What Is an Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Alabama vehicle bill of sale is a legal document showing that the vehicle ownership has passed from the seller to the buyer. It includes key details like the vehicle information, date of purchase, price, and names of both parties. Many Alabama counties also accept a bill of sale for registration or tax purposes.
When Do You Need a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in Alabama?
In Alabama, you should use a motor vehicle bill of sale whenever you conduct a private vehicle transaction.
You may need a vehicle bill of sale in Alabama if:
- The vehicle is untitled or has an incomplete or missing title
- The vehicle is vintage or considered a collector’s item
- The car is purchased out of state and brought into Alabama
- The county requires one even if a valid title is available
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, vehicles must be registered within 20 calendar days of purchase. If a title isn’t available, a properly completed bill of sale is often required to apply for a new one. Legal Templates offers a free Alabama vehicle bill of sale form you can customize and download to meet your county and state requirements.
County-Specific Requirements
Some counties in Alabama have specific rules about when a vehicle bill of sale is required, often going beyond what state law mandates. These local requirements can affect your ability to register a vehicle or prove ownership, even if a title is available.
- Shelby County requires a bill of sale for all vehicle sales, even when a title is present.
- Mobile County requires a bill of sale if the vehicle was purchased from another state to determine how much sales tax is owed when registering a vehicle.
- Calhoun County requires a bill of sale, whether the vehicle is purchased from a dealer, an individual, or out of state. It also requires one to provide proof of ownership if the car is more than 35 years old.
Ensure Compliance With State & County Laws
Some counties use a bill of sale to determine tax or title eligibility. To ensure your form is accepted, follow the content guidelines in Alabama Admin Code. 810-5-1-.246 and check your county’s specific rules.
Does an Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
There is no statewide requirement for notarizing a vehicle bill of sale in Alabama. However, some counties have their own rules. For example, Shelby County requires notarization when registering a vintage vehicle purchase from a private seller.
Since requirements vary, it’s best to check with your local probate or licensing office to confirm whether notarization or witness signatures are required.
Sample Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale
View our sample Alabama vehicle bill of sale template to understand how to complete each section accurately. Use our step-by-step questionnaire to create your personalized form and download it in PDF or Word format.
