California Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

The California auto bill of sale contract is a document used to transfer the ownership of an automobile from a seller to a buyer.

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Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale Required in California?

Cars in California are not a luxury but a necessity. Of course, no one lives their entire life with only one vehicle � they are bought and sold, and we do it quite often. To prove such transactions, you can use a document called a vehicle bill of sale. In California, it is necessary not only when buying a car but also for any large purchase over $500.

This form is needed to document the legal transfer of an item from one owner to another. It is also often used for personal accounting and to protect oneself from fraudulent sellers. After all, the paper proves the purchase of the car.

Bill of Sale Structure in California

There is no clear uniform form for this document, but the main parts remain unchanged. The paper should include:

Information about the parties to the transaction (seller and buyer), their names, and direct contacts
Vehicle information (type, model, body type, VIN)
Deal date
Purchase amount
Signatures of the parties

It is also highly recommended to undergo notarization of the document to avoid emergency proceedings. The seller and the buyer must keep certified copies of the document.

Before signing the document, necessarily make sure that the data entered is correct. Sometimes attackers deliberately make a mistake in a document to invalidate it. The extra check won't hurt!

Is This Form Required to Register a Motor Vehicle?

The answer to this question in California is yes. When you purchase a vehicle, you have 30 days to register it with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Bill of sale is one of the required documents that you must submit to the department.

Other documents are:

Application for Title or Registration Form REG 343, or the Title
Proof of insurance
ID with photo
Smog certificate (not needed if the previous owner renewed it in the last 90 days for two years)
Registration fees and taxes

In addition to the above, you may need to provide the following:

Odometer reading (if you are providing the title)
Safety inspection verification (depends on the age of the vehicle)

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Unlike free auto bill of sale form providers, our forms are professional and protect your rights. A standard vehicle bill of sale form is essential for your total legal protection.