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San Francisco, California

San Francisco Boat Bill of Sale Requirements

Complete requirements checklist for a boat bill of sale in San Francisco, California (Form REG 135). Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the California DMV – San Francisco.

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

8.625%

Notarization

Not Required

Required Fields — San Francisco Boat Bill of Sale

All of the following must appear on a valid boat bill of sale in San Francisco, California per Form REG 135:

  • Full legal name and current address of seller
  • Full legal name and current address of buyer
  • Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
  • Date of sale
  • Boat year, make, model, and body style
  • HIN (Hull Identification Number)
  • Signature of seller
  • Signature of buyer

Notarization in San Francisco: Not Required

California does not require notarization for a boat bill of sale. California does not require notarization for a standard vehicle bill of sale; a REG 135 or written bill of sale with both signatures is sufficient. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.

Where to File — San Francisco Title Office

Office

California DMV – San Francisco

Address

1377 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone

(800) 777-0133

Hours

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

Additional requirements in San Francisco County:

  • Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) to the CA DMV within 5 days of sale
  • Seller must sign the title certificate and provide odometer disclosure
  • Buyer has 10 days to transfer title; $15 title transfer fee due at DMV
  • Smog certificate required for most vehicles older than 4 model years

What to Bring to the CA DMV

  • 1Completed, signed boat bill of sale
  • 2Boat title signed over by seller on the back
  • 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • 4Payment for title transfer fee: $15.00
  • 5Payment for sales tax (8.625% of sale price)

FAQ — Boat Bill of Sale Requirements in San Francisco

What are the required fields on a boat bill of sale in San Francisco?
A valid boat bill of sale in San Francisco, California must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, HIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
What is the title transfer fee for a boat in San Francisco?
The title transfer fee in San Francisco County is $15.00. The boat sales tax rate is 8.625%. California state rate 7.25% + San Francisco district taxes 1.375%
Is notarization required for a boat bill of sale in San Francisco?
No. California does not require notarization for a standard vehicle bill of sale; a REG 135 or written bill of sale with both signatures is sufficient.
Where do I file a boat title transfer in San Francisco?
File the title transfer at the California DMV – San Francisco, 1377 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thu until 6:00 PM). Phone: (800) 777-0133.

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