California Vehicle Bill of Sale – Complete Guide
Selling your car privately in California? You need a bill of sale. This document protects both you and the buyer by proving the vehicle was transferred for the agreed price, protecting you from liability after the sale and giving the buyer proof of ownership for registration.
Without a bill of sale, disputes arise: the buyer claims you never transferred the title, the car gets in an accident weeks later and you’re pulled into it, or registration gets delayed because there’s no proof of sale. California law doesn’t require a bill of sale for private vehicle sales, but the California DMV strongly recommends one — and even provides its own form (REG 135) for exactly this purpose.
What a typical bill of sale includes:
- Seller and buyer names and addresses
- Complete vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
- Sale price and payment terms
- Odometer reading (required by California law)
- Date of sale
- Signature lines for both parties
Get a California-focused vehicle bill of sale in about 5 minutes for $19 — no subscription, no surprise fees, instant PDF download.
If you’re selling a car in California, a bill of sale is a smart, simple step. Make it official, make it fast, and move on with your day.