What's a Bill of Sale?

The Bill of Sale is a legal document that protects both the buyer and the seller. It lists the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the license plate number, as well as the vehicle's year, make, and model. It provides proof of the sale, the amount of the sale, and proof of release of liability for the seller.

You'll use it to register your newly-purchased car or boat. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also uses the Bill of Sale to compute the Vehicle License Fee. Without it, the VLF will be based on the vehicle's approximate value.

Do Your Paperwork

If you're buying a car, motorcycle, or boat from a private party, take a blank Bill of Sale when you go to seal the deal.

With all the excitement of the purchase, if you fail to fill out a Bill of Sale and go to the DMV without it (and without any other proof of the vehicle's purchase price), you could find yourself having to make a return trip. And that's no fun at all.

Generic Bill of Sale

If you have trouble downloading the California Bill of Sale form, we provide links to generic forms from our sponsors.

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