Bell Gardens, California
How to Fill Out a Bell Gardens Car Bill of Sale
Complete guide for filling out a car bill of sale in Bell Gardens, California (Form REG 135). Includes the exact California DMV – Bell Gardens location, current tax rates, and notarization requirements.
Title Transfer Fee
$23.00
Sales Tax Rate
8.75%
Notarization
Not Required
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Your Bell Gardens Car Bill of Sale
- 1
Enter seller and buyer information
Write full legal names and current addresses exactly as they appear on government-issued IDs. Both buyer and seller must use their full legal names — no nicknames or abbreviations. Errors here cause delays at the California DMV – Bell Gardens.
- 2
Record Car details and VIN
Enter the year, make, model, body style, color, and the 17-character VIN exactly as printed on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or door jamb sticker. The VIN must match the vehicle title exactly. Also enter the current odometer reading — federal law mandates accurate odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old.
- 3
Record sale price, date, and payment method
Write the agreed sale price in both numeral form ($12,500.00) and written form (twelve thousand five hundred dollars). Enter the exact date of the sale — this date triggers the California title transfer requirement. Note payment method: cash, check, or other.
- 4
Both parties sign and date
Both buyer and seller sign and date the completed form. Sign with blue or black ballpoint ink. California does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient. Print at least two originals — one for each party.
- 5
Submit to the California DMV – Bell Gardens
Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov for the nearest Bell Gardens, CA office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers. You'll pay the title transfer fee of $23.00 and sales tax at 8.75%.
Bell Gardens Title & Registration Office
Office
California DMV – Bell Gardens
Address
Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov for the nearest Bell Gardens, CA office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Special requirements in Bell Gardens County:
- Complete a title transfer at your local California title office within the required timeframe
- Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate
- Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Signing before the notary if notarization is required — the notary must witness the signature
- ✗VIN errors — even one wrong character causes the CA DMV to reject the title transfer
- ✗Leaving the sale price blank or writing "gift" if money changed hands — this triggers audit risk
- ✗Skipping odometer disclosure — federal law requires it for vehicles under 10 years old
- ✗Using correction fluid to fix mistakes — always initial handwritten corrections instead
- ✗Not keeping a copy — both buyer and seller need a signed original
FAQ — Car Bill of Sale in Bell Gardens
- Where do I file a car bill of sale in Bell Gardens?
- File at the California DMV – Bell Gardens, located at Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov for the nearest Bell Gardens, CA office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.
- What is the vehicle title transfer fee in Bell Gardens?
- The title transfer fee in Bell Gardens County is $23.00. Combined sales tax rate: 8.75%. California state rate 7.25% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
- Does Bell Gardens, California require notarization for a car bill of sale?
- No. California does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
- What form do I use for a car bill of sale in California?
- California uses Form REG 135 for car title transfers. You can download it from the California DMV – Bell Gardens or generate a state-compliant version at BillOfSaleNow.