Free California Trailer Bill of Sale Template

A California trailer bill of sale is the written record of a private trailer sale. It carries unusual weight in this state, because most California trailers never receive a paper title at all.

Yes, in many cases. The Department of Motor Vehicles states on its Permanent Trailer Identification form that if a Certificate of Title is not requested, a bill of sale can be used for transfer of ownership. Where a physical Certificate of Title has been issued, however, that title must be used instead.

The reason sits in how California registers trailers. Under the Permanent Trailer Identification program, the DMV issues a PTI plate and an identification card and keeps an electronic ownership record. A Certificate of Title may be issued at the registrant’s option, but it is not required.

So the practical question is simply whether a paper title was ever requested. If it was, use it. If it was not, your bill of sale is the transfer document.

The PTI program shapes almost everything about a California trailer transfer, including the deadline.

The ten-day notification

Whether or not the trailer carries a California ownership certificate, the owner must notify the department of the sale or transfer within ten calendar days and apply for reissuance of the PTI identification card in the new owner’s name.

Which trailers are in the programme

PTI is used for all trailers except trailer coaches and park trailers. Once issued, the PTI licence plate stays with the trailer permanently, and a service fee keeps the record current every five years.

The REG 4017 form

This two-sided form does the work. Side A is completed by a sole owner requesting a paper title. Side B is the application to transfer ownership of a PTI trailer where no paper title was issued.

When a lender is involved

A trailer titled with a legal owner, such as a bank or finance company, is automatically issued a Certificate of Title, and a PTI title fee applies. That changes the transfer route, so check for a lienholder before you assume the bill of sale route is open.

What is not available

Partial Year Registration and Permanent Fleet Registration do not apply to trailers, and trailers cannot be registered under the International Registration Plan.

The sequence below covers a PTI trailer with no paper title, which is the common case.

1. Complete the bill of sale with the sale date, price, and full details of the trailer.
2. Have the seller complete side B of the REG 4017 for transfer of ownership.
3. If the new owner wants a paper title, complete side A as well and expect a PTI title fee.
4. Notify the department of the sale within ten calendar days.
5. Apply for reissuance of the PTI identification card in the buyer’s name.

Fees are set by the state and change from time to time, so confirm current amounts with the Department of Motor Vehicles before you file.

Record the trailer’s year, make, and VIN, the PTI plate number, the price, the sale date, and both parties’ full names and addresses. Add an as-is line where that matches the deal.

Note the PTI plate number in particular. The plate stays with the trailer for life, so it is the most durable identifier on the document.

Sign it in duplicate so the seller retains proof after the PTI card is reissued.