California Bill of Sale Forms (5)

A California bill of sale form transfers rights and privileges of personal property from an owner to another entity. It makes the new owner fully responsible for the goods, meaning they must register or obtain insurance if needed. Certain items, such as cars, require the seller to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of their relinquishment of ownership. Completing this form safeguards them from fines or damages that incur after the change of possession.

Summary

Only the seller needs to sign boat and car bill of sale forms.
California is the strictest state for gun laws.
A bill of sale must accompany a trailer purchase to register and title it.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – Summarizes the specifics around selling, gifting, or trading a water vessel.

Download: PDF

Firearm Bill of Sale – A blank template used to organize the necessary details of a gun sale.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

General Bill of Sale – Documents how a vendor sold an item to an interested individual.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – A form that accompanies the transfer of a motor vehicle from one person to another.

Download: PDF

Trailer Bill of Sale – Changes possession of a utility trailer by outlining information about the transaction.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Not required	Required	Not required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Not required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a California Bill of Sale?

A California bill of sale asserts the change of ownership between a buyer and seller. It ascertains the new owner compensated the previous owner for an item. Payment can occur by cash or trade as long as both parties include the transfer method in the form. State law does not require the buyer and seller to sign in the presence of a notary public, nor does it mandate the buyer to sign watercraft or automobile bill of sale forms.

In some cases, the owner provides personal property to another person as a present. A bill of sale should accompany this transferal to establish a fair valuation of the item and prove that the receiver lawfully attained it. Without this document, the previous owner could list the item as stolen, thus making the new owner accountable. Therefore, both parties should accurately execute it when transferring goods of any kind.

Registration Forms: Boats

Vessel owners must register at an official DMV location.

Bill of Sale (Form REG 135) – Used when an owner gifts or sells a vessel to another individual.
Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (Form BOAT 101) – The vessel owner completes this document to apply for registration and title.
Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) – For exemptions or to provide essential information.
Payment – Fees depend on the acquisition year.
Title – Original title. If lost, damaged, or stolen, apply for a new one using the application for duplicate or transfer title (Form REG 227).
Identification (ID) – Proof of identity via a state- or government-issued photo ID.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (Form REG 156) – A person uses this document to replace plates, stickers, and other paperwork for the boat.
California Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form REG 260) – An owner initiates this form to name an attorney-in-fact as their boat representative.

Registration Forms: Firearms

Current and incoming residents must register their firearms with the state. Private sales can only occur in the presence of a licensed dealer. State law mandates firearm holders to only open carry their weapons and restricts them from concealed carrying without a license. California Law Enforcement Agencies process all applications.

Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (Form BOF 4012) – For individuals wishing to apply for a concealed carry permit.
Firearms Permit Initial Application – A form used to register assault weapons and personal handgun dealers in the state.
Firearm Safety Certificate – The applicant must have taken and completed a gun training course provided by a state-approved instructor.
Psychological Testing – The state can require applicants to undergo mental health testing performed by a licensed psychologist.
Fingerprints – The Department of Justice takes the applicant’s fingerprints to perform a background check.
Payment – Fees vary based on the county of residence.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Cars must undergo registration at a DMV office.

Bill of Sale (Form Reg 135) – Outlines the details of an automobile transaction.
Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) – For the attainment of car registration and title.
Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) – Enables the owner to provide information about exemptions and other particular matters.
Payment – Covers state registration and/or titling costs.
Insurance (Minimum Liability) –
- Bodily Injury/Death: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $5,000 per incident
Smog Certification – This document confirms the vehicle has passed inspection at an approved DMV check station.
Title – The “pink slip” or title from the previous owner. The new owner must request a duplicate (Form REG 227) if they cannot provide the original title.
Identification (ID) – A state or government ID that confirms the owner’s personal details.

Additional (Optional) Documents

California Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form REG 260) – Gives another person permission to care for DMV-related or private vehicle matters.
Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form REG 262) – This form is only provided by the DMV. It is required for vehicles twenty years (20) old or newer (starting with the year 2010).
Release of Liability (Form REG 138) – The seller must complete this document to give ownership to the purchaser, thus removing their liability.
Lien Release (Form REG 166) – Completed after the purchaser repays the lienholder the loan amount.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Utility trailers require registration through the permanent trailer identification (PTI) program. They do not need a title but can obtain one if they wish to do so. Owners must bring the documentation and payment to a DMV location for registration.

Bill of Sale – Presents information about the buyer, seller, and the trailer for registration, titling, and to prove ownership.
Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) – Used to apply for a registration and/or title for a trailer.
Verification of Vehicle (Form REG 31) – Completed by a DMV representative to confirm information about the trailer.
Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) – Contains the trailer’s weight (unloaded).
Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Application and Certification (Form REG 4017) – This document permanently registers a trailer.
Payment – Rates associated with the trailer’s weight and the type of registration.