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

Yes, you can sell your motorcycle 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 Motorcycle Quick Facts

Quick answers for California motorcycle sellers

Use this California motorcycle 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. Motorcycle bill of sale requirements largely mirror those for cars, with important differences around safety inspections, aftermarket modifications, and state-specific helmet and equipment laws.

Required information

In California, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private motorcycle 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 (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Engine number (if separate from VIN)
• Odometer reading
• Known aftermarket modifications

Motorcycle-specific legal considerations

Motorcycles are subject to the same federal odometer disclosure requirements as cars. State-level requirements for safety inspections and emissions testing vary widely.

• Odometer disclosure is required for motorcycles the same as cars: federal law applies to vehicles under 16,000 lbs and less than 10 model years old (49 CFR § 580).
• Helmet law requirements vary by state. Some states require helmets for all riders, others only for riders under 18, and a few have no helmet requirement. Sellers should note the state's helmet law status.
• Lane-splitting legality varies by state. California explicitly permits it; most other states prohibit or have no specific statute. This is not a seller disclosure obligation but is useful context for buyers.
• State safety inspection requirements for motorcycles vary. Some states require annual inspections, others require inspection only at the time of sale or registration, and some have no inspection requirement.
• Aftermarket modifications (exhaust, frame alterations, lighting) may affect the motorcycle's ability to pass state safety inspection or emissions testing. Sellers should disclose all known modifications.

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

Motorcycle transfer and title notes

Motorcycle title transfer requires a signed title and bill of sale. Unlike cars, motorcycles have no federal odometer exemption based on weight, so all motorcycles under 20 years old require odometer disclosure.

Odometer disclosure

All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. There is no weight-based exemption for motorcycles. The seller must certify the odometer reading on the title or a separate form.

Applicable federal law: 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements

Title and registration

Motorcycle titles include engine displacement (cc) and may differ from car titles in format. Some states issue a separate MCO (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) for new motorcycles instead of a title.

Special disclosures for motorcycle sales

• Helmet law compliance varies by state — some require helmets for all riders, others only for riders under 18.
• Aftermarket exhaust or engine modifications may affect emission compliance in states with inspection programs.
• Salvage or theft-recovery title brands are common for motorcycles and must be disclosed.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party motorcycle 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 motorcycle, 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 motorcycle 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 motorcycle. The buyer must register the motorcycle 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 motorcycle, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the motorcycle.