Updated August 15, 2023
A California motor vehicle/vessel bill of sale (Form REG 135) serves as a purchase and sale document in which the buyer and seller record the transaction of a motorized vehicle or vessel. In this document, the vehicle’s purchase price is stated as well as the current mechanical and cosmetic condition. New owners of a vehicle and vessel will be required to present a bill of sale to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for registration.
Signing Requirements – The seller (only) is required to sign.
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Registering a Vehicle
New owners who purchased a new or used vehicle through a private-party transaction must register the vehicle within ten (10) days of purchase. In the case of a new resident transferring their vehicle from another state, the new resident shall register their vehicle within twenty (20) days of establishing residency in California. Registrations will require renewal once a year upon their expiration date. Renewals can be requested through the DMV’s online portal or in person at a nearby California DMV field office.
Where to Register
Vehicles must be registered in person at a nearby California DMV field office. Alternatively, all documentation may be sent via mail to the DMV.
Required Documents
- Bill of Sale (Form REG 135);
- Statement of Facts (Form REG 256);
- Signed Certificate of Title (if lost or damaged, use Application for Duplicate or Transfer Title);
- Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343);
- Valid California Driver’s License;
- Smog and Emissions Inspection from an accredited station;
- Release of Liability (Form REG 138), sent by the seller within five (5) days of sale to notify the State;
- Registration fees[1] (rates may vary);
- Proof of Insurance with minimum requirements:[2]
- $15,000 for injury/death of one person;
- $30,000 for injury/death of more than one person;
- $5,000 for property damage;
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form REG 260), if an agent shall represent the vehicle owner in titling or registering matters.
Registering a Boat
Motorized vessels of all sizes and sail-powered vessels over eight (8) feet in length must be registered with the California DMV. Owners transferring their vessels from another state must register said vessel with the DMV within 120 days of establishing residency in California.
Vessel registrations must be renewed by December 31st of every odd-numbered year (for instance, 2013, 2017, etc.), regardless of active usage. Renewals can be processed online, through phone (1-800-777-0133), via mail, or at a local California DMV field office.
Where to Register
Qualifying vessels must be registered at a nearby CA DMV field office or via mail to the address below:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Required Documents
- Bill of Sale (Form REG 135);
- Statement of Facts (Form REG 256);
- Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (Form BOAT 101);
- Original Certificate of Title (if lost or damaged, use Application for Duplicate or Transfer Title)
- Valid California Driver’s License or Government-issued ID;
- Vessel registration fees[2] (rates may vary); and
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form REG 260), if an agent shall represent the vessel owner in titling and registering matters.