California Car Bill of Sale: Form REG 135 + Requirements

California recommends but doesn't strictly require a bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. The pink slip (title) and the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) carry the legal weight. California's structural overhead is the smog certificate, not the bill of sale itself.

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Is a bill of sale required in California?

Recommended but not strictly required. California's title transfer process focuses on the pink slip + NRL filing. A bill of sale is the seller's evidence of the transaction, useful for tax and dispute purposes.

Notarization

Not required. The pink slip itself doesn't require notarization in California (unlike PA or OH). A bill of sale, when used, doesn't require notarization either.

State-specific form

Form REG 135 is California's optional bill of sale form. Available at dmv.ca.gov. Generic templates are also acceptable.

The bill of sale should include:

Seller's full legal name, address
Buyer's full legal name, address
Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
Odometer reading
Sale price
Date of sale
Both signatures

Sales tax implications

California state sales tax: 7.25% statewide + local district tax. Major metros:

Los Angeles County: 9.5% (state 7.25% + LA County 2.25%)
San Francisco County: 8.625%
San Diego County: 7.75%
Sacramento County: 8.75%
Fresno County: 7.975%

The buyer pays at DMV registration; the buyer pays based on the bill-of-sale price. California cross-checks against fair market value.

State-specific seller disclosures

Smog certificate: required for most cars over 4 years old at title transfer; cost $30–$70; valid 90 days
Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL): filed by the seller online at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days of sale
Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old; on the pink slip
Salvage title disclosure: required if branded; California salvage titles transfer with the brand intact

Where to file

The buyer files at any California DMV office (or DMV business partner office like AAA) within 10 days of sale. The seller files the NRL at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days.

For the full state title transfer walkthrough, see the California title transfer guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in California?

Recommended but not strictly required. The pink slip + NRL filing carry the legal weight; the bill of sale documents the transaction.

Do I need to file a release of liability in California?

Yes. The Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) must be filed online at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days of sale. This is the seller's protection.

Do I need a smog certificate to sell my car in California?

Almost always, for cars over 4 years old. Cost $30–$70; valid 90 days. Exemptions: 1975 or older (gas), 1997 or older (diesel), hybrid/electric, family transfers.

What's the sales tax on a private car sale in California?

7.25% statewide + local. Los Angeles County 9.5%; San Francisco 8.625%; San Diego 7.75%. The buyer pays at DMV registration.

What form do I use for a California bill of sale?

Form REG 135 (optional state form) or any generic template containing the required fields.

Where do I file the bill of sale in California?

At any DMV office or DMV business partner office (AAA, certain notaries), with the signed pink slip. Within 10 days of sale.

Does California require notarization on the title?

No. California doesn't require title-signature notarization (unlike PA, OH, or AZ in some scenarios).

What if I lost the pink slip?

Apply for a duplicate at the DMV using Form REG 227 (Application for Duplicate Title). $26 fee. 1–4 weeks processing.

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