What an "as is" vehicle bill of sale does
An "as is" vehicle bill of sale is a document that transfers ownership of a car from one person to another while stating that the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition — meaning the seller makes no promises about whether it runs, whether it has hidden damage, or whether it will pass inspection. The phrase "as is" protects the seller from future claims that the car was defective or misrepresented.
This document serves as proof of the sale for both the buyer and the seller. The buyer needs it to register the vehicle with the state motor vehicle department and to prove they own it. The seller needs it to show they no longer own the vehicle and are not responsible for it after the sale date. Without a bill of sale, either party can later dispute who owns the car or who is responsible for unpaid tickets, damage, or other liabilities.
An "as is" bill of sale is different from a standard bill of sale because it explicitly removes the seller's responsibility for the vehicle's condition. A standard bill of sale may imply the seller warrants the car is in working order; an "as is" sale makes clear that is not the case. This matters most when selling a used car privately, especially one with known problems or high mileage.
Key Takeaways
- An "as is" bill of sale transfers ownership while stating the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with no promises from the seller about its mechanical or physical state.
- The document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller to be legally valid.
- Most states do not require a specific form; you can write one yourself or read a template, but some states have preferred formats that motor vehicle departments recognize more easily.
- The buyer should keep a copy to present when registering the vehicle, and the seller should keep a copy as proof they no longer own it.
- An "as is" clause protects the seller from later claims about the car's condition, but it does not protect either party from fraud or intentional misrepresentation about the vehicle's history.
What information must be included
A valid "as is" vehicle bill of sale must contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a 17-character code stamped on the car and listed on the title. This is the most important piece of information because it uniquely identifies the exact vehicle being sold and prevents confusion if the buyer or seller owns multiple cars. You can find the VIN on the dashboard on the driver's side, on the title document, or on insurance paperwork.
The document must also include the sale price (the amount paid), the date of the sale, the full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller, and the signatures of both parties. Some states require the seller to print their name below their signature. If either party is a business rather than an individual, use the business name and the name and title of the person signing on behalf of the business.
You should also include the vehicle's make, model, year, and color, along with the odometer reading at the time of sale. While these details are not always legally required, they make the document more complete and harder to dispute later. The phrase "as is" or "as-is condition" should appear clearly on the document, usually near the signature line or in a separate paragraph stating that the buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition.
How to create one yourself
You do not need to use a lawyer or a pre-printed form to create an "as is" bill of sale. You can write one by hand on plain paper or type one on your computer. Start with a heading that says "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." Below that, write out the information in paragraph form or as a list: the date, the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vehicle details (year, make, model, color, VIN), the sale price, and a statement that the vehicle is being sold "as is."
A straightforward format looks like this: "On [date], [seller name] sold to [buyer name] the vehicle described as [year, make, model, color] with VIN [number] for the price of $[amount]. The buyer accepts this vehicle in its current condition, as is, with no warranties or guarantees from the seller." Then both parties sign and print their names, and each keeps a copy.
If you prefer a template, many state motor vehicle department websites offer free downloadable forms, and you can also find templates online through legal document websites. Using your state's official template, if one exists, can make the document easier for the motor vehicle department to process when the buyer registers the car. However, a handwritten or typed bill of sale you create yourself is legally valid as long as it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties.
State-specific requirements and variations
Most states do not require a bill of sale to be notarized, but a few do. Some states also require the seller to provide the buyer with a written disclosure about the vehicle's condition or accident history, separate from the bill of sale. A few states have specific bill of sale forms they prefer or require, and using the state form can speed up registration.
The best way to find out what your state requires is to visit your state's motor vehicle department website and search for "bill of sale" or "vehicle sale form." The website will tell you whether a specific form is required, whether notarization is needed, and what information must be included. If your state does not have a required form, any bill of sale that includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties will be accepted.
