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California bill of sale

California does not require a notary for a bill of sale of ordinary goods. The document is a record of the deal: who sold what, to whom, for how much, on what date. For a vehicle, the certificate of title and the DMV process do the legal work, and the bill of sale supports them.

This page covers both cases, plus the use tax and smog points that surprise out-of-state buyers.

Written by Nora Whitfield, editorial lead. State rules checked by Samuel Okafor, rules editor, on October 20, 2026.

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Signing rule at a glance

No notaryNo witnessesRules cited

California: A notary is not required. No witnesses are required. A bill of sale for ordinary goods needs no notary. A vehicle title transfer may have its own notarization rule, which is separate from this form.

California: A notary is not required. No witnesses are required. A bill of sale for ordinary goods needs no notary. A vehicle title transfer may have its own notarization rule, which is separate from this form. Source: UCC Article 2, as adopted in California.

Source: UCC Article 2, as adopted in California (opens the official source in a new tab).

No notary for goods

California Commercial Code division 2 governs the sale of goods and sets no notarization or witness requirement for a bill of sale. A signed document with the parties, the item, the price and the date is enough for a private sale.

Citation: UCC Article 2, as adopted in California (opens the official source in a new tab).

A notary is optional. For a high-value item, a notarized signature can help prove the date and identity. For a vehicle, the DMV cares about the title and the transfer form, not the notary on the bill of sale.

  • Seller and buyer names and addresses
  • A specific description of the item, with a serial number if it has one
  • The price and payment method
  • The date of sale and the date of handover
  • An as-is statement when no warranty is given

Vehicles, title and smog

A California vehicle sale is completed through the certificate of title and the DMV's transfer process. The seller signs the title, provides a smog certificate for most vehicles, and the buyer submits the transfer and pays the fees. A bill of sale is useful for the price and the as-is terms.

The buyer generally has 10 days to report the transfer to the DMV. The seller should also submit a notice of transfer or release of liability so tickets and tolls do not follow the old owner. The DMV's online forms are the current source for both.

A smog certificate is not required for every sale, but it is required for most vehicles older than eight years. Check the DMV rules before you promise a buyer that the car will pass.

Use tax

California charges use tax when a vehicle is registered, and the DMV may use the price on the bill of sale or its own valuation. A price that is much lower than the market value can trigger a review. Show the real price.

For ordinary goods bought from an out-of-state seller, use tax may also apply. A private sale of used household goods is usually not the target of collection, but a business purchase can be. Keep the bill of sale with your records.

After signing

Give the buyer the original and keep a copy. For a vehicle, complete the title, the smog certificate and the DMV transfer. For equipment, record the serial number and keep the payment receipt.

If the item is later claimed to be stolen or encumbered, the bill of sale is the buyer's first piece of evidence. A specific description and a clear date are more useful than a generic receipt.

Filled sample, California

Bill of sale

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

This bill of sale is made on October 12, 2026 between Jordan M. Reyes, of 412 Oak Street, Austin, TX 78701 (the seller), and Priya N. Shah, of 88 Cedar Lane, Round Rock, TX 78664 (the buyer). The sale takes place in the State of California, and California law governs this document.

1. Sale of goods

The seller sells and the buyer buys the following property: 2019 Trek Marlin 6 bicycle, charcoal gray, 29 inch wheels, with front and rear lights.

The property is identified by serial number or other marking WTU1234567. The buyer has inspected the property or has had a chance to inspect it before signing.

2. Condition and as-is statement

The property is sold as is, where is, with all faults. The seller gives no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and no oral promise about the property changes this document. Condition notes, if any: Used. Scratches on the left crank arm and a small tear on the saddle. Sold with the lights, lock and floor pump..

3. Price and payment

The buyer pays the seller $650.00 (Six hundred fifty dollars), by cash, on the date of sale. The seller acknowledges receiving that amount in full.

4. Ownership

The seller states that the seller owns the property, has the right to sell it, and has not sold it to anyone else. The property is free of liens and claims, except any lien the buyer has agreed to in writing.

5. Delivery and risk

The buyer takes possession on October 12, 2026. From that date the buyer bears the risk of loss or damage. The buyer is responsible for moving the property.

6. Additional terms

The seller will deliver the bicycle to the buyer's address on the date of sale.

7. Entire agreement

This document is the complete agreement about the sale. Any change must be written and signed by both parties. If one part is unenforceable, the rest stays in effect. The laws of the State of California govern this bill of sale.

Seller

Seller

Signature

Printed name: Jordan M. Reyes

Date

Buyer

Buyer

Signature

Printed name: Priya N. Shah

Date

Signing requirements: California: A notary is not required. No witnesses are required. A bill of sale for ordinary goods needs no notary. A vehicle title transfer may have its own notarization rule, which is separate from this form.

Source: UCC Article 2, as adopted in California.

Generated from a PaperDeed template. PaperDeed is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Template review date: October 20, 2026.

Example answers. The builder replaces them and uses the California signature block shown above.

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The parties

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Questions about the California form

Does a California bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. California does not require a notary or witnesses for a bill of sale of goods. A notary is optional and can help with proof of signature.

Does California require a bill of sale for a car?

The title transfer is the main requirement. A bill of sale is useful for the price and the as-is terms. The DMV may ask for one when the title is missing or the price needs support.

Who pays the smog certificate in California?

The seller is generally responsible for providing a smog certificate for most vehicles. The buyer pays the transfer fees and any use tax. Check the DMV rules for the specific vehicle.

Other states for this document

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Not a law firm, not legal advice

PaperDeed is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help templates and general information about signing rules. If you are unsure whether a document fits your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

Every rule above names its statute or state form, and links to the official text where the state publishes it online. This state guide was updated on October 20, 2026.