California Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boat
Buying or selling a vehicle or vessel in California? Protect your transaction with a bill of sale. This essential document provides a legal record of the exchange and safeguards both parties from potential disputes. Use our bill of sale template to simplify the process.
California Bill of Sale Form
A bill of sale protects both buyers and sellers during vehicle transactions. Download our free template to create a legally sound document that records all essential details of your sale.
What is the Bill of Sale For?
Think of it as a bill: when you buy food at a restaurant, you will get a piece of paper that notes all your orders. The function is pretty much the same: recording the transaction. However, the difference lies in the legal protection. When you buy a vehicle or vessel in California, get the bill of sale, as it will help you when you want to register the vehicle (or vessel) under your name.
In California, a Bill of Sale is especially useful when:
- Buying or selling a used car, truck, boat, or trailer privately
- The title is missing, and ownership needs additional verification
- A seller wants proof they are no longer responsible for the vehicle
- A buyer needs documentation for registration or insurance purposes
Whether you are a buyer or seller, having a bill of sale saves you from future headaches.
Get a Vehicle History Report in California
Before buying a used car in California, check its history. A vehicle history report helps you avoid costly mistakes by revealing past accidents, odometer fraud, flood damage, or other hidden problems.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on a Bill of Sale?
A California bill of sale should include the seller, buyer, and vehicle or vessel details to properly document the sale. According to the California DMV, you should find these on a bill of sale:
- Seller and buyer details: Names, addresses, and signatures
- Vehicle/Vessel description: Make, model, year, color, and VIN or hull ID
- Sale date: The exact date ownership was transferred
- Purchase price: The agreed amount paid for the vehicle or boat
All these details in writing can prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties from legal issues.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Seller Needs a Bill of Sale?
When selling a vehicle or vessel in California, the seller should have a copy of the bill of sale alongside the buyer.
- Proof of sale: It documents that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle
- Liability protection: If the buyer fails to register the vehicle, the Bill of Sale shows you are not liable
- Title issues: If the buyer loses the title or there’s a dispute, this document confirms the sale
- Tax purposes: To report the sale for tax records
Additionally, sellers should always file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) with the California DMV to officially notify the state of the sale.
Why is a Bill of Sale Important for Buyers?
As a buyer, the bill of sale is one of the most important documents you must secure after a transaction. Having a bill of sale in hand gives you solid proof of ownership for vehicle or vessel registration purposes, purchasing records, and protection from fraud after purchase.
What to Check Before Buying a Car?
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
Registering a Vehicle in California
After purchasing a vehicle in California, you must complete the registration process with the DMV. The steps vary depending on whether you bought the vehicle from a dealership or a private party.
For private sales, buyers typically need to submit:
- Title (Pink Slip) signed by the seller
- Bill of Sale (if applicable)
- Smog Certification (for vehicles over 4 model years old)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (if the car is under 10 years old)
- Payment for Registration Fees
Vehicles purchased from a dealer follow a different process. More details can be found on the California DMV website.
How to Register a Vessel in California?
Boats and other watercraft must also be registered with the California DMV, except for certain vessels like lifeboats or those used only on private property. To register a boat, you’ll need:
- Completed Application for Vessel Registration (REG 343)
- Bill of Sale or other proof of purchase
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) Inspection (if required)
- Payment of Registration Fees
The full list of requirements is available on the California DMV website.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Although not required, notarizing a California Bill of Sale provides valuable proof of its legitimacy.
Even a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid if it includes all the necessary details, is signed by both the buyer and seller, and is notarized, especially when your state doesn’t supply a form.
With e-signature software, you can quickly create a personalized digital bill of sale after confirming local legal requirements.