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San Jose, California Golf Cart Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a golf cart in San Jose, California. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

San Jose, CaliforniaGolf CartPopulation rank #12

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Golf Cart VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Santa Clara County

DMV / Title Office

DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office

Address

1520 Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

Phone

(800) 777-0133

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM)

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

9.375%

Base Registration Fee

$46.00

California state base 7.25% + Santa Clara County 1.875% district tax (Measure B and VTA)

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

California does not require notarization for vehicle transfers. Seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of sale.

San Jose Transfer Checklist

  • Submit Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) online or by mail within 5 days
  • Buyer must transfer title within 10 days to avoid penalties
  • Smog certificate required for vehicles more than 4 model years old
  • Both parties should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records

County Information — Santa Clara County

County Clerk / Recorder

Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder

Phone

(408) 299-5688

Golf Cart market data and safety information

The most common golf cart makes in private-party sales are Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, Star EV, Garia. Average private-party golf cart prices range from $2,000–$15,000. Golf carts average 0.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Electrical, Brakes, Steering.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used golf cart

Before completing a golf cart bill of sale in California, verify these safety items:

  • Test all batteries — battery pack replacement is the biggest expense ($1,000–$3,000)
  • Check controller and speed sensor for erratic operation
  • Verify street-legal equipment if LSV-classified (lights, mirrors, seatbelts, VIN)
  • Test brake system — golf carts often sit unused and brakes can seize

Golf Cart insurance and depreciation in California

Golf cart insurance is $100–$300/year. Required if operated on public roads as an LSV. Electric golf carts depreciate slowly — 20–30% over 5 years — but battery condition is the key value driver. Peak season for private golf cart sales is spring for golf communities, year-round in retirement areas (fl, az, sc), with an average of 30 days on market.

Golf Cart registration and titling

Golf Carts are classified as "Low-speed vehicle (LSV) if street-legal; otherwise unregistered recreational equipment" for registration purposes. LSVs must not exceed 25 mph on level ground. Modifications increasing speed above 25 mph may reclassify the vehicle. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to golf carts.

Golf Cart sales in San Jose, California

San Jose residents completing a golf cart bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to California state rules. The state sales tax rate is 7.25%, 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%). The most popular golf cart makes in California include Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha.

California bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 14,217 bill of sale documents for California transactions, with 382 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is San Jose in, and which office handles title transfers?

San Jose is in Santa Clara County. Title transfers are handled by the DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office at 1520 Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM). Phone: (800) 777-0133.

What is the sales tax rate on a golf cart sale in San Jose?

The combined rate is 9.375%. California state base 7.25% + Santa Clara County 1.875% district tax (Measure B and VTA).

Is notarization required for a golf cart bill of sale in San Jose?

No. California does not require notarization for vehicle transfers. Seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of sale.

What fees should I expect when transferring a golf cart title in San Jose?

Title transfer fee: $15.00. Base registration fee: $46.00. Sales tax at 9.375% is collected at the time of title transfer.