What a Texas vehicle bill of sale is and why you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of a vehicle from one person to another. In Texas, it serves as proof that you bought or sold a vehicle and establishes who owns it on a specific date. The bill of sale is not the same as a title — it does not transfer legal ownership by itself — but it is the document you bring to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you register the vehicle in your name or update the registration after a purchase.

Texas does not require a bill of sale by law, but the DMV strongly recommends having one. Without it, you have no written proof of the transaction, which creates problems if there is a dispute about who owned the vehicle on a given date, what price was agreed to, or what condition the vehicle was in at the time of sale. If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you should insist on a bill of sale before handing over money.

The bill of sale also protects the seller. Once you sign it and hand it over, you have documented that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. This matters if the vehicle is later involved in an accident or crime — the bill of sale shows you transferred ownership on a specific date.

Key Takeaways

  • A Texas bill of sale documents the sale of a vehicle between a buyer and seller and is the document you bring to the DMV when registering a used vehicle.
  • Texas law does not require a bill of sale, but the DMV recommends one, and it protects both buyer and seller by creating a written record of the transaction.
  • You can use the DMV's official form (Form 14-10), a bill of sale template from a legal website, or a handwritten document as long as it includes the vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties.
  • The bill of sale must be signed by both the seller and buyer in front of a notary public if you want it to carry extra legal weight, though notarization is not required by Texas law.
  • After the sale, the seller should keep a copy and notify the DMV within 30 days that they no longer own the vehicle, or they may remain liable for violations or accidents.

What information must be included on a Texas bill of sale

A bill of sale must contain enough detail that anyone reading it can identify the vehicle and understand the terms of the sale. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, model, and color of the vehicle, the odometer reading at the time of sale, and the sale price. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), note that on the bill of sale as well.

Include the full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and the seller. Write the date the sale took place. Both parties must sign and print their names. If the vehicle is being sold by a business or dealership rather than an individual, the authorized representative of that business must sign on behalf of the business.

You may also note the condition of the vehicle (for example, "sold as-is" or "with warranty"), any defects the buyer is aware of, and whether any equipment or keys are included in the sale. These details are not required, but they prevent misunderstandings later.

Using the official Texas DMV form versus a template or handwritten bill of sale

The Texas DMV publishes an official bill of sale form called Form 14-10, available on the DMV website at texas.gov/motor-vehicles. You can read it, print it, fill it out by hand or on a computer, and have both parties sign it. Using the official form ensures you have included everything the DMV expects to see.

You do not have to use the official form. A bill of sale can be typed on a template from a legal website, written on plain paper, or even handwritten, as long as it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties. Many people use a template because it is faster and ensures nothing is left out. A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid as long as it is legible and both parties sign it.

The main advantage of the official form is that it is formatted the way the DMV expects, so there is less chance of confusion when you submit it. If you use a template or write your own, make sure the document is clear and complete. The DMV staff will ask you for clarification if information is missing or hard to read.

Whether you need a notary and how to get one

Texas law does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. However, having a notary public witness the signatures adds a layer of legal protection because it creates a certified record that both parties signed the document in front of a neutral third party. If there is ever a dispute about whether the sale took place or who signed the bill of sale, a notarized version carries more weight in court.

If you want the bill of sale notarized, take it unsigned to a notary public along with a photo ID from both the buyer and the seller. The notary will watch both of you sign the document, verify your identities, and then stamp and sign the bill of sale themselves. Notaries are available at banks, credit unions, law offices, UPS stores, and some shipping centers. The cost is typically between $5 and $15 per signature.

For a private sale between individuals, notarization is optional. For a sale involving a business or a vehicle with a lien, notarization is more common and recommended because it reduces the risk of fraud.

What to do with the bill of sale after the sale is complete

After both parties have signed the bill of sale, make at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. The buyer will need the original or a certified copy when registering the vehicle with the DMV. The seller should keep a copy for their records.

The seller should also notify the DMV within 30 days that they no longer own the vehicle. This is done by submitting a Notice of Sale form to the DMV. If the seller does not notify the DMV, they may remain liable for parking tickets, traffic violations, or accidents involving the vehicle even after the sale. The buyer should register the vehicle in their name as soon as possible after purchase to establish legal ownership.

Keep the bill of sale in a safe place. You may need it later to prove when you bought the vehicle, what you paid for it, or what condition it was in at the time of purchase. If you ever sell the vehicle yourself, you can refer to the bill of sale to confirm details about the transaction.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" without a dollar amount. The DMV and courts need to know the actual price paid. If the vehicle is a gift, write "gift" or "$0" and make that clear to avoid confusion about whether a sale took place.

Do not forget to include the VIN. The VIN is the unique identifier for the vehicle, and without it, the bill of sale does not clearly identify which vehicle is being sold. You can find the VIN on the vehicle's title, registration, or on the dashboard on the driver's side.

Do not have only one party sign. Both the buyer and seller must sign for the bill of sale to be valid. If the seller is a business, the authorized representative of that business must sign. Do not sign on behalf of someone else unless you have legal power of attorney.

Do not use the bill of sale as a substitute for a title transfer. The bill of sale documents the sale, but the buyer must still explore for a new title at the DMV to become the legal owner. The title is what the state recognizes as proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state if I am buying a vehicle in Texas?

Yes, a bill of sale from another state is valid in Texas as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. However, when you register the vehicle in Texas, the DMV may ask for additional documentation if the out-of-state bill of sale is unclear or missing details. Using the Texas DMV form ensures there are no questions.

What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?

Do not complete the purchase. A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. It suggests they may not own the vehicle, there may be a lien on it, or they are trying to hide something. You need a bill of sale to register the vehicle in your name, so without it, you cannot legally own the vehicle in Texas.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a vehicle from a dealership?

Dealerships provide their own sales paperwork, which serves the same purpose as a bill of sale. However, you should still request a separate bill of sale from the dealership if you want a standalone document for your records. Most dealerships will provide one without hesitation.

How long do I need to keep the bill of sale?

Keep the bill of sale for as long as you own the vehicle, and keep a copy even after you sell it. If you ever need to prove when you bought the vehicle or what you paid for it — for insurance, tax, or legal purposes — the bill of sale is your proof. There is no legal time limit for how long to keep it.

Can I write a bill of sale on my phone or tablet instead of printing it?

You can draft the bill of sale on your phone or tablet, but both parties should sign a printed copy. A printed document with original signatures is clearer and more legally defensible than a digital signature on a phone. If you must use a digital signature, use a service like DocuSign or Adobe Sign that creates a certified record of the signing.