Bill of Sale · California
California Boat Bill of Sale (2026)
A California boat bill of sale records the vessel and its 12-character HIN, any outboard motor and trailer included, the price and the parties. California: vessels are registered with the California DMV. This form, DMV Form REG 135, or REG 262 may serve as the bill of sale; notarization is not required.
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California boat sale: key facts
- Title and registration
- California: vessels are registered with the California DMV. This form, DMV Form REG 135, or REG 262 may serve as the bill of sale; notarization is not required.
- Notary required?
- No requirement was found for the bill of sale; notarizing is optional.
- Motor and trailer
- List them in the same bill of sale. A boat trailer is titled/registered as a vehicle, not as a vessel.
- Coast Guard documented boats
- Record the sale with the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center on Form CG-1340.
Official source: California DMV — Vessel transfers · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does a California boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
- No requirement was found for the bill of sale; notarizing is optional.
- What is a HIN?
- The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code on the upper right of the transom. Boats built after November 1972 must have one. Our form checks the format.
- Can I include the outboard motor and trailer?
- List them in the same bill of sale. A boat trailer is titled/registered as a vehicle, not as a vessel.
- Can I get it in Spanish?
- Yes. You sign the English document and also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish instructions.
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