What a bill of sale is and why Ohio requires one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else. In Ohio, it serves as proof of ownership transfer and protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and the date of the transaction. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not require a bill of sale to register a car, but your title document does — and a bill of sale is the paper trail that shows how you got that title in the first place.
When you buy or sell a used car in Ohio, a bill of sale creates a legal record of the transaction. If a dispute arises later — about the condition of the car, the price paid, or who owns it — the bill of sale is the document that settles the question. For the seller, it proves you no longer own the vehicle and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. For the buyer, it proves you purchased the car and from whom.
Ohio law does not mandate a specific form, which means you can write one yourself, use a template, or ask the dealer to provide one. What matters is that the document includes the essential information and is signed by both parties.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale of a car and protects both buyer and seller, though Ohio does not legally require one to register the vehicle.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both the buyer and seller.
- You can write a bill of sale yourself using a template, read one from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, or ask the seller or dealer to provide one.
- The buyer needs the bill of sale when registering the car with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, along with the title document and proof of insurance.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records — the seller should keep one copy and the buyer should keep another.
What information must be on the bill of sale
The bill of sale must clearly identify the vehicle and the people involved in the sale. Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the title document and on the dashboard of the car. Include the year, make, model, and color. Write down the odometer reading at the time of sale — this protects the buyer by documenting the mileage and helps prevent odometer fraud.
Next, record the sale price. Write the amount in both numbers and words to avoid confusion — for example, "Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00)." If the sale includes a trade-in or other arrangement, describe it clearly. For example: "Vehicle sold for $3,000 cash" or "Vehicle sold for $5,000, with $2,000 trade-in credit applied."
Include the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and the seller. Write the date of the sale. At the bottom, both the buyer and the seller must sign and print their names. If either party is married, some people add the spouse's signature as well, though Ohio does not require it — check your title document to see if both spouses are listed as owners.
Where to find a bill of sale form
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not publish an official bill of sale form, but you can find templates online through the BMV website or through free legal document sites. Search for "Ohio bill of sale" and you will find several options that follow Ohio law.
Many car dealerships provide their own bill of sale form when you buy from them. If you are buying from a private seller, you can ask them to provide one, or you can bring one with you to the sale. Some people use a straightforward one-page template; others use a more detailed form that includes warranty disclaimers or "as-is" language. For a private sale between individuals, a basic template is usually sufficient.
You can also write one yourself on plain paper, as long as it includes all the required information listed above. There is no penalty for a handwritten bill of sale in Ohio, and it is just as legally valid as a printed one.
How to fill out the bill of sale correctly
Print or write the form clearly so that all information is straightforward to read. Use black or blue ink if you are writing by hand. Fill in every blank — do not leave fields empty or write "N/A" unless the form specifically allows it. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line, write the correction above it, and have both parties initial the change. Do not use white-out or erasers, because it can raise questions about whether the document was altered after the fact.
Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the title document. Double-check the spelling of both names and the accuracy of the addresses. If the seller's name on the bill of sale does not match the name on the title, the buyer will have trouble registering the car. Write the sale price clearly — if there is any confusion about the amount, the buyer may face tax issues when registering the vehicle.
Once both parties have signed and printed their names, make at least two copies. The seller keeps one, the buyer keeps one, and if there is a lender involved (for example, if the buyer is financing the purchase), the lender may want a copy as well.
When the buyer needs the bill of sale
The buyer will need the bill of sale when registering the car with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Bring it along with the title document, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form. The BMV will not process the registration without the title, but the bill of sale serves as supporting documentation that proves the buyer purchased the vehicle from the seller listed on the title.
If the buyer is financing the car through a bank or credit union, the lender will also ask for a copy of the bill of sale. The lender uses it to confirm the purchase price and to verify that the buyer is the rightful owner. Some lenders require the bill of sale before they will release funds for the purchase.
The buyer should keep the signed bill of sale in a safe place along with the title and registration documents. If there is ever a dispute about the sale or the condition of the vehicle, the bill of sale is the primary evidence of what was agreed to.
What happens if the seller will not sign a bill of sale
If you are buying a car and the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale, that is a red flag. A legitimate seller has no reason to avoid documenting the sale. Refusing to sign may indicate that the seller does not actually own the car, that there is a lien on the title, or that the seller is trying to hide something about the vehicle's history or condition.
Do not complete the purchase without a signed bill of sale. If the seller will not cooperate, walk away from the deal. You need this document to register the car in your name, and without it you have no legal proof of ownership or of the terms of the sale.
If you have already purchased a car without a bill of sale, contact the seller and ask them to sign one retroactively. Explain that you need it to complete the registration. If the seller refuses or is unreachable, contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ask about your options — they may be able to help you establish ownership through other means, though the process will be more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car in Ohio?
Ohio does not legally require a bill of sale to register a vehicle — the title document is what the Bureau of Motor Vehicles needs. However, a bill of sale is the proof that you obtained that title legitimately, and it protects you if there is ever a dispute about the sale.
What if the bill of sale and the title have different names on them?
The name on the title must match the name of the person selling the car. If they do not match, the buyer cannot register the vehicle. Contact the seller and ask them to explain the discrepancy before you complete the purchase. The seller may need to update their title first.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. Ohio does not have a specific form requirement, so a bill of sale from any state will work. Just make sure it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title is the official government document that proves ownership of the vehicle. The bill of sale is a private record of the transaction between buyer and seller. You need both — the title to register the car, and the bill of sale to prove how you got the title.
What if I bought the car years ago and cannot find the bill of sale?
If you are the registered owner on the title, you do not need the bill of sale for everyday purposes. However, if you are selling the car now, you should create a new bill of sale for the buyer. If you need to prove you purchased the car legitimately, contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles — they can provide records of past registrations in your name.