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California Vehicle Bill of Sale Generator

Not required by state law but strongly recommended. Use a private-party form or written receipt.

Fill out the seller, buyer, and vehicle details below. The document updates as you type, and you can print or download a plain-text copy. Nothing leaves your browser — this generator stores no data.

California requirements at a glance

  • ◆Conditional

    Bill of sale

    Not required by state law but strongly recommended. Use a private-party form or written receipt.

  • ✗No

    Notarization

    California does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

  • ✓Yes

    Odometer disclosure

    Required on the title for vehicles less than 10 years old. The seller completes the odometer section on the back of the title.

Generate your California bill of sale

Fill in the fields and the document updates as you type. We don’t store anything — the form runs entirely in your browser.

Seller
Buyer
Vehicle
Sale terms
California-specific details

California requires a valid smog certificate for most used-car private sales. Leave blank if exempt.

California plates typically transfer with the vehicle.

We don’t store anything. The form runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to a server.

VEHICLE BILL OF SALE — CALIFORNIA This Bill of Sale is made on [DATE] between the Seller and Buyer named below for the vehicle described herein. SELLER Name: [SELLER NAME] Address: [SELLER ADDRESS] BUYER Name: [BUYER NAME] Address: [BUYER ADDRESS] VEHICLE Year: [YEAR] Make: [MAKE] Model: [MODEL] Color: [COLOR] Body type: [BODY TYPE] VIN: [VIN] Odometer: [ODOMETER] SALE TERMS Sale price: $0.00 Sale date: [DATE] Payment method: Not specified CALIFORNIA-SPECIFIC DETAILS ODOMETER DISCLOSURE The seller certifies the odometer reading shown above to be the actual mileage of the vehicle, unless one of the following statements is checked: [ ] The mileage stated exceeds the odometer's mechanical limit. [ ] The odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage. Warning: odometer discrepancy. AS-IS SALE The vehicle is sold AS-IS without warranty, expressed or implied. The buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition. SIGNATURES Seller signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________ Printed name: [SELLER NAME] Buyer signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________ Printed name: [BUYER NAME] Note: Not required by CA law, but strongly recommended as a record of the sale.

What to do with the bill of sale once it’s printed

California title transfers go through California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Follow these steps in order.

  1. Fill in every field on the bill of sale. Leave nothing blank — write 'N/A' if a field doesn't apply.
  2. Both seller and buyer sign and date the document. California does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
  3. Print two copies — one for the seller's records, one for the buyer.
  4. Seller files a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days of the sale.
  5. Buyer brings the signed title, this bill of sale, smog certificate (if required), and fees to a California DMV office within 10 days.

Official California forms & resources

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required in California?

Not required by state law but strongly recommended. Use a private-party form or written receipt.

Does the bill of sale need to be notarized in California?

No — California does not require notarization for private vehicle sales. California does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

How many copies of the bill of sale should we sign?

Sign at least two original copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. If a lender or insurance carrier is involved, sign a third copy for them. Each party should keep their copy with their vehicle records for at least 5 years.

What if California has its own official bill of sale form?

California publishes REG 135 — Bill of Sale. You can use the official form, the document this generator produces, or both. Some county offices prefer the state-issued form — check with the office that will receive your paperwork.

What's the deadline for the buyer to register the vehicle in California?

Buyer must transfer title within 10 days of purchase. Missing the deadline can result in late penalties.

Related California resources

🚗California private sale checklist→📄California title transfer checklist→🧮California title transfer cost calculator→📋States that require a bill of sale→✍️States that require notarized titles→🗺️Bill of sale requirements in all 50 states→

Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice