The Complete Guide To California DMV Forms: How To Fill Out The Bill Of Sale (REG 135)

Navigating the paperwork required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can often feel like a daunting task. Whether you are purchasing your very first used car from a private party in Los Angeles or selling a beloved family vessel in San Diego, the transfer of ownership requires meticulous documentation. At the center of this transaction is the California DMV Bill of Sale, officially known as Form REG 135. This document serves as a legal receipt of the transaction, establishing a clear paper trail for both the buyer, the seller, and the state of California.

Understanding how to properly obtain, complete, and submit Form REG 135 is critical to protecting yourself from future liability and ensuring a seamless transfer of vehicle ownership. While many drivers mistake a bill of sale for a vehicle title, the two forms serve distinctly different legal purposes. Failing to execute this paperwork correctly can result in unexpected tax liabilities, registration penalties, or even legal exposure if the vehicle is involved in an accident shortly after the exchange of keys.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about California DMV forms, focusing specifically on the Bill of Sale (REG 135). You will learn when this form is mandatory, how to complete each section with absolute accuracy, and how to successfully finalize your vehicle or vessel transaction under California state law.

What is California DMV Form REG 135?

The California DMV Bill of Sale, or Form REG 135, is an official state document used to record the transfer of ownership of a vehicle or vessel between private parties. The form acts as a legal contract and receipt, detailing the terms of the transaction, the description of the asset being sold, the purchase price, and the identities of both the buyer and the seller. In the state of California, establishing the exact sale date and purchase price is highly critical, as it directly impacts the registration fees and use taxes calculated by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

It is important to emphasize that Form REG 135 does not, on its own, transfer legal ownership of a vehicle. The actual transfer of ownership occurs when the California Certificate of Title (often referred to as the pink slip) is signed by both parties and submitted to the DMV. However, the Bill of Sale is a highly supportive document that is required under several specific circumstances, such as when the original title has been lost, damaged, or lacks sufficient space to record the transaction details.

Furthermore, Form REG 135 serves as a shield of legal protection. For the seller, it provides definitive proof of the exact date and time they relinquished control of the vehicle. This prevents the seller from being held liable for any parking tickets, toll violations, or traffic accidents caused by the new owner before the DMV officially processes the title transfer. For the buyer, it proves legal purchase and prevents any claims of vehicle theft or unauthorized possession.

When Do You Need a California Bill of Sale?

In California, a bill of sale is not always mandatory for every vehicle transaction, but there are highly common scenarios where the DMV explicitly requires Form REG 135 to process your transfer. Understanding these scenarios beforehand can save you hours of waiting in line at a local DMV field office, whether you are visiting the main headquarters in Sacramento or a local branch in San Francisco.

You will typically need to complete and submit Form REG 135 in the following situations:

The Vehicle Title is Missing or Damaged: If the seller has lost the original California Certificate of Title, they must apply for a duplicate title using Form REG 227. In this scenario, the DMV requires a Bill of Sale (REG 135) to act as secondary proof of the transaction.
Insufficient Space on the Title: Older California titles or titles that have been transferred multiple times may not have enough designated fields to input the names, signatures, and sales prices of the new parties. Form REG 135 acts as an official extension of the title document.
The Vehicle is Being Gifted: If you are transferring a vehicle to a family member as a gift, or selling it for significantly below market value, you must use Form REG 135 to explicitly state that the acquisition cost was "$0.00" or a gift. This ensures the recipient is taxed correctly (or exempted from use tax under family transfer rules).
Vessel/Boat Sales: Boat and vessel transactions in California have slightly different titling pathways than standard passenger cars, and a completed bill of sale is almost always required to register a vessel under a new owner's name.

Dmv Bill Of Sale Printable

How to Fill Out Form REG 135: A Step-by-Step Guide

Completing California DMV Form REG 135 is straightforward, but it requires absolute precision. Any errors, cross-outs, or illegible handwriting can result in the DMV rejecting the document, forcing both parties to meet again to fill out a fresh form. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to fill out each section of the form correctly.

Step 1: Identify the Vehicle or Vessel

The first section of Form REG 135 requires a complete and accurate description of the asset being transferred. You must gather this information directly from the vehicle's current registration card or the physical vehicle itself. Do not guess these details.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN): This is the most crucial piece of data. Ensure all 17 characters of the VIN (or the HIN for boats) are written clearly without any errors.
Year, Make, and Model: Specify the manufacturing year, the manufacturer (e.g., Toyota, Ford), and the model of the vehicle.
License Plate or CF Number: Input the current California license plate number or, if dealing with a vessel, the CF registration number.

Step 2: Input the Buyer's Information

The next section requires the legal contact and identifying details of the person purchasing the vehicle or vessel.

Full Legal Name: Print the buyer's full name exactly as it appears on their California Driver’s License or ID card. If there are multiple buyers, indicate whether they are registering the vehicle as "and" (requiring both signatures for future actions) or "or" (requiring only one signature).
Physical and Mailing Address: Provide the complete physical street address. If the buyer receives mail at a P.O. Box, you must include both the physical address and the mailing address.

Step 3: Input the Seller's Information

This section mirrors the buyer's section but requires the current registered owner’s details.

Full Legal Name: The seller's name must match the name currently recorded on the DMV database and the vehicle's certificate of title.
Address: Provide the seller's current physical address.

