A vehicle bill of sale is the written record of a private car sale: who sold what to whom, for how much, with which odometer reading, and on what terms. Most states require or strongly recommend one to transfer the title and register the vehicle.
Answer a few questions and download your bill of sale in Word and PDF. Print two copies, sign at the handover, and each party keeps one.
Why both parties need a bill of sale
- For the buyer: it is proof of purchase for the DMV, and evidence of the agreed price for sales tax purposes.
- For the seller: it documents the exact date and time responsibility transferred, which matters for parking tickets, tolls, and accidents after the sale.
- For both: the recorded VIN, odometer reading, and as-is clause prevent most post-sale disputes.
What "sold as-is" really means
In a private sale, "as-is" means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with all faults, and cannot come back to the seller if the transmission fails a week later. It does not protect a seller who actively lies about the vehicle's condition or rolls back the odometer: fraud is never covered by an as-is clause.
Buyers: inspect before you sign
An as-is purchase is final. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and run a VIN history report before handing over payment.
After signing: title, registration, and plates
The bill of sale complements the title, it does not replace it. The seller signs the title over to the buyer (some states require notarized title signatures), removes the plates where state law says so, and notifies the DMV of the sale. The buyer then registers the vehicle, pays sales tax, and obtains insurance before driving. Deadlines are short in most states, often 15 to 30 days.
State forms may be required
Some states require their own official bill of sale or odometer disclosure form in addition to a private one. Check your DMV's requirements before the handover.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no: signatures of the buyer and seller are enough. A few states (such as Louisiana and Montana in some cases) require notarization for title transfer documents, so check your DMV's rules.
Is a bill of sale enough to transfer ownership?
No. Ownership transfers through the certificate of title. The bill of sale documents the transaction and is required or recommended by many DMVs alongside the signed title.
Who pays sales tax on a private car sale?
The buyer, when registering the vehicle in their state. The DMV usually calculates the tax from the price on the bill of sale or the vehicle's book value, whichever policy the state applies.
What is the odometer disclosure requirement?
Federal law requires the seller to disclose the odometer reading when transferring most vehicles less than 20 years old. This template includes the disclosure; some states also require it on the title or a separate official form.
Should I accept a personal check for my car?
Prefer cash, a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or an electronic transfer that has fully cleared. Do not release the vehicle or the signed title until the payment is secured.