Step 1 of 5 · California REG 135
About the seller
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Plain-English answers to the paperwork questions we hear from private sellers in California. If yours isn't here, email giurgiur99@gmail.com.
Not strictly — California DMV accepts the signed title alone for most private transfers. But REG 135 is the official Bill of Sale and strongly recommended. It protects both parties, documents the sale price for use-tax purposes, and is the form the DMV clerk is trained to recognize at the counter.
No. California does not require notarization of REG 135, the pink slip, or REG 138 Release of Liability. Electronic signatures under the federal E-SIGN Act are valid.
REG 138 is the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. You must file it with the California DMV within 5 calendar days of the sale — online at dmv.ca.gov is fastest. Filing it is what frees you from legal responsibility for the buyer's tickets, tolls, and civil claims on the vehicle.
Seller. California law puts the smog-certification obligation on the seller (California Vehicle Code § 24007) — you must provide a valid smog certificate at the time of sale. Exceptions: diesel vehicles model year 1997 and older, gasoline vehicles 1975 and older, vehicles transferred between certain family members, and natural-gas vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR.
California doesn't charge sales tax on private-party sales, but the buyer owes use tax at their local DMV when registering the vehicle. The rate matches the sales-tax rate for the buyer's county (typically 7.25–10.75%). The DMV calculates this from the price reported on REG 135.
Ten days from the date of sale. After that the buyer pays late-transfer penalties. Your REG 138 filing and the buyer's title transfer are independent — the buyer's lateness doesn't affect your liability release if you filed REG 138 within your own 5-day window.
Request a duplicate title on Form REG 227 — $26 filing fee, 10–14 business days by mail. Do this before listing the car. You cannot sign over a car without the pink slip or a valid duplicate; the buyer will be stopped at the DMV.
Yes. Typed and canvas-captured signatures are legally binding under the federal E-SIGN Act, and California DMV accepts the signed digital PDF for most private-party transfers. For gifts and business transfers, consult the DMV directly — a few niche forms still require ink.