A vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale of a car, motorcycle, or another vehicle between a seller and a buyer.
Vehicle Bill of Sale Forms – By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A vehicle bill of sale transfers ownership of a vehicle from one person to another, proving that a deal took place. In exchange for a certain amount of money, the seller agrees to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the buyer. This document is an official record that a seller sold a car on a specific date for a certain price.
Once the new owner possesses the vehicle, they must register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in their state. Depending on the jurisdiction, the DMV may require the owner to present a bill of sale so they can obtain a title.
A bill of sale is especially important when you buy the vehicle privately instead of through a dealership.
Required Information for a Vehicle Bill of Sale
Here are the elements you must include in a motor vehicle bill of sale form:
- Parties’ information: Include the buyer’s and seller’s names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and signatures.
- Date of the sale: Detail when you’re conducting the sale.
- Vehicle description: Describe the vehicle, including its condition, vehicle identification number (VIN), model, make, year, body style, and color.
- Purchase price: Write the purchase price the buyer will pay, indicating whether it includes sales taxes. Please state the reduced price if the vehicle is a partial gift.
- Payment method: Record the payment method the buyer will use, whether it be PayPal, cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check, personal check, or another method.
- Warranty information: Report any vehicle warranties, including contracts that protect against issues with the vehicle’s mechanical components and other exterior or interior parts. If the warranties have expired, don’t include them.
Review some additional elements in more detail to include in a motor vehicle bill of sale form:
Odometer Disclosure Statement
An odometer disclosure statement is a written statement revealing how many miles are on the odometer. It lets the buyer know how far the previous owners have driven the vehicle, indicating one aspect of its condition.
Federal law (49 U.S. Code § 32705) requires a vehicle bill of sale to include a statement verifying the vehicle’s mileage. Please note that vehicles weighing more than 16,000 pounds and those older than 10 years are exempt from this requirement, according to the Truth in Mileage Act.
An “As-Is” Statement
An “as-is” statement refers to a vehicle’s lack of warranties. You’ll often see this statement when participating in a private party sale. Once you complete the sale, any issues the buyer finds will no longer be the seller’s responsibility. For example, suppose the car breaks down shortly after the buyer purchases it. In that case, they will have to pay for repairs themselves.
If whether the car is sold “as-is” isn’t clear on the bill of sale, inquire about the car’s status to ensure you know what you’re agreeing to.
Private Party Sale of a Car
A private party sale is when a buyer purchases a car from an individual instead of a dealer, which can provide unique benefits over going to a dealership.
For example, private-party sales are usually cheaper and have no dealer fees. However, they don’t have as many regulations, which can present issues with the quality of the vehicle the buyer receives. You can mitigate issues by ensuring the seller has the proper paperwork to show proof of ownership.
IMPORTANT
Most states don’t require private sellers to ensure the vehicle will pass an inspection, so make sure you have it checked by an independent party before purchasing a vehicle.
How to Transfer a Car Title
When you transfer ownership of a vehicle through a sale, you need to transfer the car title. Even though the steps can vary depending on where you live in the U.S., you can understand the general process by reviewing the following steps:
- Locate the title. The current owner should find the title in their records.
- Fill out the title transfer section. Find the title transfer section on the title. Have both the buyer and seller provide the necessary information.
- Report the sale. Once you’ve purchased or sold the vehicle, report the sale to your state’s DMV. You might be able to complete an online form or submit a paper form in person.
- Follow your DMV’s additional paperwork requirements. Learn the requirements for your specific DMV and follow them, whether providing an odometer disclosure statement, a vehicle bill of sale, or other forms.
- Pay associated fees. If you’re the buyer, you must pay associated fees, including transfer fees and applicable taxes.
- Receive the new title. Wait for the DMV to issue you a new title when you complete all the paperwork and pay the associated fees.
- Complete your vehicle registration. Register your vehicle with the DMV and obtain new license plates so you can legally drive your vehicle.
Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download a vehicle bill of sale form as a PDF or Word file below: