When should I use the gift transfer page?
Use this page when your side by side sale in California fits a gift transfer scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Gift transfer — California
California Side by Side bill of sale for gift transfer
Complete your California side by side bill of sale for a gift transfer transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
CaliforniaSide by SideGift transfer
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What to know about gift transfer sales in California
If the vehicle's fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 for 2024 per IRS), the donor must file IRS Form 709 (United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return). The lifetime exemption ($13.61 million in 2024) typically means no tax is owed, but the form is still required. Some states require the word "gift" on the title or a separate gift affidavit to waive use tax.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Side by Side make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any gift transfer-specific disclosures required in California.
Seller guidance
If the vehicle's fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 for 2024 per IRS), the donor must file IRS Form 709 (United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return). The lifetime exemption ($13.61 million in 2024) typically means no tax is owed, but the form is still required. Some states require the word "gift" on the title or a separate gift affidavit to waive use tax.
Buyer guidance
You will likely owe use tax on the fair market value of the vehicle at registration unless your state exempts immediate family gifts. California, for example, exempts transfers between parents, children, spouses, and domestic partners. Check your state DMV for exemption eligibility.
California-Specific Note
California exempts gift transfers from use tax when the vehicle is transferred between immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling). Complete CDTFA-111 (Claim for Exemption from Use Tax) and submit REG 256 (Statement of Facts) to the DMV. The gift must be genuinely gratuitous — any exchange of value voids the exemption.
Legal considerations
California exempts gift transfers from use tax when the vehicle is transferred between immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling). Complete CDTFA-111 (Claim for Exemption from Use Tax) and submit REG 256 (Statement of Facts) to the DMV. The gift must be genuinely gratuitous — any exchange of value voids the exemption.
California Legal Requirements
California does not impose a state-level gift tax. When transferring a vehicle as a gift, use the fair market value (FMV) on the title transfer paperwork. Transfers between immediate family members (parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling) are exempt from California use tax. Non-family gift recipients may owe use tax on the vehicle’s FMV.
Source: CA Revenue & Taxation Code § 6285
Checklist for this transaction
- 1Establish fair market value (Kelley Blue Book or comparable)
- 2Determine if IRS Form 709 filing is required (value >$18,000 in 2024)
- 3Obtain state-specific gift affidavit or complete the gift section on the title
- 4Confirm state sales/use tax exemption eligibility for family gifts
- 5Notarize the bill of sale or gift affidavit if your state requires it
- 6Complete CDTFA-111 (Claim for Exemption from Use Tax)
- 7Submit REG 256 (Statement of Facts) to the CA DMV
- 8Verify recipient qualifies as immediate family under CA Revenue & Taxation Code § 6285
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main California side by side bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open California Side by Side bill of saleFrequently asked questions
Why does the gift transfer scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a gift transfer transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the gift transfer transaction.
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