Free California Bill of Sale Form

A California bill of sale is a written record of a transaction between a buyer and a seller. It includes the key details of the sale and helps confirm ownership.

Each bill of sale typically includes:

• Names and contact information for both parties
• Item description (make, model, VIN/serial if applicable)
• Sale date and purchase price
• Signatures of both the buyer and seller

You can use a bill of sale to transfer:

• Motor vehicles and motorcycles
• Boats and personal watercraft
• Trailers and campers
• Firearms
• Personal property (furniture, electronics, tools)

In California, a bill of sale is commonly used when:

• Transferring a used vehicle, especially in a private sale
• Selling or registering a boat, trailer, or off-highway vehicle
• Completing a firearm sale through a licensed dealer
• Creating a record of a high-value or disputed sale

The California DMV does not require a bill of sale for every transaction, but it does typically require one in the following cases:

• When there is no title available
• When a vehicle is transferred as a gift or for no money
• When there are multiple owners or chain-of-title issues

No, notarization is not required for most California bill of sale forms.

Here’s what applies by item type:

• Vehicles: Notarization is not required, but the REG 135 form must be signed by both parties.
• Boats: Notary not required. The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) handles vessel registrations.
  Register a vessel here
• Firearms: Private sales must go through a licensed dealer, and the transfer is recorded in the state system—notarization is handled by the dealer, as per California DOJ Firearms Laws.
• Trailers: No notary needed. Use the bill of sale to supplement missing documents when titling or registering.

• Vehicles

  • Bill of sale is acceptable if the title is missing or not properly signed. The seller and/or the title owner may still need to sign the bill of sale in order to complete the transaction.
  • Use REG 135 (Bill of Sale) and REG 343 (Application for Title)
  • Smog check required if vehicle is over 4 years old (unless transferring to a family member)
  • Title transfer must be completed within 10 days.
  • Sellers must report the sale to DMV within 5 days.

  Boats

  • All motorized vessels and sailboats over 8 feet must be registered
  • The bill of sale should include:
    • Hull ID
    • Make, model, and length
    • Purchase price and date
  • Registration is handled by the DBW, not the DMV
  • You will need a completed Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101) (PDF) form and proof of ownership.

  Trailers

  • Non-commercial trailers must be registered with the DMV
  • If the trailer is homemade or lacks a VIN, a CHP inspection may be required
  • A bill of sale is recommended to prove ownership in registration and titling

  Firearms

  • All private party firearm sales must go through a licensed dealer in California
  • The dealer runs a background check and records the transfer
  • You must be 21+ to buy a handgun and 18+ to buy a rifle or shotgun
  • Bill of sale is not used for most firearm transfers, as the dealer handles documentation