CA · BILL-SALE · Updated June 2026 · Free
California Bill of Sale
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California at a glance: DMV Form: REG 135 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale) · Notarization Required: No (for most sales) · Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old
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Overview
Bills of Sale in California
California requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. The California DMV provides a standard form (REG 135) that serves as the official bill of sale. The seller must also complete an Odometer Mileage Disclosure and submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to the DMV within 5 days of the sale.
California also requires a smog certificate for most vehicles being sold (with some exceptions for newer cars and diesel vehicles). Private vehicle sales are subject to California sales tax, which the buyer pays when registering the vehicle.
Key Facts
California Bill of Sale — Quick Reference
| Requirement | California Rule |
|---|---|
| DMV Form | REG 135 (Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale) |
| Notarization Required | No (for most sales) |
| Odometer Disclosure | Required for vehicles under 10 years old |
| Smog Certificate | Required for most gasoline vehicles |
| Notice of Transfer Deadline | 5 days after sale (online or mail) |
| Sales Tax | Paid by buyer at registration (varies by county) |
Legal Requirements
California Legal Requirements
- Seller must submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days of the sale at dmv.ca.gov.
- Odometer disclosure required for vehicles under 10 years old (federal requirement).
- Smog certificate required for most gasoline vehicles (buyer's expense, unless waived).
- Both buyer and seller must sign the vehicle title (pink slip) to complete the transfer.
- Bill of sale should include selling price, which buyer uses to pay use tax at DMV.
Governing Laws
California Governing Laws
Cal. Veh. Code § 5900
Notice of Transfer
Requires sellers to notify the DMV within 5 days of selling a vehicle. Failure to do so keeps the seller liable for the vehicle.
Cal. Veh. Code § 5753
Odometer Disclosure
Requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old as part of title transfer.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's California legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
California Bill of Sale — Frequently Asked Questions
What forms do I need to sell a car privately in California?
You need: the signed vehicle title (pink slip), a bill of sale (REG 135 recommended), odometer disclosure, and a smog certificate. The seller should also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days.
Does California require a bill of sale for vehicle sales?
California uses the REG 135 as the official bill of sale form, though any written record of the sale is acceptable. The critical document is the signed title — the bill of sale supplements it.
Who pays sales tax on a private car sale in California?
The buyer pays California use tax when registering the vehicle at the DMV. The rate is based on the vehicle's purchase price and the buyer's county of residence.