What a vehicle bill of sale is and why you need one
A vehicle bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership when one person sells a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle to another. It serves as proof that the sale happened, who bought it, who sold it, how much was paid, and on what date. When you print and sign one, you create a paper record that protects both the buyer and the seller.
You need a bill of sale because it is the first step in transferring the title at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. The DMV will not process a title transfer without proof that a sale occurred. A bill of sale also protects you if a dispute arises later — for example, if the buyer claims they paid less than they actually did, or if the seller tries to claim they still own the vehicle.
Many states do not require a bill of sale by law, but having one anyway is a smart practice. Some states do require it. Either way, creating one takes about ten minutes and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents who sold the vehicle, who bought it, the sale price, and the date — and both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy.
- You can find free printable templates online, or read one from your state's DMV website if your state provides one.
- The document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the odometer reading, and signatures from both buyer and seller to be valid.
- After the sale is complete and signed, the buyer uses the bill of sale to register the vehicle and transfer the title at the DMV.
- A bill of sale protects you from liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident or crime after the sale, because it proves you no longer own it.
What information goes on a bill of sale
A bill of sale must include specific details about the vehicle and the transaction. The most important are the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the dashboard and in the title; the make, model, and year; the odometer reading at the time of sale; and the sale price. Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the document.
You should also include the full names and addresses of both parties, the date of the sale, and the condition of the vehicle (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty"). Some templates ask for the license plate number as well. If the vehicle has a lien — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it — that should be noted on the bill of sale too.
Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore to your sale, write "N/A" or cross it out. A blank space can be filled in later by someone else, which defeats the purpose of having a signed record.
Where to find a free printable template
The easiest source is your state's DMV website. Many states publish their own bill of sale forms, and using the official version means you know it includes everything your state requires. Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale" to find it.
If your state does not provide one, you can find free templates from legal document websites like LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer, or the American Automobile Association (AAA). These are generic templates that work in most states. read the PDF, print it, and fill it out by hand or on your computer before printing.
You can also create your own bill of sale from scratch using the information listed above — the document does not have to be fancy or official-looking. What matters is that it contains the required information and is signed by both parties.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print the template or your own version on plain white paper. Fill in all the blanks with accurate information. Use black or blue pen if you are writing by hand, or type the information before printing. Make sure the VIN is correct — check it against the title or the dashboard of the vehicle.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign and print their names on the document. Some templates ask for the signature to be notarized, meaning a notary public witnesses the signing. This is not required in most states, but it does add an extra layer of proof if there is ever a dispute. If you choose to have it notarized, you can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, or online services.
Print at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the DMV to transfer the title. Keep your copy for your records for at least three to five years.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed, the sale is documented. The seller should remove their name from the vehicle registration and title as soon as possible — do not wait. The buyer takes their signed copy of the bill of sale to the DMV along with the original title, proof of insurance, and a completed title transfer form. The DMV will then issue a new title in the buyer's name.
The timeline varies by state. Some DMVs process title transfers in a few days; others take several weeks. During this time, the vehicle is technically still registered to the seller, which is why it is important to sign the bill of sale right away and submit it to the DMV promptly.
If the seller does not transfer the title within the required timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days depending on the state — they may face a penalty or be held liable if the vehicle is involved in an accident or crime. This is another reason a bill of sale is important: it proves the seller no longer owns the vehicle as of the date signed.
Protecting yourself as a buyer or seller
As a seller, a bill of sale protects you by creating a dated record that you no longer own the vehicle. If the buyer gets into an accident or receives a parking ticket after the sale, you have proof you are not responsible. Keep your copy in a safe place.
As a buyer, the bill of sale proves you own the vehicle and when you bought it. It also documents the condition of the vehicle at the time of purchase, which can matter if a mechanical problem shows up later and you need to dispute a warranty claim.
Never hand over the keys or the title until the bill of sale is signed by both parties. If you are buying a vehicle, do not give the seller cash until you have a signed copy in your hands. If you are selling, do not sign over the title until you have received full payment.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is leaving the bill of sale blank or incomplete. Every field should be filled in. Another mistake is not keeping a copy — always print at least two, one for each party. Do not rely on the other person to keep a copy for you.
Do not sign a bill of sale that has blank spaces or information you have not verified. Do not accept a verbal agreement as a substitute for a signed document. Do not delay transferring the title at the DMV; the longer you wait, the more liability you carry as the registered owner.
If you are buying a used vehicle, do not sign the bill of sale until you have inspected the vehicle and confirmed the odometer reading and VIN match the document. If you are selling, do not accept a check that has not cleared before handing over the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale?
Most states do not require notarization, but some do. Check your state's DMV website to be sure. Even if it is not required, having a notary witness the signing adds legal weight to the document and can be helpful if a dispute arises later.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I sell the vehicle?
Contact the buyer and ask for a copy. If you cannot reach them, you can request a copy of the title transfer from your state's DMV — the DMV keeps records of all registered vehicles and ownership changes. This will show the date the title was transferred out of your name.
Can I use a bill of sale for a vehicle with a loan or lien on it?
Yes, but the lender must be paid off before the title can be transferred to the buyer. The bill of sale should note that a lien exists. The seller usually pays off the loan at closing, and the lender releases the lien so the title can be transferred clean.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. A title is the legal document that proves ownership. The buyer uses the bill of sale to transfer the title at the DMV, but the bill of sale itself is not the title.
What if the buyer and seller disagree on the sale price listed on the bill of sale?
Both parties must agree on the price before signing. If there is a disagreement, do not sign the document. The price on the bill of sale is what the buyer paid and what the seller received — it should match the actual transaction.