Bill of Sale Templates

Use our bill of sale forms to record the sale of any item and protect both buyer and seller.

Updated August 21, 2024
Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A bill of sale is a document that details a sales transaction or transfer of ownership between two parties. Similar to receipts, it records the sale or transfer of valuable assets like cars and protects the buyer and seller from future legal disputes over the item’s condition or ownership.

Either party (buyer or seller) can write a bill of sale, but it’s typically prepared by the seller. Once signed, both parties should keep copies to prove the transaction’s completion.

Legal Considerations

• Is a Bill of Sale Legally Binding? YES
• Do I Need to Get a Bill of Sale Notarized? YES (in many cases)

By State

By Type (31)

General (Personal Property)

Motor Vehicle

Boat

Trailer

Firearm

Equipment

Motorcycle

Aircraft

As-Is

ATV

Bicycle

Business

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Cat

Dog

Dirt Bike

Even Trade

Furniture

Gifted Car

Golf Cart

Horse

Jet Ski

Livestock

Mobile Home

Scooter

Notarized

RV

Semi-Truck

Tractor

UTV

Lawn Mower

Snowmobile

• By State
• By Type (31)
• How to Buy and Sell a Vehicle
• DMV Offices in Each State
• Bill of Sale Sample

How to Buy and Sell a Vehicle

Buyers and sellers can follow these steps to buy and sell vehicles privately.

Step 1 – Obtain Vehicle Information

The buyer should get the motor vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) from the seller to determine the car’s ownership and accident history. This 17-character number is unique to every car and can be found on the automobile’s title or registration.

They can also see whether someone has ever tampered with the car’s odometer or if the vehicle has a significant malfunction or defect that makes it unsafe to drive.

Conducting your due diligence when buying a used car can help you get the best deal possible.

Step 2 – Gather Vehicle Documents

The seller must provide various documents to complete the sale and transfer ownership to the buyer. These documents include the following:

• Vehicle’s title and registration. If the seller can’t find the title, they can request a duplicate or replacement title from their local motor vehicle office.
• Odometer disclosure statement
• A photo ID, such as a valid state driver’s license

Step 3 – Discuss the Price and Terms

Once the buyer and seller agree to the sale, negotiate the price, payment terms, and vehicle condition. A bill of sale must include details about the parties, vehicle, and transaction. If a warranty is included, it should clearly define the coverage. If not, the vehicle is sold “as-is,” so inspect it thoroughly before signing.

Step 4 – Complete the Sale

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The parties can now complete the sale at an in-person meeting. The buyer will bring the funds, and the seller will bring the vehicle. The seller will sign the title to the buyer, and both parties will sign the bill of sale.

If your state requires notarization for vehicle bills of sale, you must have a notary observe both parties’ signatures.

Step 5 – Register the Vehicle

After finalizing it, the new owner will register the vehicle within a specific time and pay any associated sales tax.

Registering the vehicle involves going to a local motor vehicle department office and presenting the relevant fees and the following documents:

• The signed vehicle bill of sale
• The signed-over title
• The odometer disclosure statement
• Proof of car insurance
• Registration fee(s)
• An emissions test (only required in certain states)

IMPORTANT: Certificate of Title

In terms of vehicle sales, a seller must complete a certificate of title to establish the buyer as the new legal owner in the eyes of the government.

DMV Offices in Each State