California REG 135 — Bill of Sale

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. Needed when the seller is not the owner named on the title (signed by both), and it can stand in for the registered owner's release signature on the title; in an ordinary sale the purchase price is entered on the title itself.

When required: Required only in some situations: when the seller is not the owner named on the title, or when used in place of the registered owner's release signature. Otherwise optional, as a record of the sale. The buyer must transfer the title within 10 days. The seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of the sale date.

What REG 135 looks like

REG 135 is the California DMV's Bill of Sale (current version REV. 2/2007). The page holds two identical copies. You fill in both, cut on the line, and each side keeps one; the form tells you to save a copy for your records.

What each part asks for

• Vehicle or vessel description: the identification number (VIN or hull number), year, model, make, and the license plate or CF number. For a motorcycle, add the engine number.
• The sale: the seller's name or names, the buyer's name or names, the date, and the selling price.
• A gift: instead of a price, the gift value and the relationship between you, such as parents, spouse or friend.
• The seller block: each seller prints their name, signs, dates it, and adds a driver license, ID or dealer number, plus a mailing address and daytime phone.
• The buyer block: each buyer's printed name and mailing address.

What the seller certifies

The seller signs under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information is true and correct. There is no notary step on the form.

When California needs a bill of sale

• When the seller is not the owner named on the title: the DMV needs a bill of sale signed by both the seller and the titled owner.
• In place of the registered owner's release signature on the title.
• Otherwise it is optional. The signed title, with the purchase price written on it, carries the transfer, and REG 135 is a useful record of the sale.

Deadlines for both sides

• Seller: file REG 138, the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, within 5 days of the sale.
• Buyer: send the endorsed title and the transfer fee to the DMV within 10 days.
• Buyer: pay use tax when you register the vehicle, because it was not bought from a licensed California dealer.

What to Include in a California Bill of Sale

A complete bill of sale usually includes:

• 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