership, EXCEPT for vehicles 20 or more model years old, vehicles with a gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, and non-self-propelled vehicles (such as trailers). If this disclosure is required for this vehicle, the Seller certifies that the odometer reads ____________ miles and, to the best of the Seller's knowledge, reflects the actual mileage — UNLESS one of the following is checked: ( ) the mileage stated is in excess of the odometer's mechanical limits; ( ) the odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage (WARNING — ODOMETER DISCREPANCY).
Buyer acknowledges receipt of this odometer disclosure: Signature: ______________________ Printed name: ______________________ Date: ____________
6. Condition and Warranties
The Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle and accepts it in its current condition.
The vehicle is sold "AS-IS, WHERE-IS," with all faults. Except for the warranty of title below, the Seller makes no warranties, express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Warranty of title: The Seller warrants that the Seller is the lawful owner of the item, that it is free of all liens and encumbrances, and that the Seller has the right to sell it.
7. Governing Law
This Bill of Sale is governed by the laws of the State of California.
Signatures
By signing below, the Buyer and Seller acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to this Bill of Sale.
Signature: _______________________________________
Seller — Printed name: ______________________
Address: ______________________________________
Date: ________________
Signature: _______________________________________
Buyer — Printed name: ______________________
Address: ______________________________________
Date: ________________
Email yourself a copy (PDF)
This is a self-help template, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and item — confirm your state's rules (notarization, DMV forms) before relying on it.
California Bill of Sale Requirements
California does not strictly require a separate bill of sale to title a vehicle, but one is strongly recommended as proof of the sale. Notarization is not required for a California vehicle bill of sale. California publishes an official form (Bill of Sale (REG 135)).
- The California DMV publishes an official optional Bill of Sale form, REG 135, completed by the seller; a bill-of-sale section is also built into the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262).
- Per the DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual section 1.020 (VC §1652), a bill of sale is NOT required to be notarized or witnessed and is acceptable in lieu of the registered owner's release signature on the title (with 'B/S' printed on the release line).
- A vehicle bill of sale is generally not mandatory to title/register a transfer in California — the properly endorsed Certificate of Title (pink slip) is the primary ownership document — but a bill of sale establishes the chain of ownership and is accepted in lieu of a missing release signature.
- Odometer disclosure is required for transfers on/after Jan 1, 2021 of vehicles less than 20 model years old (California adopted the federal 49 CFR 580 standard), and must carry original wet signatures of both buyer and seller; power-of-attorney signatures are not accepted.
- The same REG 135 / REG 262 bill-of-sale documents are used for vessel (boat) transfers, which the California DMV registers and issues a CF number for.
Federal odometer disclosure under the Truth in Mileage Act / 49 CFR 580 applies. Effective for transfers on or after January 1, 2021, California requires odometer disclosure for vehicles that are less than 20 model years old (previously the cutoff was 9 model years old/newer), aligning with the amended federal 20-year rule. Disclosure is made on the Certificate of Title or REG 262 and requires original signatures of both seller and buyer; photocopies and power-of-attorney signatures are not accepted. Source: CA DMV VIRP Manual 5.025 (49 CFR 580.5(c) and (f)). Source: CA DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual, 1.020 Bill of Sale (Vehicle Code §1652) and 5.025 Disclosure Requirements (49 CFR 580.5(c) and (f)) · official form.
California Bill of Sale by Item
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in California?
No — California does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized, though notarization is always available as extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car in California?
California uses a title-application process and does not strictly require a separate bill of sale, but one is recommended as proof of the sale and price.
Is there an official California bill of sale form?
Yes — Bill of Sale (REG 135). This generator produces a complete bill of sale you can use or attach.
Disclaimer
This California bill of sale generator provides a self-help document for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. RecordingLaw.com is not a law firm. Confirm your state's requirements before signing.