California bill of sale for a vehicle
For buyers and sellers who want a written record of a private car sale in California.
A California bill of sale for a car can be DMV's Bill of Sale (REG 135). DMV's title transfer checklist says to use it to record the purchase price and the date, and the form has a line for the relationship and the value when the car is a gift.
Does California have an official bill of sale form?
REG 135 · Bill of Sale- DMV's checklist says to use REG 135 to record the purchase price and the date.dmv.ca.gov checked
- For a gift, REG 135 has a line for your relationship and the gift value.dmv.ca.gov checked
What should a bill of sale for a car include?
Common items on a bill of saleWhat DMV says is above.
- The buyer's and seller's names and addresses
- The car's year, make, model and VIN
- The sale price and the date of sale
- The odometer reading
- Signatures of the buyer and seller
Next steps
Common questions
Does California have an official bill of sale form?
Yes. DMV publishes the Bill of Sale (REG 135).
dmv.ca.gov checked
What does the California bill of sale record?
The purchase price and the date, along with the car, the seller and the buyer.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Can I use the bill of sale for a gift?
Yes. The form has a line for your relationship and the gift value.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Does the bill of sale replace the seller's notice to DMV?
No. The seller still files the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 calendar days.
dmv.ca.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official California sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.