Step 4: Transaction Details and Signatures

This is the legal core of the document where the monetary transaction is recorded and authenticated.

Selling Price: State the exact purchase price paid for the vehicle. If the vehicle is a gift, check the box indicating it is a gift and write "$0" or "Gift" in the value field.
Date of Sale: Write the exact date the physical exchange took place. This date is critical for both the buyer's registration deadline (10 days) and the seller's liability release deadline (5 days).
Signatures: Both the buyer and the seller must sign and date the document in blue or black ink. Digital signatures are generally not accepted on physical copies of Form REG 135 submitted at DMV field offices.

Comparing Key California DMV Transfer Forms

When transferring a vehicle, you may encounter several different forms. It is essential to understand the functional differences between Form REG 135 and other common California DMV documents to ensure you are utilizing the correct paperwork.

Form Number	Form Name	Primary Purpose	When to Use It
REG 135	Bill of Sale	Records the receipt of sale, price, date, and buyer/seller identities.	Used as a receipt, or when the original title is missing/damaged.
REG 262	Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment	Combines bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and power of attorney.	Mandated when an odometer disclosure is legally required (cars under 20 years old). Cannot be downloaded online; must be printed on security paper.
REG 227	Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title	Replaces a lost, stolen, or mutilated vehicle title.	Used when the seller cannot locate the physical pink slip to sign over to the buyer.
REG 138	Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability	Relieves the seller of future civil and criminal liability.	Must be submitted by the seller online or by mail within 5 days of selling the vehicle.

Pros and Cons of Using Form REG 135

While Form REG 135 is a highly useful tool, it has distinct advantages and inherent limitations that both buyers and sellers must recognize.

Pros

Clear Legal Protections: It establishes a legally binding record of the exact transfer date, protecting the seller from liability and protecting the buyer from ownership disputes.
Tax Clarification: It prevents disputes with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration regarding the exact purchase price, protecting the buyer from being overtaxed based on estimated book value.
Ease of Accessibility: Unlike Form REG 262, which must be ordered physically from a DMV office because of federal security paper regulations, Form REG 135 is readily available for free download on the official California DMV website.

Cons

No Odometer Disclosure: Form REG 135 does not contain a federally conforming odometer disclosure section. If the vehicle being sold is under 20 years old, you cannot use REG 135 alone; you must use the official, physical Form REG 262 to report the mileage.
Does Not Transfer Title Alone: Simply filling out Form REG 135 does not finalize the transaction. The buyer must still submit the form along with a title transfer application to the DMV to successfully change the registration.

Crucial Post-Sale Requirements in California

Once the Bill of Sale is signed and the physical vehicle changes hands, both parties must complete specific local state requirements to fully finalize the transfer under California vehicle code.

Seller's Responsibility: Release of Liability (REG 138)

Within five calendar days of the sale, the seller is legally mandated to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL). This can be completed quickly online on the California DMV portal or by mailing Form REG 138. The seller must provide the buyer's name, address, the selling price, the odometer reading, and the exact date of sale. Completing this step immediately removes any association between the seller and the vehicle, protecting them from future toll violations, towing fees, or legal issues.

Buyer's Responsibility: Title Transfer and Smog Certification

The buyer has exactly ten calendar days from the purchase date to transfer the title into their name. To do this, the buyer must visit a local DMV office or utilize a licensed registration service.

Additionally, the seller must provide the buyer with a valid smog certification that is no more than 90 days old, unless the vehicle is exempted (such as electric vehicles, hybrids, or gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier). If a smog check has not been performed recently, the transfer will be suspended by the DMV until the vehicle successfully passes an inspection at a certified California Smog Check station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my own Bill of Sale instead of using Form REG 135?

Yes, the California DMV will accept a handwritten or custom bill of sale, provided it contains all the critical information found on Form REG 135. This includes the VIN, year, make, model, the names and physical signatures of both parties, the transaction date, and the purchase price. However, using the official Form REG 135 is highly recommended to prevent processing delays or rejection by DMV clerks.

What should I do if the seller refuses to sign Form REG 135?

If the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale, do not proceed with the transaction. Without a signed title or a completed Form REG 135, you will be unable to register the vehicle in your name, and you will not have legal proof of ownership. Always ensure all paperwork is fully executed before exchanging any funds.

Is a notary required for a California Bill of Sale?

No, the state of California does not require a Bill of Sale (Form REG 135) to be notarized. The signatures of the buyer and the seller are considered legally binding on their own.

What is the difference between Form REG 135 and Form REG 262?

The primary difference is the odometer disclosure. Under federal law, vehicles under 20 years old require a secure odometer disclosure. Form REG 135 does not contain this section, whereas Form REG 262 does. Because of this, Form REG 262 must be printed on security paper and cannot be downloaded online, whereas REG 135 is readily downloadable.

Secure Your Peace of Mind and Complete Your Transfer Today

Completing a vehicle transaction in California does not have to be a stressful experience. By utilizing the official California DMV Form REG 135, you establish a secure, legally recognized paper trail that protects your financial and legal interests. Ensure that both parties fill out every section clearly, verify the VIN, and submit the necessary supporting documents on time. Download your Form REG 135 today from the official California DMV website, or visit a local field office to take the first step toward a safe and legal vehicle transition.