San Diego, California
How to Fill Out a San Diego Car Bill of Sale
Complete guide for filling out a car bill of sale in San Diego, California (Form REG 135). Includes the exact DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office location, current tax rates, and notarization requirements.
Title Transfer Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.75%
Notarization
Not Required
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Your San Diego 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 DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office.
- 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. Seller must sign the title and submit a Notice of Transfer (REG 138) within 5 days of sale. Print at least two originals — one for each party.
- 5
Submit to the DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office
Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: 4375 Derrick Dr, San Diego, CA 92117. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM). Phone: (800) 777-0133. You'll pay the title transfer fee of $15.00 and sales tax at 7.75%.
San Diego Title & Registration Office
Office
DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office
Address
4375 Derrick Dr, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone
(800) 777-0133
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM)
Special requirements in San Diego County:
- Submit Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) to CA DMV within 5 days of sale
- Seller signs title over to buyer; buyer has 10 days to transfer title at DMV
- Smog certificate required for most vehicles older than 4 model years
- Report of Sale form (REG 343) available as alternative to written bill of sale
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 San Diego
- Where do I file a car bill of sale in San Diego?
- File at the DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office, located at 4375 Derrick Dr, San Diego, CA 92117. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM). Phone: (800) 777-0133.
- What is the vehicle title transfer fee in San Diego?
- The title transfer fee in San Diego County is $15.00. Combined sales tax rate: 7.75%. California state base 7.25% + San Diego County district tax 0.50%
- Does San Diego, California require notarization for a car bill of sale?
- No. California does not require notarization. Seller must sign the title and submit a Notice of Transfer (REG 138) within 5 days of sale.
- 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 DMV San Diego – Clairemont Mesa Office or generate a state-compliant version at BillOfSaleNow.