VEHICLE BILL OF SALE - CALIFORNIA
Date of Sale: [[Sale Date]]
1. PARTIES
SELLER(S):
Full Legal Name(s): [[Seller Full Legal Name(s)]]
Address: [[Seller Full Address, City, California, ZIP]]
Phone: [[Phone]] Email: [[Email]]
Driver License / ID Number: [[DL or ID Number (optional for verification)]]
BUYER(S):
Full Legal Name(s): [[Buyer Full Legal Name(s)]]
Address: [[Buyer Full Address, City, State, ZIP]]
Phone: [[Phone]] Email: [[Email]]
Driver License / ID Number: [[DL or ID Number (optional)]]
2. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Year: [[Year]]
Make: [[Make]]
Model: [[Model]]
Body Style / Trim: [[Body Style, e.g., Sedan, 4-Door, Crew Cab]]
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [[17-character VIN]]
License Plate Number: [[Current Plate Number and State]] (if applicable)
Odometer Reading (at time of sale): [[Odometer Reading]] miles / kilometers (select)
Color: [[Exterior Color]]
Engine / Other Identifying Features: [[Engine Size, Transmission, or "N/A"]]
The Seller warrants that the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN stated above and that the odometer reading is accurate to the best of Seller's knowledge (subject to the odometer disclosure below).
3. SALE PRICE AND PAYMENT
Total Purchase Price: $[[Total Sale Price]] (U.S. Dollars)
Payment Method (select all that apply):
- [ ] Cash
- [ ] Personal / Cashier's Check (check number [[Number]])
- [ ] Wire Transfer / ACH (confirmation [[Reference]])
- [ ] Trade-in Allowance: [[Description and value of trade-in, if any]]
- [ ] Other: [[Describe]]
Amount Paid at Signing: $[[Amount Paid Today]]
Balance Due (if any): $[[Balance]] (due by [[Due Date or "upon delivery"]])
Seller acknowledges receipt of the amounts indicated above as of the date of this Bill of Sale.
4. ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (FEDERAL AND CALIFORNIA)
Federal Odometer Disclosure (49 U.S.C. § 32705 and 49 CFR Part 580):
The Seller states that the odometer reading on the vehicle described above is:
- [ ] The actual mileage shown on the odometer.
- [ ] The odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage. WARNING - ODOMETER DISCREPANCY.
- [ ] The odometer reading is unknown (vehicle 20+ years old or odometer not present/functional - exempt under federal rules).
Odometer Reading at Transfer: [[Odometer Reading]] (no tenths)
Seller Certification: I certify that the odometer reading stated above is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I have not altered or tampered with the odometer.
Seller Signature: ________________________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Buyer Acknowledgment: I acknowledge receipt of this odometer disclosure statement.
Buyer Signature: ________________________________________ Date: [[Date]]
5. LIEN / ENCUMBRANCE STATUS
The vehicle is (select one):
- [ ] Free and clear of all liens, security interests, and encumbrances. Seller has good and marketable title and full right to sell the vehicle.
- [ ] Subject to lien(s). The following lienholder(s) hold security interest(s):
Lienholder Name: [[Lienholder]]
Account / Loan Number: [[Number]]
Approximate Payoff: $[[Amount]]
Seller will deliver a lien release or authorization for payoff from the lienholder at or before transfer of title. Buyer acknowledges responsibility for any payoff balance if agreed in writing.
6. "AS-IS" SALE; NO WARRANTIES
THE VEHICLE IS SOLD "AS IS," "WHERE IS," AND WITH ALL FAULTS.
Seller makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title (beyond the lien status disclosed), or non-infringement, except as expressly stated in this Bill of Sale or required by law (including any implied warranty that cannot be disclaimed under applicable law).
Buyer acknowledges that Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle (or has waived inspection) and is purchasing the vehicle based on Buyer's own examination and not in reliance on any representation by Seller, except as expressly set forth herein.
Seller Initials: _____ Buyer Initials: _____
7. ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
7.1 Seller represents that: (a) Seller is the lawful owner or has authority to sell; (b) the vehicle is not subject to any undisclosed legal proceedings, recalls that have not been addressed, or salvage/rebuilt title issues except as disclosed: [[Disclose any salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon law history or state "None"]]; (c) all required emissions/smog equipment is present and functional to Seller's knowledge.