Some states also require the seller to sign the title document itself, separate from the bill of sale. The bill of sale and the title are two different documents: the bill of sale is proof of the sale, and the title is the legal ownership document. The buyer will need both when registering the vehicle. If you are unsure whether your state requires both, contact the motor vehicle department or check their website before completing the sale.
When to use an "as is" clause versus a standard sale
Use an "as is" clause when you are selling a used vehicle privately and want to make clear that you are not responsible for any mechanical problems, hidden damage, or other defects the buyer discovers after the sale. This is especially important if the car has known issues, high mileage, or has not been regularly maintained. The "as is" language protects you from the buyer coming back later and demanding a refund or repair because the transmission failed or the engine has a knock.
A standard bill of sale without the "as is" clause may be interpreted as an implied warranty that the car is in working condition, depending on your state's laws. This means the buyer could potentially take legal action against you if the car breaks down shortly after purchase. By explicitly stating "as is," you remove that risk.
However, an "as is" clause does not protect you if you knowingly lied about the car's condition or history. If the buyer can prove you told them the car had a new engine when it actually has 200,000 miles on the original engine, or that you hid knowledge of a major accident, they may still have grounds to sue for fraud. The "as is" clause only protects you from claims about conditions you did not disclose or misrepresent.
What happens after both parties sign
Once both the buyer and seller have signed the bill of sale, each party should keep a copy for their records. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the motor vehicle department to register the vehicle in their name. They will present the bill of sale along with the title document (which the seller must also sign over) and proof of insurance.
The seller should keep their copy as proof that they sold the vehicle and are no longer responsible for it. This protects the seller if the car is later involved in an accident, receives a traffic ticket, or is abandoned. If the seller is ever contacted about the vehicle, they can show the bill of sale to prove they no longer own it. The seller should also remove their name from their insurance policy once the sale is complete.
The buyer should register the vehicle within the timeframe required by their state, which is usually 10 to 30 days after purchase. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in most states. The motor vehicle department will use the bill of sale and title to issue a new registration and title in the buyer's name. Once that is done, the buyer is the legal owner and is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and liability related to the vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave any required fields blank. If you do not know the VIN, look it up before signing — do not plan to fill it in later. If the price is left blank, either party could later claim a different amount was agreed upon. Do not use initials instead of full signatures; both parties should sign their full names as they appear on their identification.
Do not assume the buyer will register the vehicle promptly. As the seller, you remain liable for the vehicle until the buyer completes registration and the title is transferred to their name. If the buyer delays registration and the car is involved in an accident or receives tickets, you could be held responsible. For this reason, some sellers ask the buyer to show them proof of registration within a certain timeframe.
Do not forget to sign the title document itself in addition to the bill of sale. The bill of sale alone does not transfer ownership; the title must also be signed over by the seller. Check your state's requirements for how the title should be signed. Some states require the seller to sign in the presence of a notary public, while others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an "as is" bill of sale have to be notarized?
Most states do not require notarization for a bill of sale, but a few do. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to find out whether notarization is required where you live. If it is required and you sign without a notary, the document may not be accepted when the buyer tries to register the vehicle.
Can I sell a car "as is" if I know it has a major problem?
You can sell a car "as is" even if it has known problems, but you must disclose those problems to the buyer before the sale. If you knowingly hide a major defect or lie about the car's condition, the "as is" clause will not protect you from a fraud claim. The buyer must know what they are buying.
What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price after we sign?
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, the price is documented and difficult to dispute. This is why it is important to agree on the exact price before signing and to write it clearly on the document. If there is a disagreement, the signed bill of sale is the legal record of what was agreed upon.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading the car in at a dealership?
No. When you trade in a car at a dealership, the dealership handles all the paperwork, including the title transfer. You do not need to create a separate bill of sale. The dealership will provide you with documentation of the trade-in value.
Can I sell a car "as is" if the title is in someone else's name?
No. Only the person whose name is on the title can legally sell the car. If the title is in someone else's name, that person must sign the title over to you first, and then you can sell it. If you try to sell a car you do not legally own, the sale is not valid and the buyer will not be able to register it.