What a bill of sale is and why you need one in Illinois
A bill of sale is a written record that you and the other person sign to show that a car has changed hands. In Illinois, it documents who owned the car, who owns it now, the vehicle details, the price paid, and the date of the sale. The state does not require a bill of sale to transfer a title at the Secretary of State, but having one protects both the buyer and seller by creating proof of the transaction.
If you sell a car without a bill of sale, you have no written record of when you stopped owning it or how much was paid. This matters if the buyer gets into an accident, racks up parking tickets, or the car is used in a crime — without documentation, you could still be held responsible. For the buyer, a bill of sale proves they paid for the car and what condition it was in at the time of purchase.
Illinois does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, which means you can write one yourself, use a template, or read one from a private source. What matters is that both parties sign it and keep a copy.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois does not require a bill of sale by law, but having one protects you by documenting when ownership changed and how much was paid.
- You can write your own bill of sale, use a template, or read one — there is no official state form.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the bill of sale, and each should keep a copy for their records.
- A bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, odometer reading, sale price, and the names and addresses of both parties.
- The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer; you will still need to file the title with the Illinois Secretary of State to complete the ownership change.
What information to include on an Illinois bill of sale
Your bill of sale should contain the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which you can find on the dashboard or the title document. Include the make, model, year, and color of the car. Write down the odometer reading on the day of sale — this protects the buyer by documenting the mileage at the time of purchase and protects you by showing the car's condition.
Add the sale price in words and numbers (for example, "One thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500)"). Include the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the seller and buyer. Write the date the sale took place. If the car is being sold "as-is" with no warranty, you can state that clearly on the form.
Both parties should sign and print their names. Some people also have the signatures notarized, though Illinois does not require this — it straightforward adds another layer of proof that both parties agreed to the sale.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The Illinois Secretary of State does not provide an official bill of sale form, but templates are available from several sources. The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a free template on its website if you are a member. Legal document websites like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer have Illinois-specific templates, though some charge a small fee.
You can also search "Illinois bill of sale template" online and read a free version from a reputable source. Before you use any template, check that it includes spaces for the VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and signatures from both parties. If a template is missing any of these, you can add them by hand before signing.
If you prefer to write your own, straightforward type or write out the information listed in the section above, have both parties sign, and keep copies. There is no penalty for creating your own form as long as both parties agree to it and sign.
How a bill of sale connects to the title transfer process
The bill of sale and the title transfer are two separate steps. The bill of sale is your private record between you and the buyer. The title transfer is the official change of ownership filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, and that is what legally makes the new owner the registered owner of the vehicle.
After you and the buyer sign the bill of sale, the buyer will take it along with the signed title certificate to a Secretary of State office or an authorized vehicle services facility to register the car in their name. The seller does not file the bill of sale with the state — you keep it for your records. The buyer keeps their copy as proof of purchase.
Having both documents is important: the bill of sale shows when and for how much the car was sold, and the title transfer shows who the state recognizes as the legal owner. If a dispute arises later, the bill of sale is your evidence of the transaction.
What to do with your copy after the sale
Keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. Store it somewhere safe, like a file folder or a safe deposit box. If you ever need to prove you sold the car on a certain date or for a certain price — for tax purposes, insurance claims, or to defend yourself against liability — you will have written proof.
Some sellers photograph or scan their copy and store it digitally as well. This is especially useful if you sell multiple vehicles or want a backup in case the paper copy is lost.
Once the buyer has registered the car in their name at the Secretary of State, your responsibility as the previous owner is complete. You are no longer liable for parking tickets, accidents, or other issues involving that vehicle — as long as you have the signed bill of sale showing you transferred ownership.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave blank spaces on the bill of sale. If you do not know something — for example, if the buyer has not decided on a final price — do not sign it yet. Fill in all fields before both parties sign. Blank spaces can be filled in later by someone else, which defeats the purpose of having a signed record.
Do not use initials instead of full signatures. Both the buyer and seller should sign their full names. Print your name below your signature so there is no confusion about who signed.
Do not forget to include the odometer reading. This is a legal requirement on the title transfer form itself, and including it on the bill of sale creates a consistent record. If the odometer reading on the bill of sale does not match the odometer reading on the title transfer, it can raise questions later.
Do not assume the buyer will handle the title transfer. Make it clear in writing or conversation that the buyer is responsible for taking the signed title and bill of sale to the Secretary of State to complete the registration. If the buyer does not transfer the title and the car is involved in an accident or crime, you could still be held liable as the registered owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not require a notary for a bill of sale. Both parties can sign in front of each other without a notary present. However, having a notary witness the signatures adds an extra layer of proof that both parties agreed to the sale, which can be helpful if a dispute arises later.
What if I lost the signed bill of sale after the sale?
If you no longer have your copy, you can ask the buyer for a copy of theirs. If the buyer will not provide one, you can write a statement describing the sale (date, price, vehicle details) and keep it for your records. However, a signed bill of sale is stronger proof than a statement written after the fact, so try to get the original if possible.
Can I sell a car in Illinois without a bill of sale?
Yes, Illinois does not legally require a bill of sale. However, selling without one leaves you vulnerable. Without written proof of the sale, you remain the registered owner in the state's records until the buyer transfers the title, and you could be held liable for anything that happens to the car during that time.
Should I keep the bill of sale even after the buyer registers the car?
Yes, keep your signed copy for at least three to five years. It proves when you sold the car and for how much, which protects you if questions arise about your liability or if you need documentation for tax or insurance purposes.
What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price after we sign?
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, it is a binding record of the agreed-upon price. If a dispute arises, the signed bill of sale is the evidence of what was agreed to. This is why it is important to make sure the price is correct and that both parties agree before signing.