Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in California? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. California transfers ownership through the signed Certificate of Title and the buyer's Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
California requirements
Is a bill of sale required in California?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the signed Certificate of Title at the DMV. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. California does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to transfer the title.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must transfer the title at the DMV within 10 days of the sale, and the seller must report the sale within 5 days. Filing late adds a transfer penalty — $15 if 11–30 days late, $30 up to one year, then $50.
Motor vehicle use tax
California charges use tax on private-party purchases, paid by the buyer at the DMV when registering. The rate starts at 7.25% and runs up to about 10.25% depending on the buyer's city and county of residence.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the California county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the signed title and Form REG 343 at the DMV within 10 days.
Ready to create your California bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
California bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Californiabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the California DMV. Confirm the details with the California DMV.
California bill of sale FAQ
Does a California motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. California does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed Certificate of Title and the buyer's REG 343 application at the DMV — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in California?
It isn't legally required to transfer the title (the signed title and REG 343 handle that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in California?
At the California DMV — by appointment at a field office or by mail. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Form REG 343, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and use tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in California?
The buyer has 10 days from the date of sale to transfer the title at the DMV, and the seller has 5 days to report the sale. After 10 days California charges a transfer penalty that grows over time, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in California?
California charges use tax starting at 7.25% and rising to about 10.25% depending on the buyer's city and county. The buyer pays it at the DMV when transferring the title. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in California?
Yes — California doesn't mandate a specific form, so a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this California bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.