California DMV Bill of Sale
The California DMV often requires documentation when transferring ownership of a vehicle. A bill of sale records the buyer, seller, vehicle details, and sale price.
What is the California DMV bill of sale requirement?
The California DMV requires a completed bill of sale (form REG 135) for all private-party vehicle transfers. The document must include buyer and seller names, vehicle VIN, sale price, sale date, and both parties' signatures. Submit it with the signed title at your local DMV office.
Documents needed to register a vehicle at the California DMV
- Signed vehicle title (seller endorsement on back)
- Completed bill of sale — California form REG 135 or equivalent
- Odometer disclosure statement (required for vehicles under 20 years old — 49 CFR Part 580)
- Proof of current auto insurance
- Government-issued photo ID for both buyer and seller
- Emissions inspection certificate
How to transfer a vehicle title at the California DMV
Total time: 30–45 minutes
Gather all required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, completed bill of sale, odometer statement, proof of insurance, and photo ID. All parties must have signed the bill of sale.
~10–15 minutes
Complete the bill of sale
Fill in buyer and seller full legal names, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, and agreed sale price. Date the document and have both parties sign it.
~5 minutes
Visit your local California DMV office
Bring all documents to a California DMV location. The buyer submits the title transfer application and pays the title fee ($23) plus applicable sales tax.
~15–30 minutes
Receive new title and registration
The DMV processes the transfer and issues the buyer a new title in their name. Processing time varies — some offices issue same-day, others mail within 2–4 weeks.
~2–4 weeks processing
Generate a California bill of sale
Create a printable bill of sale with signatures in minutes.
Create California bill of sale- Seller name
- Buyer name
- Vehicle year, make, model
- VIN
- Sale price
- Sale date
- Signatures
Official DMV resource: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
When the DMV may require a bill of sale
- Private vehicle sales
- Title transfers without dealer involvement
- Out-of-state transfers
California Car transfer fees and requirements
In California, the title transfer fee is $23 and registration costs $46 base fee plus additional fees. Car sales are subject to 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. California does not require notarization for private-party car transfers. Emission testing is required in California — verify the car passes before completing the sale.
- Smog certification required for vehicles 4+ model years old
- REG 262 form required for title transfer
- Use tax due within 30 days if purchased from a private party
- Smog transfer fee of $8 applies
California sales tax on car purchases
California has a 7.25% state sales tax rate. 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%). Private-party car sales in California are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate. The title transfer fee is $23.
Car market data and safety information
The most common car makes in private-party sales are Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan. Average private-party car prices range from $5,000–$25,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent car models is 4.2 out of 5 stars. Cars average 3.1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Airbags (Takata), Power Train, Fuel System.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used car
Before completing a car bill of sale in California, verify these safety items:
- Verify airbag recall status (Takata recall affected 67M+ vehicles)
- Check tire age — tires over 6 years old degrade regardless of tread depth
- Confirm brake pad thickness and rotor condition
- Test all seatbelts for proper retraction and latching
Car insurance and depreciation in California
Liability insurance required in 49 states (New Hampshire is the exception). Average annual premium: $1,600–$2,200. Cars lose approximately 20% of value in the first year and 60% over five years. Japanese brands retain value best. Peak season for private car sales is spring (march–may) when tax refunds boost demand, with an average of 21 days on market.
Car registration and titling
Cars are classified as "Passenger vehicle" for registration purposes. Standard passenger cars weigh 2,500–4,500 lbs; no special weight-class registration required. Federal odometer disclosure is required for cars under 20 years old.
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.
California DMV registration and titling — FAQ
What forms do I need to register a vehicle in California?
To register a vehicle in California you need: the signed title, a completed bill of sale (form REG 135), odometer disclosure statement, proof of insurance, and photo ID. An emissions certificate is also required. Submit all documents at your local California DMV with payment for the title fee.
Does California require a notarized bill of sale?
No, California does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle bills of sale. A signed document with buyer and seller signatures is sufficient for DMV title transfer. Notarization is optional but adds legal protection for both parties.
How long do I have to title a vehicle in California?
California requires the buyer to apply for a new title within the timeframe set by state law after taking possession of the vehicle. Submit the signed title, completed bill of sale, and applicable fees to the California DMV promptly. Late filings may incur penalty fees.
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.