California ATV Bill of Sale — Free Template, REG 135-Compatible

Yes, you can sell your atv in California with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. The state-designated form is REG 135 (Bill of Sale) — our template meets all the same requirements. Click below to fill out and download.

California ATV Quick Facts

Quick answers for California atv sellers

Use this California atv bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records. ATV and off-road vehicle sales differ significantly from standard vehicle transactions. Because many states do not title ATVs, the bill of sale often serves as the sole legal proof of ownership transfer.

Required information

In California, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private atv transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Odometer reading at sale time
• VIN or serial number
• Engine displacement (cc)
• OHV registration number (if applicable)
• Hour meter reading (recommended but not legally required)

ATV-specific legal considerations

ATV registration is handled by the DMV in some states and by a separate OHV/parks agency in others. Verify which agency oversees ATV registration in your state before completing the transfer.

• Most states do not issue titles for ATVs and off-road vehicles. In these states, the bill of sale serves as the primary proof of ownership, making it especially critical to complete accurately.
• ATVs are classified as off-highway vehicles (OHV) in most jurisdictions. Street use is prohibited unless the vehicle meets specific state-level equipment and registration requirements.
• Federal odometer disclosure laws do not apply to off-road vehicles. There is no legal requirement to record the odometer reading on the bill of sale, though noting the hour meter reading is recommended.
• Some states impose age restrictions on ATV operators. While this is not the seller's legal obligation, disclosing the ATV's intended use category is good practice.
• California, Colorado, and Utah maintain separate OHV registration systems administered outside the standard DMV. Buyers in these states should register with the appropriate OHV agency.

California fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In California, vehicle sales are subject to 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. The title transfer fee is $23. California does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• 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

Does California require a bill of sale?

California sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

California sellers should complete transfer documentation quickly and keep release-of-liability proof.

Official DMV guidance: California DMV title transfer information

Official California bill of sale form

The official California bill of sale form is REG 135 (Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets California requirements and can be used in place of REG 135. Our form includes all fields required by California law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for California

In California, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 7.25% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 30 days at your local DMV.

Additional California requirements:

• 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

ATV transfer and title notes

ATV title and registration rules differ from road vehicles. Most states classify ATVs as off-highway vehicles (OHVs) with separate titling systems. ATVs are generally not street-legal without specific state-approved modifications.

Odometer disclosure

ATVs are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Most ATVs do not have traditional odometers, and there is no mileage disclosure requirement.

Title and registration

Some states issue OHV titles separate from standard motor vehicle titles. Other states use the same title system for all vehicles. Verify whether the ATV has a standard title or an OHV certificate.

Special disclosures for atv sales

• OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) registration status — ATVs that are only OHV-registered cannot be driven on public roads in most states.
• Age restrictions apply in many states: riders under 16 may be prohibited from operating full-size ATVs on public land.
• Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, engine swaps) may void the manufacturer warranty and should be disclosed.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party atv sales in California go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason California DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in California.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In California, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the atv, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the California DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the atv after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with California as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the California DMV of the transfer to release liability for the atv. The buyer must register the atv and transfer the title within the deadline set by California — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold atv, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the atv.