What the California bill of sale form is and when you need it

California's bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of vehicle ownership from one person to another. The state does not have an official DMV bill of sale form — instead, you can use any written record that shows the seller, buyer, vehicle details, sale price, and date of sale. Many people use the REG 135 form, which is a template the DMV provides, or they write their own on plain paper.

You need a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a vehicle in California, whether the transaction happens between private parties or involves a dealer. The bill of sale serves as proof that the sale took place and at what price. It protects both the buyer and seller by creating a paper trail and is often required by your insurance company before they will cover the vehicle.

The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer itself. After you complete the bill of sale, you will still need to transfer the title at the DMV using form REG 262 (process for Title or Registration) if you are the buyer, or the seller will need to sign off on the back of the title certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • California does not require a specific DMV bill of sale form, but the REG 135 template is widely accepted and available free from the DMV website.
  • A bill of sale must include the seller's name and address, buyer's name and address, vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, sale price, and the date of sale.
  • Both the buyer and seller should sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public, though California law does not require notarization for private sales.
  • The bill of sale is not the same as the title transfer; you will need to file separate paperwork with the DMV to complete the ownership change.
  • Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records and provide one to your insurance company when you purchase the vehicle.

Where to find the California bill of sale template

The DMV provides the REG 135 form, which is titled "process for Title or Registration" and includes a bill of sale section. You can read it free from the official California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) under the "Forms" section. Search for "REG 135" to find the current version.

If you prefer not to use the DMV template, you can write your own bill of sale on plain paper. California law does not require you to use a specific form as long as the document contains all the required information. Many sellers and buyers create a straightforward letter that includes the necessary details and have both parties sign it.

Some title and registration services, car dealerships, and online legal document sites also offer bill of sale templates. If you use a third-party template, make sure it includes all California-required information before you sign.

Information you must include on the bill of sale

The bill of sale must clearly identify both parties to the sale. Write the seller's full legal name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Do the same for the buyer. If either party is a business, use the business name and the address where the business is located.

The vehicle information section must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the driver's side of the dashboard or on the title certificate. Include the year, make, model, and body style of the vehicle. If the vehicle has a license plate number at the time of sale, you may include it, though it is not required.

Record the sale price in words and numbers — for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)". Include the date of sale in month, day, and year format. Some bill of sale templates also ask for the odometer reading at the time of sale; if your form includes this field, write the current mileage.

How to sign and notarize the bill of sale

Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale. The seller signs to confirm they own the vehicle and are transferring it. The buyer signs to confirm they are purchasing it. Write your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or identification, and sign in ink below your printed name.

California does not legally require the bill of sale to be notarized for a private party sale. However, notarization adds a layer of protection because a notary public verifies that both parties signed the document in person and of their own free will. If you choose to have the bill of sale notarized, both the buyer and seller must appear together before a notary with valid identification. The notary will sign and stamp the document, and you will pay a small fee (typically $5 to $15 per signature).

You can find a notary public at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some libraries. Some title and registration services also offer notary services. If the sale involves a dealership, the dealer may notarize the bill of sale as part of the transaction.

What to do with the bill of sale after you sign it

Make at least three copies of the signed bill of sale: one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one to submit with your DMV paperwork. If the bill of sale was notarized, make copies of the notarized version so that all parties have the official version.

As the buyer, keep your copy in a safe place along with your other vehicle documents. You will need to show it to your insurance company when you purchase insurance for the vehicle. Some insurers will not issue a policy until they see proof of purchase.

As the seller, keep your copy for your records. If any dispute arises about the sale later, the bill of sale is your proof that you transferred ownership on a specific date and at a specific price. It also protects you by showing that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle once the buyer takes possession.

How the bill of sale connects to the title transfer

The bill of sale documents the sale itself, but it does not transfer the title. The title is the legal document that proves ownership, and it is held by the California DMV. To complete the ownership transfer, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate, and the buyer must submit an process for title or registration (REG 262) to the DMV within 10 days of purchase.

The DMV will use the information from the REG 262 form and the signed title to issue a new title in the buyer's name. During this process, the DMV may ask to see the bill of sale as proof that the sale took place at a fair market value. If the sale price seems unusually low, the DMV may assess the vehicle for tax purposes.

Do not assume that signing the bill of sale completes the transfer. The buyer must file the title paperwork with the DMV, and the seller must may support the title is signed before handing it over. Until the DMV issues a new title, the vehicle legally remains in the seller's name.

Common mistakes to avoid when completing the bill of sale

One of the most frequent errors is leaving fields blank or incomplete. Every section of the bill of sale should be filled in, even if you have to write "N/A" for information that does not explore. Blank spaces can raise questions at the DMV or with your insurance company.

Another mistake is writing the sale price as "cash" or "trade-in" without stating an actual dollar amount. The DMV uses the sale price to calculate registration fees and taxes, so you must write a specific number. If the vehicle was traded in as part of the deal, the bill of sale should still show the agreed-upon value of the vehicle being transferred.

Mismatching information is also common — for example, writing different names for the same person on different parts of the form, or listing the VIN incorrectly. Double-check that the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the title certificate and the vehicle itself. Errors in the VIN can delay the title transfer at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale instead of transferring the title?

No. The bill of sale proves the sale happened, but only the title transfer makes you the legal owner. You must file the title paperwork with the DMV within 10 days of purchase, or you risk penalties and registration problems.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

Do not complete the purchase. A signed bill of sale is your only proof that you bought the vehicle. Without it, you have no legal protection if a dispute arises later, and the DMV will not process your title transfer.

Do I need a bill of sale if I buy from a dealership?

Dealerships typically provide their own bill of sale or sales contract as part of the purchase agreement. This serves the same purpose as a private bill of sale. Make sure you receive a signed copy before you leave the lot.

Can I write the bill of sale on any piece of paper?

Yes. California law does not require a specific form, only that the document contains the seller's name and address, buyer's name and address, VIN, vehicle description, sale price, and date. A handwritten bill of sale on plain paper is legally valid.

What happens if I lose my copy of the bill of sale?

Contact the other party and ask for another signed copy. If you cannot reach them, you may be able to request a copy from the DMV if the title transfer was already completed, though this process can take time. Keep your original in a safe place to avoid this situation.