How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in California
A step-by-step guide to every field on a California vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.
Notarization:Not required
Title deadline:10 days
Sales tax:7.25%
Official form:REG 135
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Vehicle Bill of Sale · California
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Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained
1
Seller Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional but recommended)
Tip: Use your name exactly as it appears on the vehicle title — any mismatch can delay the transfer at the DMV.
2
Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional)
Tip: The buyer's name here must match the name they'll use when titling the vehicle at the California DMV.
3
Vehicle Description
- Vehicle year (4-digit)
- Make (manufacturer — e.g., Ford, Toyota)
- Model (e.g., F-150, Camry)
- Body style (e.g., sedan, pickup, SUV)
- Color
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — 17 characters, found on the dashboard or door jamb
- Odometer reading at time of sale
Tip: Double-check the VIN against the title and the dashboard plate. A one-character VIN error invalidates the title transfer.
4
Sale Details
- Sale price in US dollars (write out both numerals and words — e.g., "$8,500 — Eight thousand five hundred dollars")
- Payment method (cash, check, electronic transfer)
- Date of sale (month / day / year)
- Note: buyer owes 7.25% California sales tax on the sale price at registration
Tip: In California, the sale price on the bill of sale is what the DMV uses to calculate the 7.25% sales/use tax. Don't artificially lower it — this is checked against book value.
5
Seller Signature
- Seller's signature (must match title)
- Printed name
- Date signed
Tip: Sign in the presence of the buyer when possible. No notarization required in California for the bill of sale.
6
Buyer Signature
- Buyer's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
Tip: Both parties should receive a signed copy. Make two originals — one for the seller, one for the buyer.
Get a Pre-Filled California Example
Use the generator above to create a filled-in California bill of sale example in under 60 seconds. All fields are pre-configured for California requirements — notarization not required, CA sales tax at 7.25%, and 10-day transfer deadline noted.
Other Forms Required in California
Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for a California vehicle transfer:
- REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form)
- REG 138 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability)
- Smog Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fill out a bill of sale in California?
Fill in seller and buyer information (full legal names and addresses), complete the vehicle section (year, make, model, VIN, odometer), enter the sale price and date, then have the seller sign. The buyer then presents the completed bill of sale with the signed title at a California DMV office within 10 days.
Does a California bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. California does not require a notarized bill of sale for a standard vehicle sale. Notarization is optional but can add legal weight for high-value transactions.
What is the deadline to transfer a vehicle title in California?
The buyer has 10 days from the date of sale to transfer the title at a California DMV office. Late transfers may incur penalty fees.
What happens if I make a mistake on the bill of sale?
Cross out the error with a single line, write the correction, and both parties initial next to the correction. Do not use correction fluid (whiteout). If the form is seriously incorrect, generate a new one rather than making multiple corrections.
Should I use REG 135 or write my own bill of sale?
Either works. REG 135 is California's official form and is guaranteed to be accepted at the DMV. A privately written bill of sale is also valid as long as it includes all required fields. Use our generator above to get a pre-filled California-compliant PDF.
California Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, deadlines, and forms for California.
View California guide →Official Form
REG 135
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.
REG 135 guide →California Templates by Vehicle
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