A California 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.
A vehicle bill of sale in California protects against any legal disputes that develop over ownership issues and also is evidence for the financial records of the buyer and seller.
California Vehicle Registration
California vehicle owners are required to register their vehicles with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A buyer must register with the California DMV within 10 days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. If an individual is a new California resident, they have 20 days after establishing their California residency to register their vehicle at the DMV.
Registrations must be renewed once a year.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
California residents must register their vehicles either in person at a California DMV office or by sending their documents to the DMV by mail.
Registration renewals can be done either in person at a California DMV or by requesting registration renewal on the California DMV’s website.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
The 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
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Registration fees
- Signed certificate of title
- Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) – required to identify certain aspects and the condition of the vehicle.
- Smog and emissions inspection
If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you will also need to provide a record of the odometer mileage.
Note that if someone else is representing you, then you need to give them power of attorney.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in California
A California vehicle bill of sale provides evidence of the transaction. Here are steps to write a vehicle bill of sale in California.
Step 1 – Follow Our Template for Your California Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use our template to help you create a California vehicle bill of sale.
Step 2 – Vehicle Information
The first section will describe information about the vehicle, including the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year the vehicle was manufactured
- License plate number
- Seller’s name
- Buyer’s name
- Date of sale/transfer
- Price of sale/transfer
- If the transfer was a gift, the type of relationship (e.g., parent, spouse) and the value of the gift
Step 3 – Seller’s Information
This next section should list the seller’s information, including the following:
- Full name
- Mailing address (address, city, state, zip code)
- Signature
Step 4 – Buyer’s Information
This last section should list the buyer’s information, including the following:
- Full name
- Mailing address (address, city, state, zip code)
Free California Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
Download and create your own free California vehicle bill of sale.
