BillOfSaleNow

San Jose, California

How to Fill Out a San Jose Truck Bill of Sale

Complete guide for filling out a truck bill of sale in San Jose, California (Form REG 135). Includes the exact DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office location, current tax rates, and notarization requirements.

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

9.375%

Notarization

Not Required

Step-by-Step: Filling Out Your San Jose Truck Bill of Sale

  1. 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 Jose – Brokaw Road Office.

  2. 2

    Record Truck 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. 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. 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. Seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of sale. Print at least two originals — one for each party.

  5. 5

    Submit to the DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office

    Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: 1520 Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. 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 9.375%.

San Jose Title & Registration Office

Office

DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office

Address

1520 Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

Phone

(800) 777-0133

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM)

Special requirements in Santa Clara County:

  • Submit Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) online or by mail within 5 days
  • Buyer must transfer title within 10 days to avoid penalties
  • Smog certificate required for vehicles more than 4 model years old
  • Both parties should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records

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 — Truck Bill of Sale in San Jose

Where do I file a truck bill of sale in San Jose?
File at the DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office, located at 1520 Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. 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 Jose?
The title transfer fee in Santa Clara County is $15.00. Combined sales tax rate: 9.375%. California state base 7.25% + Santa Clara County 1.875% district tax (Measure B and VTA)
Does San Jose, California require notarization for a truck bill of sale?
No. California does not require notarization for vehicle transfers. Seller must file REG 138 within 5 days of sale.
What form do I use for a truck bill of sale in California?
California uses Form REG 135 for truck title transfers. You can download it from the DMV San Jose – Brokaw Road Office or generate a state-compliant version at BillOfSaleNow.

Trusted by private vehicle sellers nationwide

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Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

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1 in 3 buyers

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$60–$85 mobile notary

Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.

Source: Thumbtack / NNA