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

Yes, you can sell your trailer 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 Trailer Quick Facts

Quick answers for California trailer sellers

Use this California trailer 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. Trailer sales have their own titling rules that differ from standard vehicles. Weight thresholds, homemade trailer VIN assignments, and separate-from-tow-vehicle requirements all apply.

Required information

In California, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private trailer 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
• Trailer type (utility, enclosed, flatbed, boat)
• GVWR or empty weight

Trailer-specific legal considerations

Trailer titling requirements vary significantly by state. Some states only title trailers over a certain weight (commonly 2,000–3,000 lbs), while others title all trailers.

• Trailers are titled separately from the tow vehicle. Each trailer must have its own bill of sale and title transfer.
• Not all states require titles for trailers under a certain weight. Check your state's titling threshold.
• Trailers do not have odometer requirements under federal law.
• Homemade trailers may require a VIN assignment from the state before they can be titled.
• Utility trailers used commercially may need additional documentation for DOT compliance.

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

Trailer transfer and title notes

Trailer title requirements vary significantly by state. Many states do not title trailers under a certain weight (commonly 1,500 to 3,000 lbs). A bill of sale may be the only transfer document for lightweight trailers.

Odometer disclosure

Trailers are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Trailers do not have odometers and there is no mileage disclosure requirement.

Title and registration

States that title trailers issue a certificate of title similar to a vehicle. States that do not title lightweight trailers may only require a registration card. Check your state threshold before assuming a title exists.

Special disclosures for trailer sales

• Weight capacity (GVWR) determines whether the trailer requires a title, registration, and brakes in most states.
• Trailer brakes are required in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR.
• Homemade trailers may require a state inspection and VIN assignment before they can be titled.

Common mistakes to avoid

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