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A Car Bill of Sale in California is a record used in the process of transferring ownership of a motor vehicle in the state of California. It serves as evidence of the sale for the buyer and seller and is used to register the vehicle with the state.
Last Update June 10th, 2026
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With a Car Bill of Sale in California, you can legally transfer the ownership of a car, whether you're the buyer or seller.
If you're the buyer of the motor vehicle, you can then use the legal contract you make with the help of our California Car Bill of Sale Template.
Below are the key steps, including the forms you need, how to submit your documents, and the registration fees.
The first step is to gather the necessary forms along with your Used Car Bill of Sale for California vehicles to change the title of the vehicle. You'll need the following legal documents:
Keep in mind that if the car is less than 4 years old, you can pay a smog abatement fee for the first 8 years of its registration.
Once you have obtained the necessary forms, you can submit them to the California Department of Motor Vehicles in person, by mail, or online, if eligible. Make sure to file:
If the seller’s release signature is absent from the title, a Car Bill of Sale is accepted in lieu of this.
The DMV will process the paperwork, issue new plates if it's necessary, and then provide your registration card and stickers.
The fee to register your vehicle depends on several factors. These factors include vehicle type, value, location, and weight. Below are some typical fees you will need to pay:
Additional fees may apply if you register the vehicle late or if you are issued any special plates.
In some states, a notary must be present when you sign a sign a Bill of Sale. So, does a California Vehicle Bill of Sale need to be notarized?
In short, no. The California DMV’s Vehicle Industry Registration Manual states that a Bill of Sale does not need to be notarized or witnessed.
Before creating your document, it's a good idea to review an example to check how the document should be structured and what to include.
Take a look at the following Car Bill of Sale for California Vehicles PDF Sample to understand what your form should look like.
Still have some questions about the use of this document? Below are the answers to some of the most common doubts people have about the use of a Car BOS in California.
The buyer typically submits a Bill of Sale to the California DMV. Buyers have 10 days after purchase to report the transfer.
However, sellers must also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to the DMV. Also known as an NRL or REG 138, this document must be submitted within 5 days of the sale.
No, you typically cannot register a car in California with just a Bill of Sale. You will also need to provide proof of ownership, which in California is a Certificate of Title.
If the title cannot be found, you’ll need to complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (Reg 227).
