Where to find and print a free bill of sale template
A bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of a car from one owner to another. You can print one free from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website, from legal template sites like LawDepot or Rocket Lawyer, or from general document sites like Microsoft Word templates. The document itself costs nothing to print — you only pay if you choose a paid template service, which you do not need to do.
Start by searching "[your state] bill of sale template" or "[your state] DMV bill of sale." Most state DMV websites offer a free PDF you can read and print when ready. If your state does not provide one, a generic bill of sale template works in all states as long as it includes the required information. Print it on regular white paper — no special form is required.
Keep two copies: one for you and one for the buyer. Some people print three — one for you, one for the buyer, and one to keep with your vehicle records. The document does not need to be notarized in most states, though some states require it for the title transfer to be complete. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether notarization is required where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website usually offers a free bill of sale template you can read and print when ready.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- You do not need a lawyer or a paid service to create a valid bill of sale — a printed template is legally sufficient in all states.
- Print at least two copies so both the buyer and seller have a record of the transaction.
- Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized before you submit it with the title transfer, so check your state's rules first.
What information to include on the bill of sale
The bill of sale must contain specific details about the car and the transaction. Write or type the vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the windshield or in your registration documents. Include the year, make, model, and color of the car. Add the odometer reading on the day of sale, the sale price in dollars, and the date the sale took place.
Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names on the form. Include the seller's address and the buyer's address. Some templates ask for phone numbers or email addresses — these are optional but useful if either party needs to contact the other later. Do not leave any blank lines; if a field does not explore, write "N/A" so it is clear the information was not omitted by accident.
If the car is being sold "as-is" with no warranty, some states allow you to write that on the bill of sale. If there are known mechanical problems, you can note them here as well. This protects the seller from later claims that the car was misrepresented. Check your state's template to see if it includes a section for this, or add a line that says "Vehicle sold as-is" if you need to.
How to fill out the form correctly
Print the template on white paper and use black or blue ink to fill it out. You can type the information before printing, or print a blank copy and fill it in by hand — both are equally valid. Make sure all names, the VIN, and the sale price are legible. If you make a mistake, print a new copy rather than crossing out and initialing; a clean document is less likely to cause problems at the DMV.
Have both the buyer and the seller sign the form in person if possible. Each person should sign their own name, not someone else's. Write the date next to the signatures. If the buyer or seller cannot be present, some states allow a notary to witness the signatures remotely, but this varies by state. Check your DMV website to see whether remote notarization is accepted in your state.
Do not sign the bill of sale until you have received payment and the buyer has inspected the car. Once both parties sign, the document is a record of the sale. If a dispute arises later — for example, the buyer claims the car has hidden damage — the bill of sale is evidence of when and how the sale took place.
Submitting the bill of sale to your state DMV
After the sale is complete, the seller must submit the bill of sale along with the vehicle title to the DMV to transfer ownership. The exact process varies by state. Some states require you to mail the documents; others allow you to submit them in person at a DMV office or through an online portal. Check your state's DMV website for the specific address or upload link.
Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief explanation that you are transferring the title. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The DMV will process the transfer and issue a new title in the buyer's name. This usually takes two to four weeks by mail, though some states offer faster processing if you submit in person.
The buyer should also register the car in their name with the DMV. They will need the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form. The bill of sale serves as proof that they own the car, so keep it safe until the new title arrives.
When notarization is required
Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized — meaning a notary public must witness both signatures and stamp the document. Check your state's DMV website to see if this applies to you. If notarization is required, you and the buyer must visit a notary together with the signed bill of sale. The notary will verify your identities, watch you both sign, and add their official seal and signature.
Notaries are available at banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some libraries. The cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature. If notarization is required in your state, you cannot submit the bill of sale to the DMV without the notary's seal, so do not skip this step. If it is not required, you do not need to get it notarized — the document is valid without it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" instead of a dollar amount. The DMV uses the sale price to calculate taxes and fees, so an actual number is required. If the car is a gift, write "$0" or "gift" depending on what your state's form allows. Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer has inspected the car and paid you — once signed, it is a legal record of the transaction.
Do not use white-out or heavy crossing-out on the final copy. If you make a mistake, print a new form. Do not forget to print two copies — one for you and one for the buyer. Do not submit the bill of sale to the DMV without the original vehicle title; the two documents must go together. If you have lost the title, contact your state DMV to request a replacement before you sell the car.
Do not assume the buyer will handle the registration. As the seller, your job is to provide the bill of sale and the title; the buyer is responsible for registering the car in their name. However, you should keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records in case a question arises about when you sold the car or what condition it was in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print a bill of sale from any state, or does it have to be from my state?
A generic bill of sale template works in all states as long as it includes the required information: VIN, sale price, date, and signatures. However, your state's DMV template is the safest choice because it is designed to meet your state's specific requirements. If you use a generic template, the DMV will still accept it as long as all required fields are filled in.
What if the buyer does not show up to sign the bill of sale?
You cannot complete the sale without the buyer's signature. If the buyer backs out, keep the car and the title. If the buyer is delayed, you can sign your portion of the bill of sale and have the buyer sign it later, but do not hand over the keys or the title until both signatures are on the document and you have received payment.
Do I need to report the sale to my insurance company?
Yes. Contact your insurance company and tell them you have sold the car. Provide them with the date of sale and the buyer's name. Your insurance will cancel coverage on that vehicle. This is separate from the bill of sale and the DMV transfer — it is a step you handle directly with your insurance agent.
What happens if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after the sale?
The buyer has a copy, and the DMV has a record of the transfer once it is processed. If you need proof that you sold the car on a specific date, you can request a copy of the title transfer from your state's DMV. However, it is best to keep your copy in a safe place for at least a few years in case a question arises about the sale.
Can I sell a car without a bill of sale?
Technically, you can transfer a title without a bill of sale in some states, but it is not recommended. The bill of sale is your proof that the sale took place, the price, and the date. Without it, if a dispute arises later — for example, the buyer claims you misrepresented the car — you have no documentation to support your side of the story. Always use a bill of sale.