Templatesic-arrow Financial ic-arrow California Bill of Sale PDF Template

California Bill of Sale PDF Template

What is a California Bill of Sale?

A California Bill of Sale is a legal document that evidences the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer within the state of California. It acts as a receipt for the transaction and can be used for various types of personal property, such as vehicles, boats, firearms, and other tangible items. The Bill of Sale provides protection for both parties by recording the details of the transaction.


img-computer

Key Components of a Typical California Bill of Sale

 

1.    Description of the Item: Detailed information about the item being sold, such as make, model, year, color, VIN (for vehicles), hull identification number (for boats), or any other identifying features.

2.    Purchase Price: The agreed-upon amount for which the item is being sold.

3.    Seller's Information: Name, address, and possibly other contact details of the seller.

4.    Buyer's Information: Name, address, and possibly other contact details of the buyer.

5.    Date of Sale: The date on which the transaction took place.

6.    Payment Method: Information regarding how the payment was made, such as cash, check, money order, etc.

7.    As-Is Statement: Many bills of sale include a statement indicating that the item is being sold "as-is," which means the seller isn't providing any warranties regarding the item's condition.

8.    Signatures: Both the buyer and the seller should sign and date the document.

 

For specific items, especially motor vehicles, there are additional considerations:

  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: When selling vehicles in California, the seller is often required to provide the current odometer reading, especially for vehicles under a certain age, to certify the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale.

  • Release of Liability: In California, when selling a vehicle, it's crucial for the seller to report the sale to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form. This helps ensure that the seller isn't held responsible for future liabilities involving the vehicle after the sale.

  • Title Transfer: Transferring the vehicle's title to the new owner is an essential step when selling a vehicle in California. The Bill of Sale, along with the vehicle's title and other necessary forms, is typically required to finalize the transfer with the DMV.

 

If selling or purchasing personal property in California, it's advisable to use a Bill of Sale to document the transaction, providing a record and legal protection for both parties. To ensure compliance with California laws and regulations, individuals might consider using state-specific templates or consulting with legal counsel.


Download the best PDF Reader Pro to fill out the form
Free Download