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

Yes, you can sell your truck 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 Truck Quick Facts

Quick answers for California truck sellers

Use this California truck 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. Truck transactions carry additional legal considerations beyond standard passenger vehicles. Weight class, commercial use history, and federal odometer exemptions for heavier trucks all affect the bill of sale requirements.

Required information

In California, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private truck 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
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
• Weight class (light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty)
• Commercial use history (if applicable)

Truck-specific legal considerations

Trucks over 10,001 lbs used in interstate commerce may also be subject to FMCSA regulations and DOT number transfer requirements.

• Vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate. If the truck being sold is a commercial vehicle, note the CDL requirement on the bill of sale.
• Federal odometer disclosure law (49 CFR § 580) applies to vehicles under 16,000 lbs. Trucks exceeding that weight are exempt from odometer statements.
• Light-duty trucks (Class 1–3, under 14,001 lbs) follow standard passenger vehicle transfer rules. Medium-duty (Class 4–6) and heavy-duty (Class 7–8) trucks may have additional state-level commercial transfer requirements.
• Lien checks are especially important for fleet and commercial trucks, which are more commonly financed through business loans with UCC filings.
• If the truck was used commercially, disclose the commercial use history. Fleet vehicles may have higher mileage and different maintenance schedules than private-use trucks.

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

Truck transfer and title notes

Truck title transfer requirements depend on weight class. Light-duty trucks (under 8,500 lbs GVWR) follow standard passenger vehicle rules. Medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks may require additional commercial documentation.

Odometer disclosure

Trucks with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs or more are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Light-duty pickup trucks under that threshold require standard odometer disclosure if less than 20 years old.

Applicable federal law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR

Title and registration

The title lists the GVWR or weight class. Buyers should confirm the truck weight class matches the title to avoid registration surprises. Some states issue separate commercial titles for trucks over 10,000 lbs.

Special disclosures for truck sales

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) should be documented — it determines odometer, registration, and licensing requirements.
• Trucks over 8,500 lbs GVWR may require commercial plates in some states.
• Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF) delete modifications are illegal under the Clean Air Act and should be disclosed.

Common mistakes to avoid

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