Vehicle Bill of Sale in California
A record of a private car, truck or motorcycle sale between a seller and a buyer. Many states transfer ownership through the signed title itself and use a bill of sale as proof of the price and date. Check your state's rules below: some require a specific DMV form or a notary.
What California law says
| Selling a vehicle: bill of sale and title | In a private sale, the seller (and any lienholder) signs the California Certificate of Title and the buyer submits it to DMV with the transfer fee; any change in ownership must be reported to DMV within 10 days. The seller must also file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days. DMV's transfer forms include the Bill of Sale (REG 135), Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262), and Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) if the title is missing; a smog certification may also be needed. The DMV page reviewed does not mention notarization. |
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VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Seller: [seller name], [seller address] Buyer: [buyer name], [buyer address]
Vehicle: [year] [make] [model] Body type: [body type] Color: [color]
VIN: [vehicle identification number] Title number: [title number] Odometer reading: [miles] miles
Sale price: $[amount], paid by [cash / check / other] on [date of sale].
The seller states that the seller owns this vehicle and has the right to sell it, and that it is free of liens except: [none, or list liens].
The vehicle is sold [as is, with no warranty / with the following warranty: describe].
Seller signature: ____________________ Date: [date] Buyer signature: ____________________ Date: [date]
[Notary acknowledgment, only if your state requires one]
Vehicle Bill of Sale for other states · California tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.