What a Florida car bill of sale does and when you need one
A Florida car bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of a vehicle. It shows who owned the car, who owns it now, the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of the transaction. Florida law does not require a bill of sale to transfer a car title, but the document protects both parties by creating proof of the sale if a dispute arises later.
You need a bill of sale whenever you sell or buy a used car in Florida, whether you are dealing with a private party or a dealer. If you are buying, it proves you paid for the vehicle and establishes the price for insurance and tax purposes. If you are selling, it shows you no longer own the car and received payment, which protects you if the new owner gets a traffic ticket or parking fine in your name.
The bill of sale is separate from the title document itself. The title is the official ownership record held by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The bill of sale is your personal record of the transaction and should be kept for your files.
Key Takeaways
- A Florida bill of sale documents the sale price, vehicle details, and signatures of both buyer and seller, and protects both parties if questions arise later.
- Florida does not legally require a bill of sale, but the DHSMV recommends one, and most lenders and insurance companies expect to see it.
- You can use a blank template from the DHSMV website, write one yourself on plain paper, or use a form from an online legal service.
- Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public or witness, depending on the form you use.
- The buyer must bring the bill of sale to the DHSMV office along with the title and other documents to transfer ownership into their name.
What information to include on the bill of sale
The bill of sale must include the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Use the names exactly as they appear on your driver's license or ID. If there are two owners on the title, both must sign the bill of sale.
Write the vehicle identification number (VIN) at the top of the form — you will find it on the title, on the dashboard visible through the windshield, or on the driver's side door jamb. Include the year, make, model, and color of the car. Add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which Florida law requires.
State the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000" and "Five Thousand Dollars"). If the sale is a gift or trade-in, write "gift" or the trade-in value. Include the date of the sale and the date each person signs. Leave space for signatures and, if required, notary information.
Using the DHSMV template or creating your own
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides a free bill of sale form on its website. Search for "DHSMV bill of sale" to read the PDF. This form includes all the fields Florida recognizes and is accepted by banks, insurance companies, and the DHSMV itself.
If you do not use the DHSMV template, you can write a bill of sale on plain paper or use a form from an online legal service. The document does not have to be fancy or printed — handwritten is acceptable. The key is that it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties.
Some online services offer fillable templates for a small fee, but the DHSMV form is free and equally valid. If you choose a third-party form, make sure it is specific to Florida, since requirements vary by state.
Signing and witnessing the bill of sale
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the bill of sale. Florida does not require the signature to be notarized, but having a notary public witness the signatures adds a layer of protection and is often required by lenders or title companies. A notary public is available at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some libraries — usually for a small fee of $5 to $15.
If you do not use a notary, you can have a neutral third party witness both signatures. The witness should print their name, sign, and write the date. This is less formal than notarization but still creates a record that both parties signed willingly.
Each party should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale. The seller should keep their copy for at least three years in case questions arise about the sale. The buyer will need their copy to present to the DHSMV when registering the vehicle.
What the buyer does with the bill of sale after purchase
The buyer must take the signed bill of sale to a Florida DHSMV office to transfer the title into their name. Along with the bill of sale, the buyer will need the original title signed by the seller, a completed process for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040), proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
The DHSMV will use the bill of sale to verify the sale price and confirm that both parties agreed to the transaction. The office will then issue a new title in the buyer's name. This process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the office's workload.
If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender may ask for a copy of the bill of sale before releasing funds. Some lenders require it; others do not. Check with your lender before signing the bill of sale to see what documents they need.
Protecting yourself as a seller
As a seller, keep the bill of sale as proof that you transferred ownership on a specific date. This protects you if the buyer gets a traffic ticket, parking fine, or is involved in an accident before they register the car in their name. The bill of sale shows the DHSMV and law enforcement that you are no longer the owner.
Do not sign the title until you have received payment in full. If the buyer is paying by check, wait for the check to clear before handing over the title and signing the bill of sale. If paying in cash, count the money in front of the buyer before signing anything.
Some sellers ask the buyer to sign a separate statement confirming the car's condition and that no repairs are promised. This is not required but can prevent disputes after the sale. Keep this document with your copy of the bill of sale.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" instead of a dollar amount. The DHSMV and insurance companies need the actual price to process the transfer and calculate taxes. If the sale is a gift, write "gift" clearly so there is no confusion.
Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer has seen the car or before payment is complete. Once both parties sign, the document is binding and shows the sale took place. If the buyer changes their mind or payment falls through, you will have a signed bill of sale with no money in hand.
Do not forget to include the odometer reading. Florida law requires this field to be filled in, and the DHSMV will reject the title transfer if it is missing. Write the actual mileage, not an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida require a bill of sale to transfer a car title?
No, Florida law does not require a bill of sale to transfer ownership. However, the DHSMV recommends one, and most lenders, insurance companies, and title companies expect to see it. Without a bill of sale, you have no written proof of the sale if a dispute arises.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
You can, but it is better to use a Florida-specific form. Other states may require different information or have different notarization rules. The DHSMV form is free and designed for Florida transactions, so it is the safest choice.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
If you are the buyer and the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale is your proof of ownership and your protection against future liability. If you are the seller and the buyer refuses to sign, do not hand over the title or keys until they do.
How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?
Keep it for at least three years after the sale. This covers the statute of limitations for most disputes and gives you proof of the transaction if questions arise about the vehicle's history or condition.
Can I sell a car without a title in Florida?
No. The seller must have the original title and sign it over to the buyer. If the title is lost, the seller must request a duplicate from the DHSMV before the sale can be completed. A bill of sale alone does not transfer ownership without the title.