Selling your used car successfully takes two steps:
- Getting a good price, and
- Protecting yourself.
The first step is built on good research, advertising, and negotation. The second step is built on a great California auto bill of sale.
A great bill of sale does more than set your sale price. It helps you with the steps of selling your car, including all the requirements of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It ensures you’ll be paid. And it protects you in case the car needs repairs after the sale.
The Top 3 Mistakes of Sellers
You’ll make much more money selling your used car yourself than by trading it in at a dealership. Don’t jeopardize that money by making one of these mistakes:
#1: No Bill of Sale
Some sellers simply trade their vehicle for money and shake hands. It’s easy, but it’s asking for trouble.
Without a bill of sale, a seller may not comply with California’s statute of frauds. More importantly, the seller exposes himself or herself to a lawsuit if the car breaks down after the sale.
#2: Using Only the California DMV Bill of Sale
The DMV provides a free bill of sale, which you can download here.
Here’s the problem. The bill of sale is typically used for dealer-dealer transfers and not for private party sales. Thus, the DMV bill of sale doesn’t make the sale ‘as-is’. That means if you use the DMV’s bill of sale, you aren’t protected if the car breaks down after the sale.
In addition, the DMV bill of sale doesn’t require a safe payment method (e.g., a cashier’s check) or a safe location for delivery of the car (e.g., the seller’s bank). In sum, the DMV bill of sale offers little protection, and smart sellers knows that a better legal document is required.
#3: Using a Free California Bill of Sale
Lastly, some Californians make the mistake of using a free bill of sale found online.
Most free bills of sale are outdated and written terribly, using confusing words like ‘hereinafter’ and ‘grants, conveys, and transfers’. Legal experts agree (see here and here) that bills of sale should be written clearly, in easy-to-understand English. Otherwise you may end up in a lawsuit over a misunderstanding.
Free bills of sale have another problem — they fail to mention California DMV requirements, such as filing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. Unless you file that form, you may be liable for the buyer’s parking tickets, traffic violations, and accidents due to a defect in the car.
Don’t risk your hard-earned money by using a free bill of sale.
The Solution
So where can you find a great vehicle bill of sale? There are two solutions:
- Hire an attorney, or
- Buy a professionally written, affordable bill of sale.
The first solution is fine, but be prepared to spend time tracking down a good business attorney and to pay $250 or more for his or her services.
The second solution is where we come in. Our team of attorneys researched California laws. We spoke with the DMV and reviewed their forms and requirements. And we trained in how to write legal contracts in easy-to-understand English.
The result is an easy-to-understand, comprehensive California vehicle bill of sale that you can download immediately for the low cost of $14.95.
Legally Protect Yourself
It’s a fact of life — used automobiles have mechanical issues. That’s why a seller’s #1 risk is being sued by an unhappy buyer when the car breaks down after the sale.
Unlike the California DMV bill of sale, our bill of sale allows you to make the sale ‘as-is’:
That means the buyer will be responsible for all repairs to the automobile after sale. Because our bill of sale is a legal contract, you’ll be protected if a buyer is unhappy after the sale with the condition of the vehicle.
Our bill of sale also provides protection by allowing the seller to specify a safe method of payment (e.g., a cashier’s check) and a safe place for the sale (e.g., the seller’s bank).
Get Help with California DMV Requirements
The DMV has many requirements for selling a used car (to see them, click here).
Worried you’ll miss something? Don’t be. Our bill of sale tells both the buyer and the seller exactly what they’ll need on the day of the sale and what to do in the days that follow.
For example, it tells the seller to give the buyer a completed Certificate of Title and, if required, a valid smog certification and odometer mileage reading. It also tells the seller to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days, as required by the DMV.
Our bill of sale likewise tells the buyer which documents to complete on the day of sale and to visit the DMV within 10 days to transfer ownership. In addition, the buyer is reminded that he or she must pay all applicable transfer fees and use taxes. Don’t delay, download your bill of sale kit today.
Other Benefits
Warranty Option. Are you looking for an extra incentive to close the deal? Or are you a buyer looking for some peace of mind? Our bill of sale includes the option of a limited warranty on the vehicle.
Easy. Our bill of sale is written in easy-to-understand English, and it comes with a User Guide. You’ll receive the bill of sale in in both Microsoft Word (.doc) and PDF formats, and you can complete the document in less than 15 minutes.
5 Danger Signs (a $10 value, YOURS FREE)
Selling your vehicle has risks, one of which is a bad buyer.
Buy your California vehicle bill of sale today, and you’ll receive our free 5 Danger Signs of a Bad Buyer booklet. If you see a danger sign, you’ll know to find another buyer. 
Our Guarantees
100% Satisfaction – We’re confident that our California vehicle bill of sale is one of the best out there. To prove our confidence, we offer a 30 day money back guarantee. If you’re dissatisfied with the bill of sale for any reason whatsoever, email us at Nathan@CaliforniaBillofSale.com within 30 days of your purchase and we’ll give you a full refund. There’s no risk to you at all – order now!
Privacy – We know you’re a busy person and the last thing you need is email spam. We fully respect your privacy and will NEVER sell or give your personal information to anyone or any business.
Order today and protect yourself!
Disclaimer
The California Vehicle Bill of Sale is written for private parties only, and is not intended for use by merchants (e.g., car dealers). Purchase of the Bill of Sale Kit is subject to our terms and conditions.