Thankfully, the DMV allows for vehicles to be sold with a bill of sale (aka, without a title) so the short answer is YES – you can sell a car without a title.
Title State—Evidence of ownership must be the title, endorsed by the owner to the purchaser, if the vehicle is being transferred. Otherwise, bills of sale must be submitted in lieu of the signature(s) on the title.
For motor vehicles, you can use the form that the state of California provides (Form Reg-135) or you can draft an original document. California does not provide an official Bill of Sale for livestock. If you buy or sell a horse in California, you will need to draft your own bill of sale.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten? While it is common to present a bill of sale in a digital format, you can also create a handwritten bill of sale. What's most important is to include all of the pertinent details in the bill of sale in order to protect both parties.
If you don't have the California Certificate of Title, you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder's release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.
Notarization requirements for bills of sale vary by state and transaction type. Vehicles: States like Louisiana require notarization for vehicle sales. Conversely, states like California do not. Boats: Some states mandate notarization for boat transactions, ensuring secure ownership transfer.
In most states, notarization of a bill of sale isn't mandatory. States like California and Texas typically do not require it. However, a bill of sale must include accurate details such as parties' names and the transaction amount to be valid. Notarizing the document can offer added legal security and legitimacy.
You'll need to: Fill out the official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) transfer forms. Get a smog certification. Submit transfer forms. Complete the California certificate of title. Get an odometer reading. Collect any valid warranties or as-is documents. Collect all maintenance records.
Sure a bill of sale can be handwritten. As a matter of fact, it appears that a bill of sale is not technically required in California. It is just highly recommended.