California General Bill of Sale

How to sell a item in California

A general bill of sale works for anything that is personal property and does not have its own form: furniture, electronics, appliances, tools, bicycles, musical instruments, collectibles. It records the description, serial number if any, price, date and as-is terms so both parties have a receipt that holds up.

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 item bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the Serial no..
3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. California does not require a notary.
4. Hand over any registration papers, manuals, receipts or health records that go with the item.
5. Hand over the item and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer steps

1. Check the Serial no. against the item itself before you sign.
2. Keep the signed bill of sale with your records; it is your proof of ownership and purchase price.
3. If you bought it for a business, give the bill of sale to your bookkeeper for the asset record.

Before you sign

• Describe the item the way an insurer would: brand, model, size, color, serial.
• Note any defects in the terms field.
• For multiple items, list them in the description or attach a sheet.
• Both parties sign and keep a copy.

Why a bill of sale matters for a item

• A written receipt for anything worth arguing about.
• Records the serial number for electronics and bikes, which helps if they are stolen.
• An as-is clause ends disputes over condition.
• Businesses need it to book an asset or expense.

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