With Lumr, you can use a bill of sale template for California. You can edit online without creating a document from scratch. Simply select the appropriate form for a car, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or other personal property.
A California bill of sale is a written record of a transfer between a seller and a buyer. It identifies the parties, describes the property, and records the price and sale date.
For vehicles and vessels, it can support the ownership transfer but does not replace every title, registration, smog, or odometer document. The California DMV generally accepts any complete bill of sale that clearly identifies the vehicle or vessel.
California does not require one standard format for every bill of sale. However, a complete form should include:
The information should be accurate and legible. Notarization is generally unnecessary, but each party should keep a signed copy.
For anyone searching for a bill of sale California form, choosing the correct document is important. Each type records details specific to the property being sold:
A California general bill of sale records the private sale of personal property that does not require a specialized vehicle or vessel form. It can cover one item or several items sold together.
The main California bill of sale requirements generally include:
If you need an as-is bill of sale California form, it should state that the buyer accepts the property in its current condition, except for any warranties specifically included in the agreement.
An “as is” clause does not excuse fraud, concealed defects, or a seller who does not legally own the property.
A car bill of sale in California is used between two or more parties to record the sale of a private vehicle.
It is also known as a California automobile bill of sale, a used-car bill of sale in California, or a vehicle bill of sale in California form.
A California DMV bill of sale supports the ownership record but does not automatically replace the Certificate of Title. It is particularly important when the seller is not the person named on the title or when multiple transfers must be documented.
A trailer bill of sale in California completes the transfer of a utility, cargo, boat, livestock, or other trailer. It should identify the trailer separately, even when it is sold with a boat, vehicle, or piece of equipment.
Include the trailer’s VIN or identification number, year, make, model or body type, license plate number, sale price, and transaction date. If a boat and trailer are sold together, list a separate value for each whenever possible.
A boat bill of sale California buyers and sellers use records the transfer of a boat, vessel, or personal watercraft. It provides evidence of the purchase and can support the new owner’s DMV registration.
In the form, you should include the Hull Identification Number (HIN), CF number if assigned, builder or make, model year, length, hull material, propulsion type, purchase price, and sale date. Any engine, trailer, electronics, or safety equipment included in the sale should also be described.
For a motorcycle bill of sale in California, parties complete records of the sale of a motorcycle or qualifying motor-driven cycle. It follows the same basic structure as a car bill of sale but also includes the motorcycle’s engine number.
Remember to include the VIN, engine number, year, make, model, mileage, color, license plate number, purchase price, sale date, and any accessories or aftermarket parts included in the transaction.
Download the appropriate California bill of sale template on Lumr and follow the steps below to create your document.
Enter your name along with the buyer’s full legal name, current addresses, and contact information to identify the parties involved.
Provide identifying details, including its make, model, condition, serial number, VIN, HIN, or other unique features.
Mention the sale price, payment method, sale date, transfer date, or estimated value if it is a gift.
List any warranties, disclosures, included accessories, or payment conditions, or clearly state that the property is sold “as is.”
Proofread every detail for accuracy, then have both parties sign, date, and keep a completed copy.
As the seller, you must notify the California DMV within five calendar days after transferring a registered vehicle or vessel. This is done by submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability online or using Form REG 138.
Include the following:
Submitting the NRL helps protect you from responsibility for parking violations, traffic violations, tolls, or other liabilities incurred after the sale. Keep the online confirmation or a copy of the mailed form.
The NRL does not transfer ownership or remove the seller’s name from the DMV record. The buyer must still complete the title transfer. If a boat and trailer are sold together, you should submit a separate NRL for the trailer.
Use Lumr’s template to complete your California bill of sale online, review the information, and download a clear PDF copy for signing and recordkeeping.
If you still have doubts about creating a bill of sale for California, you can review the following answers to common questions below.
In California, a bill of sale is not always legally required for every private transaction, but you should still use one. It helps document the sale price, date, and transfer of ownership, especially for vehicles, boats, trailers, and other valuable personal property.
Most of the time, you do not need to notarize a California bill of sale to complete a sale; however, it can be used if you want extra proof of authenticity. If you and the other party sign it correctly, it is generally valid.
A bill of sale isn't always mandatory for vehicle registration in California, though it's highly advisable. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) might request it in specific situations.
These can include instances where the vehicle's title is ambiguous, lacks essential information, or when the vehicle has undergone several ownership changes. In such cases, a bill of sale serves to validate ownership and document the transaction specifics.
In California, you do not need to have a bill of sale to be able to sell horses or livestock, per se; however, it’s recommended to use one. And it protects you and the buyer by providing proof of transfer of ownership, sale price, and condition. This can help avoid disputes down the road.
In the state of California, firearm transfers must go through a licensed dealer, so a bill of sale alone is not enough. You can still use one as a personal record, but legal transfer requires background checks and state-compliant procedures.
You should keep your California bill of sale for at least several years after the transaction. If it involves a vehicle or valuable property, keeping it permanently is best in case of tax questions, disputes, or proof of ownership history.
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