A California Bill of Sale records the official sale of any personal item, such as a vehicle, boat/vessel, or firearm. A completed and signed bill of sale is legal proof that ownership of the documented item has been transferred to the buyer and that the seller has been paid the agreed-upon amount.
A Bill of Sale is
💡Required that you have a completed bill of sale before you register the vehicle
❌Not required to be notarized or witnessed
❌Not required for sales between California-licensed dealers
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A document that attests to the transfer of a used car from one owner to another, either as a sale or a gift.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document that legally transfers the ownership of a boat or other watercraft from a seller to a buyer.
Boat Bill of Sale
A document used to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) and register it
Trailer Bill of Sale
A legal document that records the sale of a firearm between two parties—a seller and a buyer.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A document used to record the transfer of a motorcycle and prevent fraudulent sales in the state of California.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343)
- Bill of Sale (Form REG 135)
- California driver’s license
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Registration fees
- Signed certificate of title
- Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) – required to identify certain aspects and the vehicle’s condition.
- Smog and emissions inspection
If the vehicle is less than ten years old, you must also provide a record of the odometer mileage.
If you register a trailer, you need to submit the Verification of Vehicle (Form REG 31) and Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Application and Certification (REG 4017) Form together with other required documents.
If you wish to appoint a representative to handle your vehicle-related matters, you must have a motor vehicle power of attorney (Form REG 260).
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of sale
- Application for Vessel Certificate of Number Form
- Hull Identification Number
- California Certificate of Ownership or an Out-of-State Title
- Statement of Facts Form
Firearm Registration Forms
In California, private-party sales are subject to the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) [1] process and must be completed through a licensed California dealer. This process includes providing proof that the buyer is over 21 years of age and undergoing a 10-day waiting period.
In addition to this, you will need the following documents:
- Bill of Sale
- Handgun Safety Certificate
- California Driver’s License or Identification Card for both buyer and seller
- Firearm details, such as make, model, and serial number
- Proof of residency, such as a rental agreement or utility bill
Sample
