Bill of Sale · California
California Trailer Bill of Sale (2026)
A California trailer bill of sale records the trailer, its weight, the price and the parties. Trailers are exempt from the federal odometer disclosure. California: if a paper title was issued, it must be used to transfer ownership. If the trailer is in the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) program and no paper title was issued, this bill of sale and DMV Form REG 4017 (Side B) are used; the transfer must be completed within 10 days.
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California trailer sale: key facts
- Title rule
- California: if a paper title was issued, it must be used to transfer ownership. If the trailer is in the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) program and no paper title was issued, this bill of sale and DMV Form REG 4017 (Side B) are used; the transfer must be completed within 10 days.
- Odometer disclosure
- Not required — trailers are not self-propelled (49 CFR 580.17).
- Notary required?
- No requirement was found; notarizing is optional.
- Homemade trailers
- Mark "homemade" in the form; registration rules may require an inspection.
Official source: California DMV — PTI trailer transfers · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does a trailer need a title in California?
- California: if a paper title was issued, it must be used to transfer ownership. If the trailer is in the Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) program and no paper title was issued, this bill of sale and DMV Form REG 4017 (Side B) are used; the transfer must be completed within 10 days.
- Does a California trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
- No requirement was found; notarizing is optional.
- Do I need an odometer statement for a trailer?
- Not required — trailers are not self-propelled (49 CFR 580.17).
- 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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