California motorcycle — quick answer
In California, a motorcycle 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. Titling and registration are handled by the California DMV.
Is a motorcycle 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.
Does a California motorcycle 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 motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in California
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, 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 motorcycle, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the California DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
California Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
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.