What a Florida bill of sale is and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else. In Florida, it proves the transfer happened and protects both the seller and buyer. The Florida DMV does not require a bill of sale to transfer a title, but the state does require one if you want to avoid paying sales tax on a vehicle you buy — and your lender may require it before they fund a loan.
The bill of sale is separate from the title itself. The title document shows who owns the vehicle; the bill of sale shows the transaction that changed ownership. You can complete a bill of sale without the DMV, but you will need one if you want to register the vehicle in your name or claim a sales tax exemption.
Key Takeaways
- Florida does not have an official state bill of sale form, so you can use a blank template, write one yourself, or use the form your lender provides.
- A valid bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- You do not file the bill of sale with the DMV, but you bring it to the DMV when you register the vehicle or transfer the title.
- If you buy a vehicle from a private seller and want to avoid sales tax, you must have a bill of sale showing the actual sale price paid.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records — it is your proof of the transaction if a dispute arises later.
What information must be on a Florida bill of sale
A bill of sale must contain enough detail that anyone reading it understands what vehicle was sold, who sold it, who bought it, and for how much. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, the sale price in dollars, the date of the sale, and the printed names and signatures of both the buyer and the seller.
You should also include the odometer reading at the time of sale. This protects the buyer by documenting the mileage and protects the seller by showing the vehicle's condition on the day of transfer. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the bill of sale should note that the seller will pay off the lien before transferring the title, or that the buyer assumes the lien.
The bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Florida, but having it notarized adds a layer of proof that both parties signed it willingly. Some lenders request a notarized copy, so check with your lender before you sign.
Where to get a bill of sale form in Florida
Florida does not publish an official bill of sale form. You have three options: use a blank template from a reliable source, write one yourself, or use a form your lender or dealership provides.
If you write your own, make sure it includes all the required information listed above. If you use a template, search for "Florida bill of sale" and look for forms from established sources like legal document websites or your bank. Many banks and credit unions provide their own bill of sale forms to customers buying vehicles with a loan.
If you buy from a dealership, the dealership will usually provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork. If you buy from a private seller, you are responsible for creating or obtaining the form. Either party can initiate it — there is no rule that says the seller must provide it.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print or write the form in black or blue ink. Fill in the VIN exactly as it appears on the vehicle's title or registration — any error can cause problems when you register the vehicle. Write the sale price as a number and spell it out in words (for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00"). This prevents anyone from altering the amount after you sign.
Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person, all owners must sign. If you are buying on behalf of a business, sign your name and title. Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" — the DMV and lenders need a specific dollar amount.
Date the bill of sale on the day you hand over the keys and money. If you sign it weeks before the actual sale, use the date the sale actually occurred, not the date you signed the form.
When the DMV asks for a bill of sale
You bring the bill of sale to the DMV when you register a vehicle you bought from a private seller or when you transfer a title into your name. The DMV uses it to verify the sale price for sales tax purposes and to confirm that both parties agreed to the transfer.
If you bought the vehicle from a dealership, the dealership usually handles the title transfer and provides the bill of sale as part of that process. If you bought from a private seller, you will need to bring the bill of sale, the signed title, and proof of insurance when you go to the DMV to register the vehicle.
The DMV will not accept a bill of sale that is missing the VIN, the sale price, or the signatures of both parties. If your bill of sale is incomplete, the DMV will ask you to go back and get the missing information from the other party.
Sales tax and the bill of sale
Florida charges sales tax on vehicle purchases. The tax is calculated on the sale price shown on the bill of sale. If you buy a vehicle from a private seller and the bill of sale shows a lower price than what you actually paid, you may face questions from the DMV or the tax collector.
Some transactions are exempt from sales tax — for example, if you inherit a vehicle or receive one as a gift. In those cases, the bill of sale should state "no sale price" or "gift" rather than a dollar amount. You will need to provide additional proof of the exemption, such as a death certificate for an inheritance or a notarized gift affidavit for a gift.
Keep your bill of sale and your proof of payment (such as a bank transfer receipt or cancelled check) together. If the tax collector questions the sale price, you can show both documents to prove what you actually paid.
Scams and safety concerns with bills of sale
Do not sign a blank bill of sale or one with information you have not verified. Scammers sometimes ask sellers to sign a form with the sale price left blank, then fill in a lower amount later to avoid taxes or deceive a lender. Always fill in all information before you sign.
If you are buying a vehicle, verify the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the vehicle itself (look on the driver's side dashboard and on the title). Mismatched VINs are a sign of fraud or a stolen vehicle. Never buy a vehicle without seeing the title in the seller's name.
If you are selling a vehicle, do not accept a bill of sale that lists you as the seller but does not list the buyer's name or address. A vague bill of sale can be used to hide the true buyer from the DMV or tax authorities. Always get the buyer's full legal name and current address.
Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to write a lower sale price on the bill of sale than the amount you actually paid. This is tax evasion and puts you at legal risk if discovered. The bill of sale must show the true sale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale in Florida?
No, Florida does not require a notary for a bill of sale to be valid. However, some lenders ask for a notarized copy because it adds proof that both parties signed willingly. Check with your lender before you sign to see if they need notarization.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I bought the vehicle?
If you have already registered the vehicle in your name, you have proof of ownership through the title and registration. If you need a copy for a dispute or a lender, contact the seller and ask them to provide a signed copy. If the seller will not cooperate, you may need to contact a lawyer.
Can I use a bill of sale instead of transferring the title?
No. The bill of sale proves the sale happened, but the title transfer proves you own the vehicle. You must transfer the title at the DMV to register the vehicle in your name and to have legal ownership. The bill of sale and the title transfer are two separate steps.
What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price after we sign the bill of sale?
Once both parties sign the bill of sale, it is a binding record of the agreed price. If you dispute the price after signing, you would need to contact a lawyer or small claims court. This is why it is critical to verify all information before you sign.
Can I write a bill of sale on a piece of paper, or does it have to be a form?
Yes, you can write a bill of sale on plain paper as long as it includes all required information: VIN, vehicle description, sale price, date, and signatures of both buyer and seller. A formal template is not required, but using one reduces the chance of missing important details.