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Free California General Bill of Sale

California's general bill of sale covers any private-property transfer that the DMV does not regulate — power tools, tractors, jewelry, livestock other than horses, restaurant equipment, computers, art, and similar items. The document is governed by Civil Code contract rules; there is no filing requirement, but a written, signed bill of sale is decisive evidence in any later dispute. California has a 4-year statute of limitations on written contracts (CCP §337) and 3 years on fraud (CCP §338). For "occasional" private sales of used personal items, sales tax usually does not apply — but if you regularly sell similar goods, the CDTFA will treat you as a retailer required to register, collect tax, and remit. For high-value items, document serial numbers and consider notarization.

California Requirements: Transfer title within 10 days. 7.25% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

General Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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A general bill of sale works for furniture, tools, equipment, or any personal property — but only if written correctly. Our step-by-step guide shows exactly what language to include so the document holds up if there is ever a dispute. Read: How to Write a Bill of Sale (Step-by-Step) →

California General Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
California Civil Code
California Civil Code (private contract law)
Primary ID Field
Serial Number
Sales Tax
7.25%
Title Required
No
Used for personal property that does not have a state-issued title — tools, electronics, furniture, livestock, jewelry, business equipment, watercraft under 8 feet, etc. Anything titled by CA DMV (cars, motorcycles, RVs, OHVs, most boats) needs the proper DMV form, not this general bill of sale.
Inspection
Not required

Sales Tax Details

7.25%–10.75% sales tax applies to most tangible personal property in business sales; private "occasional sales" by non-dealers are usually exempt.

Exemption: Casual/occasional sale exemption applies when seller is not in the business of selling that item.

California General Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Identify the item with brand, model, serial number, color, condition, and any defects
  2. List full legal names, addresses, and signatures of both parties with the date
  3. State the exact sale price (or "gift" if no consideration) — write it in words AND numerals
  4. Use "as-is, where-is" language clearly to limit implied warranties under Commercial Code §2316
  5. Disclose any known material defects in writing — California fraud (CC §1572) survives "as-is" clauses
  6. Notarize for items over $5,000 in value or if either party may travel out of state
  7. Keep copies for 4 years (statute of limitations on written contracts under CCP §337)
  8. For business assets, attach a UCC-1 search if the item could be subject to a security interest

Common Pitfalls

  • Using "as-is" while verbally promising condition — California Civil Code §1572 fraud claims survive "as-is" disclaimers and carry a 3-year statute of limitations
  • Selling the same type of item more than a few times a year without registering with CDTFA — you become a "retailer" subject to back-tax assessments, penalty, and interest
  • Not recording serial numbers on tools or electronics — if stolen later, the buyer may struggle to prove ownership for insurance claims
  • Verbal sales over $500 — the Statute of Frauds (Commercial Code §2201) makes most goods sales over $500 unenforceable without a signed writing
  • Missing UCC liens on business equipment — the secured creditor can repossess the asset from the buyer who paid full value to a non-owner

Pro Tip

A signed, dated, specific bill of sale is enforceable in California even without a notary — but write it tight, disclose defects, and keep your copy for at least 4 years.

California General Bill of Sale — FAQs

Is a general bill of sale legally binding in California without a notary?
Yes. California Civil Code does not require notarization for a bill of sale to be enforceable — a signed, dated writing with both parties' identities and a description of the property is sufficient. Notarization only adds evidentiary weight (it makes the signatures self-authenticating in court). For items over $5,000, for transactions across state lines, or for any sale where you anticipate disputes, paying $15 at a UPS Store or bank for notarization is cheap insurance. Under Commercial Code §2201, sales of goods $500 or more must be in writing to be enforceable.
When does sales tax apply to a private-party sale in California?
For "occasional sales" — a private individual selling personal property they are not in the business of selling — California generally exempts the transaction from sales tax. The exemption breaks down if you sell more than a couple of similar items per year (then CDTFA may treat you as a retailer required to register and collect). For business assets, sales tax applies at the buyer's county rate (7.25%–10.75%) unless the buyer presents a resale certificate. Bulk sales of business inventory trigger California's Bulk Sale Law (Commercial Code §6101 et seq.) requiring 12 days' advance notice to creditors.
Does an "as-is" clause really protect a California seller?
It protects against implied-warranty claims (merchantability and fitness) under Commercial Code §2316, but it does NOT protect against fraud or intentional misrepresentation under Civil Code §1572. If you knowingly conceal a material defect — say, that the chainsaw has a cracked piston — the buyer can rescind or sue for damages even with "as-is" language. California courts take fraud claims seriously and the statute of limitations is 3 years from discovery. Always disclose known material defects in writing and keep your copy.
How long should I keep the bill of sale after a private California sale?
At least 4 years. Code of Civil Procedure §337 sets a 4-year statute of limitations for breach of written contract claims, §338 sets 3 years for fraud, and §339 sets 2 years for breach of oral contract. For sales of goods, Commercial Code §2725 sets a 4-year limit. For business sales, IRS recommends 7 years of records, and CDTFA can audit sales-tax records for 3 years (8 years if fraud is suspected). Practical answer: scan the bill of sale, save it digitally and on paper, and keep both for at least 7 years.

Other California Templates

Vehicle Bill of SaleCar Bill of SaleUsed Car Bill of SaleMotorcycle Bill of SaleBoat Bill of SaleTrailer Bill of SaleHorse Bill of SaleATV Bill of SaleGun / Firearm Bill of SaleRV Bill of SaleFree Printable Bill of SaleOdometer Disclosure Bill of SaleAs-Is Bill of SaleGift Bill of Sale

General in Other States

TexasFloridaGeorgiaMissouriUtahOregonAlabamaColoradoConnecticutArkansas

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