California Bill of Sale
California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. California does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. Pick what you are selling, fill in the form, and download a free PDF that the California Department of Motor Vehicles will accept alongside REG 135.
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle details
Price and terms
California bill of sale forms by item
Each form below asks only for what that item needs, and carries California's notary note and agency details in the footer.
- California Vehicle Bill of SaleProves the sale date, so the seller is off the hook for tickets, tolls and accidents after the handoff.
- California Motorcycle Bill of SaleMotorcycles change hands often and informally; a signed bill of sale settles who owned the bike on which date.
- California Boat Bill of SaleBoats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
- California Trailer Bill of SaleMany trailers under a certain weight are not titled, so the bill of sale is the ownership record.
- California Firearm Bill of SaleProves the date the firearm changed hands if it later turns up somewhere it should not.
- California Mobile Home Bill of SaleMobile homes are titled like vehicles in most states; the bill of sale supports the title transfer.
- California RV Bill of SaleRVs are high-value and often sold with generators, hitches and furnishings that should be listed.
- California ATV / UTV Bill of SaleOff-highway vehicles are often sold without a title, so the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
- California Dirt Bike Bill of SaleMost dirt bikes have no title; this document is the ownership record.
- California Golf Cart Bill of SaleGolf carts are rarely titled; the bill of sale is proof of ownership.
- California Jet Ski Bill of SaleBoat registration offices want the price for tax and the HIN for the record.
- California Snowmobile Bill of SaleSnow states register snowmobiles and tax the purchase price.
- California Scooter / Moped Bill of SaleScooters over the state's cc limit are titled and registered like motorcycles.
- California Equipment Bill of SaleBusinesses need a bill of sale to book the asset and claim depreciation.
- California Tractor Bill of SaleTractors are not titled; this is the ownership paper.
- California Horse Bill of SaleBreed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- California Dog Bill of SaleProof of ownership for licensing, vet records and microchip registration.
- California Livestock Bill of SaleBrand inspection states will not clear cattle for movement or sale without proof of ownership.
- California General Bill of SaleA written receipt for anything worth arguing about.
- California Business Bill of SaleTransfers the assets at closing in one signed document.
Selling privately in California: what to know
California's REG 135 is required when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. Odometer disclosure happens on the title or REG 262.
- Bill of sale: required in common cases.
- Notary: notarization optional.
- Official form: REG 135.
- Agency: California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Odometer: federal disclosure applies to vehicles under 20 model years old, on the title or a separate statement.
Want the paperwork finished in one sitting? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds seller and buyer copies, the odometer statement and a California notary page.
California at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Required in common cases
- Notary
- Notarization optional
- Official state form
- REG 135
- Where the buyer registers
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (www.dmv.ca.gov)
California's REG 135 is required when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. Odometer disclosure happens on the title or REG 262.
Common questions
Does California require a bill of sale?+
California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. California's REG 135 is required when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. Odometer disclosure happens on the title or REG 262.
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in California?+
California does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough.
Is there an official California bill of sale form?+
Yes, REG 135, published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The PDF generated here contains the same information in the same order and is accepted with it or in place of it in most offices.
What do I need to register a vehicle bought privately in California?+
The signed title, the bill of sale, proof of insurance where required, your ID, and payment for sales or use tax plus title and registration fees, filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles within the state deadline.