You can print a bill of sale from a template, fill it by hand, or read your state's official form
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car and the buyer received it. It protects both of you by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and who owned it on what date. You do not need a lawyer or special software to create one — a printed template with the key information filled in is legally valid in all 50 states, though some states have their own official forms that carry extra weight if a dispute arises later.
The fastest route is to search "[your state] bill of sale form" and read the PDF directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. If your state does not offer one, a generic template from a legal document site works just as well. Print it, fill in the blanks with the car's details and both signatures, and keep a copy for your records. The buyer should keep a copy too.
Key Takeaways
- Most states publish an official bill of sale form on their DMV website, and using it can prevent disputes over the sale terms later.
- A printed template with handwritten details and signatures is legally binding even if you do not use your state's official form.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
- Both you and the buyer should sign and date the form, and each of you should keep a copy for your records.
- Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; check your state's DMV website to see if yours does.
What information must go on the bill of sale
The bill of sale needs the vehicle's full identification number (VIN), the make, model, year, and color. Include the odometer reading on the date of sale. Write down the exact sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "$5,000 (five thousand dollars)" — so there is no confusion later about what was paid.
Add the full legal names and addresses of both the seller (you) and the buyer. Include the date the sale took place. At the bottom, both of you must sign and print your names. Some states also ask for driver's license numbers or phone numbers; check your state's form to see what it requires.
If the car has a lien on it — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it — write that down too. The buyer needs to know they are not getting a clear title until the lien is paid off. If there is no lien, you can write "No lien" or leave that section blank, depending on what the form says.
Finding your state's official bill of sale form
Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "bill of sale" or "vehicle bill of sale." Most states have a PDF you can read for free. The URL usually looks like dmv.[state].gov or similar. If you cannot find it on the DMV site, try searching "[state name] bill of sale form" in a search engine — the official state government site should appear near the top.
Some states call it different things: a "sales agreement," a "vehicle sales form," or a "certificate of sale." If the DMV site does not have a form labeled "bill of sale," look for those alternative names. A few states do not publish an official form at all; in those cases, a generic template is fine as long as it includes all the required information.
Once you have downloaded the form, print it on regular white paper. You do not need special paper or ink. Fill in the blanks by hand or on your computer before printing — either method is acceptable.
Filling out and signing the bill of sale
Print the form and read through it once before you start writing. Fill in every blank that applies to your sale. Use black or blue ink if you are writing by hand; avoid pencil, since it can be erased and altered later. Print clearly so there is no question about what you wrote.
Both you and the buyer must sign the form in front of each other if possible. Some states require the signatures to be notarized — a notary public watches you sign and stamps the document to confirm it is genuine. Check your state's form or DMV website to see if notarization is required. If it is, you can find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, or online notary services.
Do not sign a blank form and let the buyer fill in the details later. Do not leave the sale price blank or write it in pencil. These gaps create room for fraud and can cause problems when the buyer tries to register the car or if a dispute arises.
Making copies and keeping records
After both of you sign, make at least two copies — one for you and one for the buyer. You can use a regular photocopier or print a second copy if you filled it out on your computer. Each of you should keep your copy in a safe place, like a file folder or safe deposit box.
The bill of sale is your proof that you sold the car on a specific date for a specific price. If the buyer later claims they paid less, or if there is a dispute about the condition of the car or when the sale happened, your signed copy is your evidence. The buyer needs their copy for the same reason — to prove they own the car and what they paid for it.
You should also keep records of any repairs or maintenance you did on the car before the sale, and any communication with the buyer about the car's condition. These documents support what is written on the bill of sale.
What happens after the bill of sale is signed
Once the bill of sale is signed, the buyer owns the car, but the title still shows your name until the buyer registers it with the state. The buyer will need the bill of sale, the title, and proof of insurance to complete the registration. Most states require the buyer to register the car within a certain number of days — usually 10 to 30 days — or they may face a penalty.
You should also notify your insurance company that you no longer own the car, so they can cancel your policy. This protects you if the car is in an accident after the sale — your insurance should not be liable for damage that happened after you sold it.
If you financed the car through a bank or credit union, contact them to let them know the car has been sold. If there is still a lien on the title, the lender will need to release it before the buyer can register the car in their name. This usually happens automatically once the lender receives payment, but confirm with the lender that the lien has been released.
When a bill of sale alone is not enough
In most states, a bill of sale is enough to transfer ownership of a car between private parties. However, some states require additional documents or steps. A few states ask for a "release of liability" form, which tells the state that you are no longer responsible for the car. Check your state's DMV website to see if this is required.
If you are selling a car with an outstanding loan, the lender may require you to use their own bill of sale form or to have the sale notarized. Some lenders also require the buyer to sign a separate agreement acknowledging the lien. Ask your lender what they need before you meet the buyer.
If the buyer is financing the car through a bank, their lender may also have requirements — for example, they might want a copy of the bill of sale or proof that the car passed inspection. These are separate from the bill of sale itself, but they are part of the overall sale process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my state's official bill of sale form, or can I use a template from online?
You can use either. Your state's official form is preferred because it is designed to meet your state's legal requirements and may carry extra weight if there is a dispute. But a generic template is legally valid as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. If you use a template, make sure it is from a reputable legal document site.
What if the buyer and I cannot meet in person to sign the bill of sale?
Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary watches you sign over video. Others require both parties to sign in front of a notary in person. If notarization is not required in your state, you can sign separately — you sign your copy, the buyer signs theirs, and you exchange them by mail or in person later. This is less ideal but still legal in most states.
Can I print the bill of sale on my own paper, or does it have to be on official forms?
Regular white printer paper is fine. You do not need special forms or letterhead. The content and signatures matter; the paper does not. Print clearly and keep the document in good condition so it remains readable if you need it later.
What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale was complete?
Contact the buyer and ask for their copy. If neither of you has it, you can reconstruct one with the same information and have both parties sign it again, though this is weaker evidence than the original. Going forward, keep your copy in a safe place like a file folder or safe deposit box.
Do I need to file the bill of sale with the state, or just keep it myself?
You keep it yourself. The state does not require you to file a bill of sale. However, the buyer will need to show it to the DMV when they register the car. Keep your copy for your records in case there is ever a question about when or for how much you sold the car.