California Bill of Sale
Select a document type to generate a completed, California-specific bill of sale. Each document includes all legally required fields for your jurisdiction. Notarization is not required in California.
Browse by document type across all states →
Vehicle
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motor vehicles
Motorcycle
Motorcycles, scooters, and motorbikes
Boat
Boats, watercraft, jet skis, and vessels
Trailer
Utility trailers, travel trailers, and cargo trailers
Mobile Home
Mobile homes and manufactured homes
Personal Property
Furniture, electronics, equipment, and other personal property
Firearm
Create a bill of sale for private firearm transfers including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Includes make, model, serial number, caliber, and barrel length. Important legal disclaimers included for all 50 states + DC.
Vehicle POA
Authorize someone to handle a vehicle title transfer or registration on your behalf. Limited to DMV transactions only - not a general power of attorney.
California Requirements Overview
Verified against official California statutes and California Department of Motor Vehicles guidance. Last reviewed May 2026. How we verify our legal data.
Selling privately in California
California has one of the shortest title transfer windows in the country. The buyer must transfer the title with the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the sale, and the seller is expected to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days. A clear bill of sale documents the price and date that both of those steps depend on.
Odometer disclosure is required on California vehicle and motorcycle sales, and notarization is not required. Because California assesses use tax on private vehicle purchases based on the price paid, an accurate, signed sale price on your bill of sale is what the buyer will reference at registration.
California-specific notes: Odometer disclosure is required for vehicle sales in California. Title must be transferred within 10 days of sale.
The buyer must register the vehicle within 10 days of purchase.
Federal law requires accurate odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 20 model years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale in California?
Having a bill of sale is recommended for any significant transaction in California. For vehicle sales, it provides essential documentation for the title transfer process with California Department of Motor Vehicles. Even when not strictly required by law, a bill of sale protects both buyer and seller by creating a formal record of the transaction.
What should a California bill of sale include?
A California bill of sale should include the full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller, a detailed description of the item (including identification numbers), the sale price, the date of the transaction, and signatures of both parties. For vehicles and motorcycles, odometer disclosure is required.
Does a California bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. California does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. Notarization is optional but can add a layer of protection by verifying the identities of both parties.
How long do I have to transfer the title in California?
In California, the buyer should complete the title transfer with California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the sale. Keep your completed bill of sale as proof of the purchase date and price.
How much does it cost?
Each bill of sale costs $5. Choose a document style, fill in your details, and download your completed PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.
Create Your California Bill of Sale
Select a document type above to get started. Every document includes California-specific requirements and instant PDF download.