California Bill of Sale
Whether you are buying or selling a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or piece of equipment in California, a properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and satisfies CA record-keeping requirements. California does not require notarization for a standard bill of sale, which simplifies the process for both buyers and sellers. Use the information below to understand exactly what California expects before you complete your transfer.
California Bill of Sale Requirements
To create a legally valid bill of sale in California, you must include the following information. Missing any of these details could delay your title transfer or leave you unprotected in a dispute.
- Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and license plate number
- Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading
- Smog certification (for most vehicles)
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in California
The buyer must submit the signed title, a completed REG 343 form, smog certificate, and payment for transfer fees and use tax to the California DMV within 10 days of purchase.
Pro Tip
Complete the bill of sale at the same time the title is signed over. Having both documents ready together prevents trips back and forth to the CA DMV.
Notarization Requirements
California does not require notarization for a standard bill of sale. The document is considered valid once both the buyer and seller have signed it. This means you can complete the transaction without scheduling a separate notary appointment, saving both time and money.
That said, you may still choose to have the bill of sale notarized voluntarily. A notarized document carries additional weight in the event of a legal dispute, and some buyers or sellers prefer the added assurance for high-value transactions.
California DMV Information
For the most up-to-date forms, fees, and office locations in California, visit the official state motor vehicle agency website. Processing times, required documents, and fee schedules can change, so it is always a good idea to verify current requirements before your visit.
Important Notes for California
California requires the seller to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) with the DMV within 5 days of selling the vehicle to avoid liability. Smog certification is required for most vehicles except diesel-powered vehicles from 1998 or newer and gasoline-powered vehicles four model years old or newer.
Always keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your personal records. Both the buyer and the seller should retain their own copy. In the event of a future dispute about the sale, your bill of sale serves as primary evidence of the transaction terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bills of sale in California.
Yes. A bill of sale is strongly recommended for any private-party transaction in California and is often required by the CA DMV or equivalent agency when transferring a vehicle title. It serves as your official proof of purchase and documents the terms of the sale, including the price paid, the date, and both parties' information. Without one, you may face delays or complications during the title transfer process.
No. California does not require notarization for a standard bill of sale. Both parties simply need to sign the document for it to be valid. However, having the document notarized can add an extra layer of legal protection and may be beneficial for high-value transactions.
The buyer must submit the signed title, a completed REG 343 form, smog certificate, and payment for transfer fees and use tax to the California DMV within 10 days of purchase. Make sure all fields on the bill of sale and the title assignment are filled out completely and accurately. Missing information is one of the most common reasons title transfers are delayed or rejected.
A California bill of sale must include: Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller; Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and license plate number; Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading; Smog certification (for most vehicles). Our bill of sale generator automatically includes all of these fields and formats the document to meet CA standards, so you do not have to worry about missing any required information.
In California, you do not typically "file" the bill of sale with a state agency. Instead, the buyer presents the bill of sale along with the signed title and other required documents at the appropriate office when applying for a title transfer. California requires the seller to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) with the DMV within 5 days of selling the vehicle to avoid liability. Smog certification is required for most vehicles except diesel-powered vehicles from 1998 or newer and gasoline-powered vehicles four model years old or newer. Keep your original bill of sale in a safe place, as both the buyer and seller should retain a copy for their personal records.
California Bill of Sale by Vehicle Type
Need a document tailored to a specific type of property? Choose the template that matches your transaction.
BillOfSaleKit is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents generated are templates based on common California requirements. Users should verify documents meet their specific state and local requirements. Information on this page was last reviewed in 2026.