California boat — quick answer
In California, a boat bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is REG 135. Boats in California may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the California DMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in California?
Not required. A bill of sale is optional. The DMV's REG 135 can stand in for the owner's release-of-ownership signature on the title.
Seller signs the title over to the buyer; the buyer submits the title (or REG 135) and applies for transfer within 10 days. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the California DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a California boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. California's registration manual states a bill of sale is not required to be notarized or witnessed.
What to include on a California boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in California
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over to the buyer; the buyer submits the title (or REG 135) and applies for transfer within 10 days.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (file within 5 days) to remove liability.
- 4Register with the California DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the California DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
California Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in California?
A bill of sale is not required in California. A bill of sale is optional. The DMV's REG 135 can stand in for the owner's release-of-ownership signature on the title.
Does a California boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. California's registration manual states a bill of sale is not required to be notarized or witnessed.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.