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California Boat Bill of Sale

California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Fill in the form below and download a free, one-page California boat bill of sale PDF that includes everything the California Department of Motor Vehicles looks for, matching the fields on REG 135. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

California
Boat Bill of Sale

Seller

Buyer

Boat details

Price and terms

How to sell a boat in California

A boat bill of sale identifies the vessel by its Hull Identification Number (HIN), covers the motor and trailer if they are part of the deal, and records the price and date. Most states register boats through the wildlife or parks agency rather than the DMV, and nearly all of them accept a signed bill of sale as proof of purchase.

Seller steps

  1. Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
  2. Agree on the price and fill in the California boat bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the HIN.
  3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. California does not require a notary.
  4. Sign the title over to the buyer exactly as your name appears on it, and complete the odometer section on the title if the boat has one.
  5. Hand over the boat and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer steps

  1. Bring the signed bill of sale (or California's REG 135), the signed title and your ID to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
  2. Expect to pay sales or use tax on the price shown on the bill of sale, plus title and registration fees.
  3. Register within California's deadline, commonly 10 to 30 days from the sale date, to avoid late penalties.

Before you sign

  • The HIN is on the transom (back right corner), 12 characters.
  • List the outboard motor separately with its serial number; motors are often registered or titled on their own.
  • If a trailer is included, add its VIN; the trailer is titled through the DMV, not the boat office.
  • Note whether the sale includes electronics, life jackets or other gear.

Why a bill of sale matters for a boat

  • Boats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
  • The state boat registration office needs the price for tax.
  • Many used boats have no title; the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
  • An as-is clause matters more on boats, where hidden hull or engine damage is common.

Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.

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)
Buyer's deadline to title
10 days from the sale
License plates
Stay with vehicle

California uses REG 135 to record the purchase price and date, and requires it when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. The transfer must be started within 10 days of a private sale. Plates stay with the vehicle.

Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.

Other California forms

Boat Bill of Sale in other states

All states →

California boat bill of sale questions

Is a bill of sale required to sell a boat in California?+

California requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. California uses REG 135 to record the purchase price and date, and requires it when the title is missing or the seller is not the registered owner. The transfer must be started within 10 days of a private sale. Plates stay with the vehicle. California publishes REG 135 for this; the PDF from this page carries the same information and is accepted alongside it.

Does a California boat bill of sale need to be notarized?+

California does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. If you want extra certainty, the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary acknowledgment page you can use anyway.

Where does the buyer take the bill of sale in California?+

To the California Department of Motor Vehicles or the county office that handles vessel registration, together with the signed title, proof of insurance where required, and payment for tax and fees.

Does a boat bill of sale need to be notarized?+

A handful of states ask for a notarized bill of sale on vessels without a title. Check the state registration page linked on each state page here, or use the notary block in the ready-to-sign pack.

Do I need a separate bill of sale for the trailer?+

You can list the trailer on the same document, but some DMVs want a separate bill of sale for the trailer because it is titled separately. Generate one on the trailer page in a minute.