California rv — quick answer
In California, a RV 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 RV 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 RV 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 RV bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and RV class/type
- 17-character VIN
- Length and (for motorized RVs) odometer reading
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a RV 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 RV, 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 RV Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a RV 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 RV 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.
Is an RV titled like a car or a trailer?
Motorized RVs (Class A/B/C) are titled and registered like vehicles. Towable RVs such as travel trailers and fifth wheels follow trailer titling rules in your state.
Do I record mileage on an RV bill of sale?
Yes for motorized RVs — record the exact odometer reading. Towable RVs have no odometer.
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.