California Car Dealer Forms
These are the forms a licensed dealer needs to buy, sell, and title vehicles in California. From the California title and registration application to the bill of sale, odometer disclosure, title reassignment, and temporary tag paperwork — each links to the official source where available. Download the current version straight from the California DMV — Occupational Licensing (Vehicle Industry Services) or the federal agency, never a copy that's gone stale.
California state forms
| Form | What it's for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) ↗ | Applies for California title and registration when transferring a vehicle to the buyer. | Every deal |
| Report of Sale — Used Vehicle (REG 51) ↗ | Records each retail used-vehicle sale and starts the registration/temporary-plate process; printed electronically. | Every deal |
| Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) ↗ | Secure form serving as bill of sale, federal odometer disclosure, and power of attorney at transfer. | Every deal |
| Power of Attorney (REG 260) ↗ | Authorizes the dealer to sign title/registration documents on the customer's behalf (non-odometer). | As needed |
| Bill of Sale (REG 135) ↗ | Standalone bill of sale when the REG 262 section isn't used. | As needed |
Federal forms (every state)
| Form | What it's for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers Guide (FTC) ↗ | As-is vs. warranty window sticker required on every used vehicle offered for sale. | Every deal |
| IRS Form 8300 ↗ | Report cash payments over $10,000 in a single transaction. | As needed |
California dealer forms FAQ
What forms do car dealers need in California?+
California dealers use Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), Report of Sale — Used Vehicle (REG 51), Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262), Power of Attorney (REG 260) and more, plus federal forms every dealer needs like the FTC Buyers Guide and the odometer disclosure. Each is listed below with its purpose and official link.
Where do I get official California dealer forms?+
Download current forms directly from the California DMV — Occupational Licensing (Vehicle Industry Services). Third-party copies go out of date — always pull the latest version from the official source linked on this page.
Do I need an FTC Buyers Guide on every used car in California?+
Yes. The federal Used Car Rule requires an as-is/warranty Buyers Guide displayed on every used vehicle offered for sale, in California and every other state.
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