California mobile home — quick answer
In California, a mobile home bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is REG 135. Mobile/manufactured homes in California are titled like a vehicle in many states, but some states use a separate manufactured-housing agency or convert them to real property — confirm with the California DMV.
Is a mobile home bill of sale required in California?
Not required. A bill of sale is optional. The DMV's REG 135 can stand in for the owner's release-of-ownership signature on the title.
Seller signs the title over to the buyer; the buyer submits the title (or REG 135) and applies for transfer within 10 days. For mobile/manufactured homes, California may use a separate titling process — confirm with the California DMV before you sign.
Does a California mobile home bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. California's registration manual states a bill of sale is not required to be notarized or witnessed.
What to include on a California mobile home bill of sale
- Buyer and seller full legal names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and type (single/double-wide)
- Serial number / VIN and HUD label number
- Size (width × length) and current location
- Price, date, and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a mobile home in California
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over to the buyer; the buyer submits the title (or REG 135) and applies for transfer within 10 days.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (file within 5 days) to remove liability.
- 4Register with the California DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the mobile home, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the California DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
California Mobile Home Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a mobile home bill of sale required in California?
A bill of sale is not required in California. A bill of sale is optional. The DMV's REG 135 can stand in for the owner's release-of-ownership signature on the title.
Does a California mobile home bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. California's registration manual states a bill of sale is not required to be notarized or witnessed.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a mobile home?
In most cases, yes. A mobile home bill of sale documents the price and terms and supports the title transfer. If the home is titled as personal property you will also sign over the title; if it has been converted to real property, the sale is handled more like real estate.
Is a mobile home titled like a car?
Often, yes — when classified as personal property, a manufactured home is titled through the state motor-vehicle agency, similar to a vehicle. Once permanently affixed to land you own, it may be converted to real property and recorded with the county instead.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.