A California motor vehicle bill of sale is a document that represents proof of title transfer of a motor vehicle. It is used in a transaction between a seller and a buyer when the buyer pays an agreed-upon price for the seller’s vehicle.
Only the seller must sign the bill of sale in the state, not the buyer. If the seller’s name does not appear on the title, the document must contain the signatures of the seller and the person whose name is on the title.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
California vehicle owners must register their vehicles with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A buyer must register with the DMV within ten days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. If an individual is a new resident, they have 20 days after establishing their residency to register their vehicle at the DMV.
Registrations must be renewed once a year.
Gather Required Documents
The following documents are required when you register your vehicle:
- Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343).
- Bill of Sale (Form REG 135).
- California Driver’s License.
- Statement of Facts (Form REG 256): To identify certain aspects and the condition of the vehicle, including the odometer reading.
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Proof of Vehicle Insurance: Keep in mind the state’s minimum requirements:
- $15,000 for injury/death of one person.
- $30,000 for injury/death of more than one person.
- $5,000 for damage to property.
- Signed Certificate of Title.
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (Form REG 138): A seller has five days after a sale to submit this form.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: If someone else represents you.
- Smog and Emissions Inspection: Conducted by an accredited station.
Submit Your Documents
California residents must register their vehicles in person at a California DMV office or by mail sending their documents to the DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Registration renewals can be done either in person at a DMV office or by requesting registration renewal on the California DMV’s website.
Once a former wreck is repurposed and sold, a buyer must receive either a junk receipt or a bill of sale containing the dismantler’s acquisition number. The junk receipt is nothing more than an ownership-proving document issued by the DMV when a given vehicle is requested to be listed in the state registry as “junked.”
A penalty of perjury statement is not necessary for California. However, California Vehicle Code Section 20 considers supplying the DMV with false information a crime. [1] Doing so may be treated in the courts as a violation of already established perjury laws and may be punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 or up to a four-year stint in state prison.
Pay Registration Fees
You can pay your registration fees at any California DMV office. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and major credit cards. Be sure to bring your vehicle documentation, proof of insurance, and identification.
If you’re renewing your registration or handling other qualifying services, you can pay online through the California DMV portal. You will need your vehicle’s license plate number and the last five digits of the VIN. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card.
If registering by mail, include a check or money order payable to the California DMV. Ensure that the check covers the correct fee amount and is included with your registration documents.
Some DMV offices and other locations have self-service kiosks where you can pay fees and print registration tags instantly. Additional convenience fees may apply.
California Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download your California motor vehicle bill of sale template below in PDF and Word formats.
