$BillOfSale.app

California REG 135 — Bill of Sale

REG 135 is the California DMV's official bill of sale form. It is not legally required — a privately drafted document with the same fields is also accepted — but DMV clerks process REG 135 without question. Sellers should also file REG 138 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) within 5 days of the sale.

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Vehicle Bill of Sale · California
California Requirements: Transfer title within 10 days. 7.25% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Vehicle Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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About REG 135

Official name: California DMV REG 135 — Bill of Sale

Issued by: California Department of Motor Vehicles

Purpose: Documents the private sale of a vehicle in California. Used with the signed title to transfer ownership; establishes the sale price for local use tax purposes.

When required: Recommended for all private vehicle sales. The buyer must transfer the title within 10 days. The seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of the sale date.

California Vehicle Sale Requirements

Bill of Sale Required
Yes
Notarization Required
No
Title Transfer Deadline
10 days
Sales Tax Rate
7.25%

Required Fields on REG 135

To be accepted by the California DMV, your bill of sale must include:

  • Seller name and address
  • Buyer name and address
  • Vehicle year, make, model, color
  • VIN or HIN
  • Odometer reading
  • Sale price
  • Date of sale
  • Seller and buyer signatures

Official Source

Download the official REG 135 directly from California DMV, or use our free generator above to pre-fill a compliant California bill of sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is REG 135 required by California DMV?
No — REG 135 is the official form, but a seller-drafted bill of sale containing the same fields (VIN, parties, price, odometer, date, signatures) is accepted. REG 135 is recommended because it is guaranteed to satisfy any DMV clerk.
What is REG 138 and do I need it?
REG 138 is California's Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. Sellers must file it online at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days of the sale. It releases the seller from any tickets, tolls, or accidents incurred by the buyer after the sale date.
Does California charge sales tax on private vehicle sales?
Buyers pay a use tax of 7.25%–10.25% (base rate plus local district taxes) when they register the vehicle. The tax is calculated on the higher of the sale price or the vehicle's book value.