What a bill of sale does and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else on a specific date for a specific price. It protects both you and the buyer by creating proof of the transaction. When you sign it, you are saying you owned the vehicle and had the right to sell it. When the buyer signs it, they are saying they received the vehicle in the condition you described and paid the agreed amount.
Most states do not legally require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title, but many states ask for one when you register the vehicle in the new owner's name. Even when a state does not require it, having one protects you if the buyer later claims the vehicle was damaged, stolen, or never paid for. It also protects the buyer if you later try to reclaim the vehicle or if someone else claims ownership.
You can find free bill of sale forms online through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website, through legal document sites, or by searching "[your state] bill of sale vehicle." Many states provide their own official form, which is the safest choice because it includes all the language your state's DMV expects to see.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale is a written record of the sale that protects both you and the buyer, even in states where it is not legally required.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website usually offers a free official form designed for your state's rules.
- The form must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
- You and the buyer should each keep a signed copy, and you should keep yours until the title transfer is complete.
- A bill of sale does not transfer ownership by itself — the buyer still needs to register the vehicle and explore for a new title with the DMV.
Where to find a free bill of sale form for your state
Start by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and searching for "bill of sale" or "vehicle sale form." Most states provide a free PDF or Word document you can read and print. If your state does not offer an official form, legal document websites like LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer, or Nolo offer free templates that follow your state's requirements. You can also search your state name plus "bill of sale vehicle" to find forms created by your state's attorney general or secretary of state office.
If you are selling a vehicle in a state where you do not live, use the form from the state where the buyer will register it, not the state where you currently live. The buyer's state DMV is the one that will review the document, so it needs to match that state's format and language.
What information to include on the form
Every bill of sale needs the same core details. Fill in the date of the sale, the full legal names and addresses of both the seller (you) and the buyer, and the vehicle's complete identification number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard or in your title document. Include the vehicle's year, make, model, and color so there is no confusion about which vehicle the sale covers.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "$5,000 (five thousand dollars)" — to prevent disputes. If the buyer is paying in cash, write "cash." If they are paying by check or electronic transfer, you can note that. Some forms ask whether the vehicle is being sold "as-is" (meaning the buyer accepts it in its current condition) or with a warranty. Most private sales are "as-is," which protects you from later claims that something was broken.
Do not leave blank spaces on the form. If a section does not explore to your sale, write "N/A" or draw a line through it so no one can add information later. Both you and the buyer should sign and print your names on the form, and some states require the signatures to be notarized (witnessed by a notary public). Check your state's form to see whether notarization is needed.
How to fill out and sign the form correctly
Print two copies of the form — one for you and one for the buyer. Use black or blue pen to fill in all the information by hand, or type the information and then print the form. Write clearly and make sure every detail is accurate, especially the VIN and sale price. Read through the entire form before signing to catch any mistakes.
Both you and the buyer must sign the form in front of each other if possible. Some states require a notary public to witness the signatures; if yours does, you and the buyer will need to go to a bank, library, or notary office together to have the form notarized. The notary will check your identification and watch you both sign. This usually costs between $5 and $15 per signature.
After both of you have signed, make a copy for yourself before you hand over the vehicle. Keep your copy in a safe place until you receive confirmation that the buyer has registered the vehicle in their name. This usually takes two to four weeks after the buyer submits the paperwork to the DMV.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Signing the bill of sale does not automatically transfer the title. The buyer must take the signed bill of sale, along with their own identification and proof of insurance, to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name and request a new title. You should not sign over your title document until the buyer asks you to — some states require you to sign the back of the title itself, and some require the bill of sale alone.
Ask the buyer to let you know once they have registered the vehicle. You can also contact your state's DMV a few weeks after the sale to confirm that the title has been transferred out of your name. This is important because if the buyer gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket before the title is transferred, you could be held responsible.
Once the title is in the buyer's name, you have no further responsibility for the vehicle. Keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records in case any questions come up later.
What to do if you cannot find your state's official form
If your state's DMV website does not offer a bill of sale form, check the website of your state's attorney general or secretary of state office — they sometimes provide forms that the DMV accepts. You can also call your state's DMV directly and ask whether they have a recommended form or whether they accept generic bill of sale templates.
If no official form exists, a generic bill of sale template from a reputable legal website will work in most states, as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. Before you use a generic form, read your state's vehicle code online to see whether there are any specific requirements — some states require certain language about "as-is" sales or odometer readings, for example.
Common mistakes to avoid when completing a bill of sale
The most common mistake is leaving information blank or writing it in pencil. Blank spaces can be filled in later by someone else, and pencil can be erased. Always use pen and fill in every line, even if you have to write "N/A." Do not cross out mistakes with heavy lines — start over with a fresh copy instead, because crossed-out sections can look suspicious and might be rejected by the DMV.
Another mistake is not keeping a copy for yourself. Always make a photocopy before you hand the original to the buyer. Do not sign the title document until the buyer specifically asks you to, because some states allow the bill of sale to stand alone, and signing the title too early can create confusion at the DMV.
Finally, do not accept a personal check or promise of payment without getting the vehicle inspected by a mechanic first and having the buyer sign the bill of sale before you hand over the keys. Once the buyer has the vehicle, it is much harder to recover your money if the check bounces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to notarize the bill of sale?
It depends on your state. Some states require notarization, while others do not. Check your state's official bill of sale form or call your DMV to find out. Even if notarization is not required, having it done adds an extra layer of protection because the notary verifies both parties' identities.
What if the buyer wants to pay me after I give them the vehicle?
Do not hand over the keys or the bill of sale until you have received full payment. If you must wait for payment, write "payment pending" on the bill of sale and do not sign it until the money is in your account. This protects you if the buyer tries to register the vehicle without paying you.
Can I use a bill of sale instead of signing over the title?
In most states, the bill of sale and the title work together. You sign the bill of sale to prove the sale happened, and you sign the back of the title to transfer ownership. Some states accept the bill of sale alone without requiring a signature on the title itself. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents the buyer needs to bring when they register the vehicle.
What if I lost my copy of the bill of sale after the sale?
Contact the buyer and ask for a copy of their signed version. If you cannot reach them, you can request a copy from your state's DMV if the title has already been transferred into their name, because the DMV may have a record of the bill of sale. Keep your copy in a safe place for at least a few years after the sale.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am selling the vehicle to a family member?
Yes. Even though you know and trust the buyer, a bill of sale protects both of you by creating a clear record of the transaction. It also protects you if the family member later has financial or legal problems, because it shows the vehicle was sold, not given as a gift.