You can get a free bill of sale form from your state's DMV website, legal document sites like LawDepot or Rocket Lawyer, or by downloading a template from your state's Secretary of State office
A bill of sale is a document that records the sale of a vehicle from one person to another. It shows who owned the car, who bought it, the sale price, the date of the transaction, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). When you buy or sell a car privately — not through a dealer — a bill of sale creates a paper trail that protects both parties.
The form itself is straightforward and free. Most states do not require a specific form; they accept any bill of sale that includes the essential information. You can read a template, fill it out by hand or on a computer, print it, and have both parties sign it. No filing fee, no notary required in most states, and no submission to any government office — though you should keep a copy for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV or Secretary of State website usually has a free bill of sale template you can read and print.
- The form must include the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both buyer and seller, but does not need to be notarized in most states.
- A bill of sale protects you if a dispute arises later about who owned the car or what was agreed to at the time of sale.
- You should keep a signed copy for your records and give one to the other party; neither of you files it with the government.
Where to read a free bill of sale template
Start with your state's official source. Go to your state's DMV website and search for "bill of sale" or "vehicle bill of sale." Many states post a PDF you can read and print when ready. If the DMV site does not have one, check your state's Secretary of State office website — they often maintain templates for common transactions.
If your state does not post an official form, use a general legal template site. LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer, and Nolo all offer free bill of sale forms for cars. You fill in the blanks online, read the PDF, print it, and sign it. These templates are written to be valid across most states, though you should verify that the form matches your state's requirements — a quick call to your local DMV can confirm.
Some banks and credit unions also provide bill of sale forms to their members. If you are financing the car through a lender, ask whether they have a template you can use.
What information must go on the form
A bill of sale needs five core pieces of information. First, the vehicle identification number (VIN) — the 17-character code found on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb, or your registration. Second, the sale price — the actual amount paid, even if it is a gift (in which case you write "gift" or "$0"). Third, the date of sale. Fourth, the names and signatures of both the seller and buyer. Fifth, the odometer reading at the time of sale, which is required by federal law.
You should also include the vehicle's make, model, and year; the color; and the license plate number if you have it. Add the addresses of both parties. If the car has a lien on it — meaning a lender still owns part of it — note that on the form and include the lender's name.
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the form. In most states, signatures do not need to be notarized, though some people choose to have a notary witness the signatures for extra protection. If you do use a notary, they will charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and will stamp the form to show they verified the signers' identities.
How a bill of sale protects you in a private car sale
When you buy a car from a private seller, you have no dealer warranty and no legal recourse through a business. A bill of sale is your proof of the transaction. If the seller later claims you still owe money, or if you discover the car has an outstanding loan against it, the bill of sale shows the date and price you agreed to and proves the sale was complete.
For the buyer, a bill of sale protects you if the seller misrepresented the car's condition or history. For the seller, it proves you transferred ownership and received payment, which protects you if the buyer later damages the car and tries to hold you liable.
The bill of sale also matters when you register the car with your state's DMV. The DMV uses it to confirm the sale and update the title. Without it, you may face delays or questions about who actually owns the vehicle.
Differences between a bill of sale and a title
A bill of sale is a record of the transaction — who sold it, who bought it, when, and for how much. A title is the legal document that proves ownership of the vehicle. The title is issued by your state's DMV and has your name on it.
When you buy a car, you need both. The seller gives you the bill of sale and signs over the title. You then take both documents to the DMV to register the car in your name and receive a new title. The bill of sale is your proof that the transaction happened; the title is your proof that you own the car.
In some states, the title is called a "certificate of ownership" or "registration certificate." The name varies, but the purpose is the same — it is the official government document that shows who owns the vehicle.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, each should keep a copy. The buyer should take the signed bill of sale and the signed title to the DMV within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state. The DMV will use the bill of sale to process the title transfer and issue a new registration in the buyer's name.
You do not file the bill of sale with the DMV or any other government office. It stays in your personal records. However, if a dispute arises later — for example, if the seller claims the car was never paid for — you can produce the signed bill of sale as evidence of the transaction.
Keep your copy of the bill of sale for at least as long as you own the car, and ideally longer. If you sell the car later, you may need to refer to it to confirm the purchase price or date for tax or insurance purposes.
State-specific rules to check before you sign
Most states accept any bill of sale form that includes the basic information, but a few have specific requirements. Some states require the odometer reading to be on the form; others require a statement that the seller discloses any known defects. A handful of states require the bill of sale to be notarized, though this is uncommon.
Before you sign, call your state's DMV or check their website to confirm whether your state has any special rules. This takes five minutes and prevents problems later when you try to register the car. The DMV can tell you exactly what the form needs to include and whether notarization is required.
If you are buying a car from out of state, check both your state's rules and the seller's state's rules. Your state's DMV will tell you what documents you need to bring when you register the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I buy a car from a dealer?
No. Dealers provide their own sales contract and handle the title transfer. A bill of sale is for private sales between individuals. If you are buying from a dealership, they will give you the paperwork you need.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects both of you and is a standard part of any private car sale. If the seller refuses to sign, it is a red flag that something may be wrong with the vehicle or the transaction.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand instead of printing a form?
Yes. As long as it includes all the required information — VIN, sale price, date, odometer reading, and signatures — a handwritten bill of sale is valid in most states. Printing a form is cleaner and easier to read, but handwritten is acceptable.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Not in most states. Notarization is optional and adds a small fee, but it does provide extra proof that both parties actually signed the document. Check your state's DMV website to see if notarization is required where you live.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I buy the car?
Ask the seller for another copy. If you cannot reach them, contact your state's DMV — they may have a record of the title transfer, which can serve as proof of the sale. Keep your copy in a safe place with your other car documents.