Bakersfield, California
How to Fill Out a Bakersfield Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Complete guide for filling out a motorcycle bill of sale in Bakersfield, California (Form REG 135). Includes the exact DMV Bakersfield Office location, current tax rates, and notarization requirements.
Title Transfer Fee
$23.00
Sales Tax Rate
8.25%
Notarization
Not Required
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Your Bakersfield Motorcycle 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 Bakersfield Office.
- 2
Record Motorcycle 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 vehicle transfers. Print at least two originals — one for each party.
- 5
Submit to the DMV Bakersfield Office
Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: 5607 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93309. 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 $23.00 and sales tax at 8.25%.
Bakersfield Title & Registration Office
Office
DMV Bakersfield Office
Address
5607 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone
(800) 777-0133
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM)
Special requirements in Kern County:
- Submit REG 138 within 5 days of sale
- Buyer must transfer title within 10 days
- Smog certificate required for vehicles more than 4 model years old
- Both parties should keep a copy of the 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 — Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Bakersfield
- Where do I file a motorcycle bill of sale in Bakersfield?
- File at the DMV Bakersfield Office, located at 5607 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93309. 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 Bakersfield?
- The title transfer fee in Kern County is $23.00. Combined sales tax rate: 8.25%. California state base 7.25% + Kern County 1.0%
- Does Bakersfield, California require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale?
- No. California does not require notarization for vehicle transfers.
- What form do I use for a motorcycle bill of sale in California?
- California uses Form REG 135 for motorcycle title transfers. You can download it from the DMV Bakersfield Office or generate a state-compliant version at BillOfSaleNow.