California Bill of Sale (REG 135): When You Need One

A California bill of sale is a short written record of a vehicle sale: who sold it, who bought it, which car (by VIN), the date, and the price. The DMV's own version is form REG 135, Bill of Sale. You don't always have to submit one to transfer a car, but it's cheap insurance for both sides, and in some situations the DMV will ask for it.

The signed title (pink slip) is still the document that actually transfers ownership. The bill of sale backs it up. It proves the price you paid, which matters for use tax, and it proves the date of sale, which matters for the seller's release of liability and the buyer's 10-day transfer deadline.

When a bill of sale matters most

Think of a bill of sale as required in practice, even when it's technically optional. These are the situations where it does the most work:

• The title has no room for the sale price or the transfer section is incomplete. The DMV may want a separate document showing the price and the parties.
• The title is lost and the transfer is being handled with an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227). Our guide on lost titles and REG 227 explains that process.
• Use tax questions. The buyer pays use tax at the DMV based on the purchase price. A signed bill of sale is the clearest evidence of that price.
• Disputes about timing. If a toll notice or parking ticket shows up, the seller can use the bill of sale, along with the release of liability, to show the sale date.
• Gifts and family transfers, where a price of $0 or a nominal amount is recorded and the DMV may also want a Statement of Facts (REG 256).

What a California bill of sale should include

REG 135 has fields for the basics. Whether you use the DMV form or write your own, make sure it covers all of these:

Optional lines worth adding

• Odometer reading at sale. The title and the REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment) are where odometer disclosure officially goes, but adding the mileage here doesn't hurt.
• "As is" wording if that's the deal, plus anything else agreed in writing, like the seller delivering a second key. Keep it factual.
• Payment method, for example "paid in full by cashier's check."

Bill of sale vs. title vs. other DMV forms

People mix these up, so here's how they fit together in a typical California used car sale:

• Certificate of Title (pink slip): transfers ownership. Signed by the seller, and by the lienholder if there is one.
• REG 135 Bill of Sale: records the price, date and parties.
• REG 262 Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment: used for odometer disclosure and reassignment when the title doesn't have the space.
• REG 138 Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability: filed by the seller within 5 days.
• Smog certificate: the seller provides it when the car needs one at transfer. See who pays for the smog check.
• REG 256 Statement of Facts: explains special situations, like a family gift that may be exempt from use tax.

For the order to do these in, the California DMV guide for used car buyers lays out the whole transfer from start to finish.

Common bill of sale mistakes

• VIN typos. Read it off the dashboard plate or door jamb and compare it with the title, character by character. One wrong digit can stall a transfer.
• Only one owner signs. If the title lists two owners joined by "AND," both normally need to sign. "OR" usually means either can sign. Check the title wording.
• Using a nickname. Use legal names as they appear on ID and the title.
• Leaving the date blank. An undated bill of sale is close to useless when it comes to proving a sale date.
• Not making copies. Each party should leave with a signed copy or at least a clear photo.

How it works when you buy from us

When you buy a car from Irvine Used Cars, you get the signed title, a smog certificate and a bill of sale. You then handle registration and pay the use tax and fees at the DMV, so the bill of sale is what you'll show for the purchase price. Prices on our listings don't include DMV taxes and fees. Our guide to Orange County used car sales tax shows what rate applies at your home address.

If you're comparing cars, our current Orange County inventory lists each car's mileage and details. Ask for the CARFAX on any car you're seriously considering.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required to transfer a car in California?

Not in every case. A properly signed title with the sale price and odometer filled in is often enough. The DMV can still ask for a bill of sale in some situations, such as a lost title or a missing price, so getting one signed at the sale is the safe move.

Does a California bill of sale need to be notarized?

REG 135 doesn't normally need a notary. Notarization comes up with other forms, for example section 5 of REG 227 when there's a lienholder. If your situation is unusual, check dmv.ca.gov or ask at your DMV appointment.

Can I handwrite my own bill of sale instead of using REG 135?

Yes. A handwritten document can work as long as it has the same information: vehicle description, VIN, date, price, and the names, addresses and signatures of buyer and seller. The DMV form is free and keeps you from forgetting a field, so it's usually the easier choice.

What price should I put on a bill of sale for a gift?

For a true gift, the price is usually recorded as a gift or $0. The DMV may want a Statement of Facts (REG 256) explaining the relationship or the gift to apply any use tax exemption. Our guide on gifting a car to family covers that.

How long should I keep a bill of sale?

Keep it at least as long as you own the car, and sellers should keep it for a few years after the sale. It's your best evidence of the date and price if a tax, toll or liability question comes up later.

Before you sign

Check the VIN, the names, the date and the price. Then sign two copies and photograph everything. For questions about a specific car, or to set up a test drive in Irvine, call or text (516) 835-6141.