What a Texas bill of sale does and when you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else. In Texas, it transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer and protects both of you by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and the date of the transaction. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not require a bill of sale to register a car, but it is the standard proof that a sale happened — and you will need one if you ever have to prove you no longer own the vehicle.
You need a bill of sale whenever you sell a car privately (not through a dealer). If you buy from a dealer, the dealer provides their own paperwork. If you sell to a private buyer or buy from a private seller, creating a bill of sale protects you both in case of disputes about price, condition, or who owned the car at a given time.
Texas does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, which means you can write one yourself or use a template. Either way, the document must include specific information to be legally useful.
Key Takeaways
- Texas does not require a bill of sale by law, but you need one to prove ownership changed hands and to protect yourself if questions arise later.
- A bill of sale must include the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both parties.
- You can write a bill of sale by hand or type it, and you do not need a notary, though having one sign it adds legal weight.
- Keep a copy for your records; the buyer should keep one for their registration paperwork, and the seller should keep one to prove the car was sold.
What information must go in a Texas bill of sale
A bill of sale must identify both the seller and the buyer clearly. Write the full legal name and street address for each person. If either party is a business, use the business name and the address where the business is located.
Next, describe the vehicle in detail. Include the year, make, model, body style (sedan, truck, SUV, etc.), color, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the dashboard, on the title, or on insurance paperwork. Do not guess or abbreviate it — copy it exactly as it appears.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,500" and "Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars"). Include the date of the sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names. Some people add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which is useful for the buyer's records but not required.
You do not need to notarize a bill of sale in Texas, but doing so adds an extra layer of proof that both parties signed willingly. A notary public can stamp and sign the document for a small fee — usually $5 to $15 — at a bank, UPS store, or notary service.
How to write a bill of sale by hand or on a computer
You can handwrite a bill of sale on plain paper or type it in a word processor. There is no official Texas form to use, so the format is up to you. Start with a title at the top: "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." Then list the information in a clear order: seller details, buyer details, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signature lines.
If you type it, use a standard font and leave room at the bottom for both parties to sign. If you handwrite it, use a pen (not pencil) and write clearly so there is no confusion about names, numbers, or the VIN. Keep the language straightforward — you do not need legal jargon. A sentence like "I, [Seller Name], sell the vehicle described below to [Buyer Name] for the price of [amount]" is enough.
You can also read a free bill of sale template from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or from other legal document sites. These templates include all the required fields and are ready to fill in. Print it, fill it out by hand or on a computer, and have both parties sign.
Who signs the bill of sale and what happens after
Both the seller and the buyer must sign the bill of sale. The seller signs to confirm they owned the car and are selling it. The buyer signs to confirm they are buying it and agree to the price and condition. Each person should print their name next to their signature so there is no confusion about who signed.
After both parties sign, make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to register the car in their name. The seller should keep a copy to prove they no longer own the vehicle, in case questions come up later (for example, if the car is involved in an accident or gets a parking ticket after the sale).
The bill of sale does not transfer the title itself — only the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles can do that. The buyer must take the bill of sale, the original title signed by the seller, and proof of insurance to a DMV office to register the car. The seller does not need to do anything else once the bill of sale is signed, but keeping a copy is smart protection.
What to do if you lose the bill of sale or need a copy later
If you signed a bill of sale but lost your copy, contact the other party and ask them to send you a photo or a copy. If you cannot reach them, you can recreate the bill of sale from memory and have both parties sign it again, but this is less reliable than the original.
If you are the buyer and you lost your copy before registering the car, you can still register it using the original title and proof of insurance. The DMV does not require the bill of sale to process registration, though having it on file is helpful. If you are the seller and you lost your copy, keep any other proof that the sale happened — text messages, emails, bank deposits, or a signed receipt.
If a dispute arises later (for example, the buyer claims they never received the car or the seller claims they were not paid), the bill of sale is your main evidence of what was agreed. This is why keeping a copy is important, even years after the sale.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly. The VIN is how the car is identified in all official records, and a mistake here can cause registration problems. Copy it character by character from the dashboard or title.
Do not forget to include the sale price. Even if the car was a gift, write "gift" or "$0" so it is clear the transaction was intentional. Leaving the price blank raises questions about whether a real sale took place.
Do not sign the bill of sale before both parties have agreed on all the details. Once you sign, you are confirming that the information is correct. If something changes after you sign — for example, the buyer wants to pay less — you need to create a new bill of sale or write an amendment that both parties sign.
Do not assume the bill of sale transfers the title. It does not. The title is a separate document issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill of sale is proof of the sale; the title is proof of ownership. The buyer must present both to the DMV to complete the registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to notarize a bill of sale in Texas?
No, notarization is not required in Texas. A bill of sale is valid when both the seller and buyer sign it. However, having a notary public witness the signatures adds legal weight and can be useful if a dispute arises later. The cost is usually $5 to $15.
What if the buyer does not register the car in their name?
If the buyer does not register the car, you remain the owner on record with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This means you could be held responsible if the car is involved in an accident, gets parking tickets, or is used in a crime. Keep your copy of the bill of sale and consider sending a copy to the DMV by mail to create an official record that you sold it.
Can I sell a car without a title in Texas?
No. The buyer needs the original title signed by the current owner to register the car. If you lost your title, you must request a replacement from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles before you can sell the car. A bill of sale alone is not enough for the buyer to register the vehicle.
Should I include the car's condition in the bill of sale?
You can, but it is not required. Some sellers add a line like "sold as-is" to make clear the car is being sold in its current condition with no warranties. This protects the seller if the buyer later claims the car had hidden problems. You can also note any known issues (for example, "transmission needs repair") to avoid disputes.
What if I sell a car to a family member?
You still need a bill of sale, even if you are selling to a spouse, child, or parent. The bill of sale documents the transfer of ownership and protects both of you. Write it the same way you would for any other sale, including the sale price (even if it is a reduced price or a gift). If it is a gift, write "$0" or "gift" as the price.