What is a car bill of sale?

A car bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of vehicle ownership from seller to buyer. It documents the sale price, vehicle identification number (VIN), date of sale, and both parties' names and signatures. Most states require a bill of sale for private party vehicle sales as part of the title transfer process.

Is a bill of sale required to sell a car?

It depends on the state. Many states require a bill of sale as part of the title transfer paperwork. Even in states where it is not legally required, a bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the agreed sale price (relevant for sales tax), the 'as-is' nature of the sale, and the transfer date. Always use one for private party sales.

What should a car bill of sale include?

A complete car bill of sale should include: the buyer's and seller's full legal names and addresses, the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN, the agreed sale price, the date of sale, the odometer reading at time of sale, any warranty terms or 'as-is' language, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Some states also require a notary signature.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization requirements vary by state. States that require notarized car bills of sale include Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and a few others. Check your state DMV's website for current requirements. Even when not required, notarization adds legal weight and authenticity.

Can I get a free car bill of sale template?

Yes. Most state DMV websites provide official bill of sale forms for free download. You can also use the template in this article, which covers the standard information required in most states. Always verify with your state DMV that your form includes all required fields before the sale.

How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car 2026 — Free Template and State Requirements

A car bill of sale is a written record that a vehicle changed hands at a specific price on a specific date. For private party sales, it is the primary document that protects both buyer and seller — proving who owned the car, when, and for how much. Most states require it for title transfer. Even in states that don’t, use one anyway.

What to Include in a Car Bill of Sale

Every valid car bill of sale should contain:

Field	What to Include
Seller’s full name	Legal name as it appears on the title
Seller’s address	Current mailing address
Buyer’s full name	Legal name
Buyer’s address	Current mailing address
Vehicle year, make, model	e.g., “2019 Honda Accord EX”
VIN	17-character vehicle identification number
Sale price	Dollar amount agreed upon
Date of sale	Month, day, year
Odometer reading	Miles at time of sale
Warranty / as-is statement	“Vehicle sold as-is, no warranty expressed or implied” for most private sales
Seller’s signature	Required
Buyer’s signature	Required in most states

Car Bill of Sale Template

BILL OF SALE — MOTOR VEHICLE

Date of Sale: _______________

Seller Information:

Full Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Phone: _______________

Buyer Information:

Full Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Phone: _______________

Vehicle Information:

Year: ___ Make: ___ Model: ___ Trim: ___
VIN: _______________
Color: _______________
Odometer Reading at Time of Sale: _______________ miles

Sale Terms: The seller agrees to sell, and the buyer agrees to purchase, the above-described vehicle for the total purchase price of:

$_______________ (US Dollars)

Payment method: ☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Cashier’s Check ☐ Other: _______________

Warranty: This vehicle is sold AS-IS with no warranty expressed or implied by the seller. The buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition.

Seller Signature: _______________ Date: _______________

Buyer Signature: _______________ Date: _______________

Notary (if required by state): _______________

Print two copies — one for each party.

State-Specific Requirements

State	Bill of Sale Required	Notary Required
California	Yes	No
Texas	Yes	No
Florida	Yes	No
New York	Yes	No
Maryland	Yes	Yes
Louisiana	Yes	Yes
Montana	Yes	Yes
Pennsylvania	Yes	No
Most other states	Yes or recommended	No

Always verify current requirements on your state DMV’s official website before completing the sale.

For the Seller: Protect Yourself

Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale and the odometer disclosure
Notify your state DMV that you sold the vehicle (many states let you do this online) — this removes your liability for parking tickets, tolls, and accidents that occur after the sale date
Cancel your insurance only after the DMV transfer is confirmed

For the Buyer: What to Verify

Confirm the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the dashboard and door jamb
Run a vehicle history report before signing
Do not accept a bill of sale with blank fields — fill everything in before signing

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy