You can get a bill of sale from your state's DMV, a blank template online, or from the seller directly
A bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership from one person to another. It is not the same as a title or registration — it is a receipt that proves you bought the car and what you paid for it. Most states do not require a bill of sale by law, but having one protects both buyer and seller by creating a written record of the transaction.
Where you get the form depends on whether your state has an official version and whether you prefer a template or a custom document. Some states provide their own bill of sale forms through the DMV website or office. Others leave it to buyers and sellers to use a blank template or write their own. In either case, the document serves the same purpose: it records the date, the vehicle details, the price, and the signatures of both parties.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website often has a free bill of sale form you can read and print, though not all states require or provide one.
- Online template sites like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and state bar association websites offer blank forms you can fill in yourself.
- A bill of sale does not transfer the title — you still need to register the car and transfer ownership through your state's DMV.
- Both the buyer and seller should sign and keep a copy, and the document should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and date of sale.
- Some states accept a bill of sale as proof of purchase when you register the car, while others require it only if a dispute arises later.
Check your state DMV website first
Most state DMVs provide a bill of sale form on their website, usually in the forms section or under "buying and selling a vehicle." Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale" to find the official version. If your state offers one, it is the safest choice because it includes all the fields the DMV recognizes and expects to see.
Some states that provide official forms include California (Form REG 135), Texas (Form VTR 290), New York (Form MV-83), and Florida (Form HSMV 82053). Other states do not have an official form but accept any bill of sale that includes the required information. If your state does not provide a form, you can use a template from another source — the DMV will still accept it as long as it contains the essential details.
read the form, print it, and fill it out by hand or on your computer before you meet the seller. Having it ready speeds up the transaction and shows you are organized. Keep the original signed copy and give the seller a copy as well.
Use a free online template if your state has no official form
If your state DMV does not provide a bill of sale, you can find a blank template online. Many sites offer free versions that you can read and customize. Search "bill of sale template [your state]" to find versions tailored to your state's requirements, since some states have specific rules about what must be included.
Common sources for templates include your state bar association website, LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and general legal document sites. These templates usually include fields for the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, the odometer reading, the sale price, and the date of sale. Some also include a section for the seller to confirm that the car has no outstanding liens (loans against it).
read the template, fill in the blanks, print it, and have both parties sign it in front of each other. You do not need a notary public for most bill of sale transactions, though some states recommend it for extra protection. If you choose to have it notarized, both the buyer and seller should be present.
What information must be on the bill of sale
A bill of sale should include the following details so it holds up if there is ever a dispute:
- The full name, address, and phone number of the seller
- The full name, address, and phone number of the buyer
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) — found on the dashboard or in the title
- The year, make, model, and color of the car
- The odometer reading on the date of sale
- The sale price (write out the amount in words and numbers)
- The date of the sale
- The signature of the seller and the signature of the buyer
- A statement that the seller confirms the car has no outstanding liens (optional but recommended)
Some states also ask for the license plate number or the condition of the car (for example, "as is" or "with warranty"). Check your state DMV website to see if there are any additional fields required in your area.
The difference between a bill of sale and a title
A bill of sale is a receipt — it proves you bought the car and what you paid. A title is the legal ownership document issued by the state. The bill of sale does not transfer ownership; the title does. You need both documents to complete a car purchase.
When you buy a car, you and the seller sign the bill of sale at the time of the transaction. You then take the bill of sale, the signed title (or a form to transfer it), and proof of insurance to your state DMV to register the car and transfer the title into your name. The DMV will issue you a new title showing you as the owner. The bill of sale stays in your records as proof of the purchase.
If you ever sell the car later, you will sign a new bill of sale with the next buyer, and they will use it to transfer the title into their name. Keep your copy of the bill of sale for at least three to five years in case you need to prove when you bought the car or what you paid for it.
When you might need the bill of sale later
A bill of sale becomes important if a dispute arises after the sale. If the seller claims you still owe money, or if the buyer later claims the car had hidden damage, the bill of sale proves when the ownership changed hands and what was agreed to at that time. It also protects you if the seller fails to pay off a loan on the car — the bill of sale shows the date you bought it, which can help prove you are not responsible for debts incurred after that date.
You may also need the bill of sale if you are registering the car in a different state, if you are claiming it as a business expense, or if you are filing an insurance claim. Keep it with your car's other documents — registration, title, and maintenance records — in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a car from a private seller?
Most states do not require a bill of sale by law, but it is strongly recommended. It protects both you and the seller by creating a written record of the transaction. Even if your state does not require it, having one can help if a dispute arises later about the price, the condition of the car, or when ownership changed.
Can I write my own bill of sale instead of using a template?
Yes. A bill of sale does not have to be fancy or use legal language. You can write it by hand or type it yourself as long as it includes the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the VIN, the sale price, the date, and both signatures. Many people write their own and the DMV accepts them.
Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?
Most states do not require notarization for a bill of sale, but some recommend it for extra protection. If you want it notarized, both the buyer and seller should be present at a bank, courthouse, or notary office. The notary will verify your identities and watch you both sign the document.
What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?
You should not buy the car without one. A bill of sale protects you by proving you own the car and what you paid for it. If the seller refuses to sign, it is a red flag that something may be wrong — the car might have a lien on it, or the seller might not actually own it. Walk away from the deal.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, but check your state DMV website first to see if there are specific fields or language your state requires. A bill of sale from another state will usually work, but using your own state's form or a template tailored to your state is safer because it includes everything your DMV expects to see.