7.2 Smog Certification (California): For most gasoline-powered vehicles 1975 and newer in California, a valid smog certification (STAR station) is required for transfer of title unless exempt (e.g., vehicles 8 model years old or newer in certain cases, or specific electric/hybrid exemptions). Seller shall provide a valid smog certificate dated within [[90]] days of sale, or the parties agree as follows: [["Buyer responsible for obtaining smog certification at Buyer's expense" or other agreement]].
7.3 Delivery. Seller shall deliver the vehicle, all keys, fobs, owner's manuals, maintenance records, and the signed title/registration documents to Buyer on [[Delivery Date]] at [[Location]].
7.4 Risk of Loss. Risk of loss passes to Buyer upon delivery and acceptance of the vehicle.
8. CALIFORNIA DMV TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS AND SELLER/BUYER OBLIGATIONS
Seller Obligations:
- Sign over the California Certificate of Title (pink slip) to Buyer, completing all required fields including odometer.
- Complete and submit to DMV a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) within 5 days of sale to limit liability for future tickets, accidents, or parking violations. This can be done online at dmv.ca.gov or by mail.
- Provide Buyer with any lien release documents if the vehicle was financed.
- Disclose known safety defects or open recalls.
Buyer Obligations:
- Apply for title transfer with DMV within 30 days using REG 343 or appropriate forms, pay use tax (if applicable), and register the vehicle.
- Obtain a smog certification if required.
- Pay any applicable sales/use tax, registration fees, and transfer fees.
- File a Report of Sale (if dealer) or ensure private-party transfer is recorded.
Failure by Seller to file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability may result in continued liability for the vehicle. Buyer should not operate the vehicle until properly registered and insured.
DMV Resources: California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), forms REG 262 (Application for Title or Registration), REG 227 (for out-of-state vehicles), and REG 138.
9. SIGNATURES
SELLER ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
I, the undersigned Seller, certify that I am the owner (or authorized agent) of the vehicle described above, that the information in this Bill of Sale is true and complete to the best of my knowledge, that I have disclosed all known liens and material defects, and that I have authority to transfer clear title (subject to any disclosed lien).
Seller Signature: ________________________________________
Printed Name: [[Seller Full Legal Name]]
Date: [[Date]]
Co-Seller (if applicable): ________________________________________
Printed Name: [[Name]] Date: [[Date]]
BUYER ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
I, the undersigned Buyer, acknowledge that I have read this Bill of Sale in full, understand that the vehicle is sold "AS IS," have had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle, accept the odometer disclosure, and agree to the terms stated herein.
Buyer Signature: ________________________________________
Printed Name: [[Buyer Full Legal Name]]
Date: [[Date]]
Co-Buyer (if applicable): ________________________________________
Printed Name: [[Name]] Date: [[Date]]
10. NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT (OPTIONAL BUT OFTEN USEFUL)
State of California
County of [[County]]
On [[Date]], before me, [[Notary Name]], Notary Public, personally appeared [[Seller Name(s) and Buyer Name(s)]], who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
________________________________________
Notary Public Signature My commission expires: [[Date]]
(Seal)
DISCLAIMER
Template - not professional (legal/financial/medical) advice. This is a sample vehicle bill of sale for use in California private-party transactions. Odometer disclosure is mandatory under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 32705) and California Vehicle Code. Smog certification, title transfer, use tax, and release-of-liability requirements are governed by the California Vehicle Code and DMV regulations. Lien releases, salvage titles, and emissions compliance have specific rules. The parties should verify current DMV forms, fees, and deadlines at dmv.ca.gov and consult qualified counsel for high-value or disputed transactions. This document is not legal advice. As of June 2026.
ATTACHMENTS / COPIES
- Copy of current title (front and back, signed over)
- Smog certification (if obtained at sale)
- Lien release or payoff authorization (if applicable)
- Odometer disclosure (this form or separate REG form)
- Photos of vehicle and odometer at time of sale (recommended)
Both parties should retain signed copies of this Bill of Sale for their records and for tax/registration purposes.
