A bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to prove a vehicle changed hands and at what price
A bill of sale is a document that shows a vehicle was sold from one person to another. It includes the vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both the seller and buyer. The DMV does not create or issue a bill of sale — you and the other party write and sign it yourselves. However, most states require you to bring a completed bill of sale to the DMV when you transfer the title, because it proves the sale actually happened and at what price.
The bill of sale protects both of you. For the seller, it shows you no longer own the vehicle and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. For the buyer, it proves you paid for the vehicle and own it now. Without one, disputes can arise — a seller might claim they never sold it, or a buyer might dispute the price later.
Each state has its own bill of sale form or requirements. Some states provide an official form; others accept any written document that includes the required information. You can find your state's form on your DMV website, or you can create your own as long as it contains all the required fields.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale is a written agreement between seller and buyer that proves the vehicle was sold and at what price.
- You create and sign the bill of sale yourself — the DMV does not issue it, but requires it when you transfer the title.
- Your state DMV website lists what information must be on the form, and many states provide a free template you can read and print.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale, and you should each keep a copy for your records.
- A bill of sale protects you from liability after the sale and proves ownership to the DMV and to future buyers.
What information goes on a bill of sale
A bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make, model, year, and color of the vehicle. It also needs the sale price, the date of sale, and the full names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Some states require the odometer reading at the time of sale. A few states ask for the vehicle's condition (for example, whether it runs or has damage).
The form should have a line for the seller's signature and a line for the buyer's signature, and ideally a line for the date each person signed. Some states ask for the seller's signature to be notarized (witnessed and certified by a notary public), though this is less common. Check your state DMV website to see whether notarization is required where you live.
Do not leave fields blank. If a field does not explore to your sale (for example, if there is a line for a lienholder and the vehicle has no loan), write "N/A" or "none" so it is clear you did not skip it by accident.
Where to find your state's bill of sale form
Your state's DMV website is the first place to look. Search for "bill of sale" on the site, or look under the title transfer section. Most states offer a free PDF you can read and print. Some states have the form available only online; others mail it to you if you request it.
If your state does not provide an official form, you can write your own bill of sale as long as it includes all the required information. A handwritten bill of sale is legal in most states, as long as both parties sign it and it is legible. You can also find templates online from reputable sources, but always cross-check the template against your state's requirements — templates from other states may not include everything your state needs.
Do not use a bill of sale form from a different state. Each state has different rules about what must be included, and the DMV may reject a form that does not meet your state's standards.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Fill out all fields in black or blue ink, printing clearly so the DMV can read it. Write out the full VIN (do not abbreviate), and spell out the vehicle make and model rather than using abbreviations. Write the sale price as a number and, if you want to be extra clear, spell it out as well (for example, "$5,500" and "five thousand five hundred dollars").
Both the seller and buyer should sign the form in person if possible. The signature should match the name printed on the form. If one party cannot be present, some states allow a power of attorney to sign on their behalf, but this requires a separate legal document. Do not sign the form before the other party is ready to sign — a partially signed bill of sale can create confusion about whether the sale was final.
Make at least two copies: one for the seller, one for the buyer. You will bring one copy to the DMV when you transfer the title. Keep your copy in a safe place — you may need it later if a dispute arises about the sale.
Scam alert: fake bills of sale and title fraud
Do not buy a vehicle from someone who cannot or will not sign a bill of sale. This is a major red flag. Scammers sometimes sell the same vehicle to multiple buyers, or sell a vehicle they do not actually own. A bill of sale does not prevent this entirely, but it creates a paper trail and protects you if you later discover the seller did not have the right to sell.
If you are buying a used vehicle, verify the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the vehicle itself (usually found on the driver's side dashboard and on the door jamb). Verify the seller's name matches the name on the current title. If the seller says they lost the title or cannot show it to you, walk away — you cannot legally transfer a title without the current title in hand, and the DMV will reject your transfer.
Never accept a bill of sale that is already signed by the seller but blank in the buyer's name field. Fill in your name before you sign, and make sure the sale price is filled in. Some scammers use blank bills of sale to commit fraud later.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
After both parties sign, the seller should remove their name from the vehicle registration and title as soon as possible. The buyer should take the bill of sale, the signed title, and any other required documents to the DMV to transfer the title into their name. The exact timeline varies by state — some require the transfer within 10 days, others within 30 days.
The seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records. This proves they sold the vehicle and are no longer responsible for it. If the vehicle is later involved in an accident or crime, the seller can show the bill of sale to prove they no longer owned it at the time.
The buyer should also keep a copy until the title is officially transferred into their name at the DMV. Once the DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name, the bill of sale has served its purpose, but you should still keep it with your vehicle records.
Private sale vs. dealer sale: do you need a bill of sale?
If you are buying from a private seller (not a dealership), a bill of sale is almost always required by the DMV. Dealerships typically handle the paperwork themselves and provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement, which serves the same purpose.
If you are buying from a dealership, ask what documents they provide and whether you need to bring anything else to the DMV. Dealerships are familiar with state requirements and usually have the correct forms. If you are buying from a private seller, you are responsible for getting the bill of sale completed correctly — the seller may not know what is required, so it is your job to bring the form and make sure it is filled out right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from the internet instead of my state's form?
Only if it includes everything your state requires. read your state's official form from the DMV website first, then compare it to any template you find online. If the template is missing fields your state requires, use your state's form instead. The DMV may reject a transfer if the bill of sale does not meet state standards.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a serious warning sign. You cannot legally transfer the title without a bill of sale in most states, and the seller's refusal suggests they may not have the right to sell the vehicle or may be hiding something.
Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?
Only if your state requires it. Check your state DMV website to see whether notarization is mandatory. If it is required and you do not get it notarized, the DMV will reject your title transfer. If it is not required, notarization is optional but can add an extra layer of protection.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after I buy the vehicle?
Once the DMV issues a title in your name, the bill of sale is no longer needed for ownership purposes. However, you should keep it with your vehicle records in case you need to prove when you bought the vehicle or at what price. If you lose it, ask the seller for another copy if possible.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand, or does it have to be printed?
A handwritten bill of sale is legal in most states as long as it is legible, includes all required information, and is signed by both parties. However, using a printed form (either your state's official form or a clear template) reduces the chance of errors and makes it easier for the DMV to process your title transfer.