Where to Get Your State's Bill of Sale PDF
Your state's DMV website is the most direct source for a bill of sale form. Most states publish their official PDF on the forms page, usually under a name like "process for Title" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." The form is free to read and print.
If your state does not offer a PDF online, the DMV office itself will have printed copies at the counter, or you can call ahead and ask them to mail one to you. A few states do not require a bill of sale at all — they use only the title document — so check your state's title transfer requirements first to confirm you actually need one.
Private bill of sale templates exist online, but using your state's official form protects you because it includes all the language your DMV requires and proves you followed the correct procedure. Courts and title offices recognize the official form when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website has the official bill of sale PDF free to read, usually on the forms or title transfer page.
- The form name varies by state — look for "Bill of Sale," "Vehicle Sale Form," or "process for Title."
- Some states do not require a separate bill of sale and use only the title document, so confirm your state's requirement before downloading.
- Printing the official state form protects you in disputes because it contains all language your DMV requires and is recognized by courts.
- If you cannot find the form online, the DMV office will provide a printed copy or mail one to you at no cost.
What Information Goes on the Bill of Sale
The bill of sale asks for the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, the year, the odometer reading, and the sale price. Some states also ask for the date of sale and the condition of the vehicle (as-is, with warranty, etc.).
Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the form. Some states require the signature to be notarized; most do not. Check your state's instructions on the form itself — they usually appear at the bottom or on the back.
Keep the original signed bill of sale. You will need it when you submit your title transfer paperwork to the DMV. The seller should also keep a copy for their records in case a dispute arises later about the sale date or price.
How Bill of Sale PDFs Differ by State
Some states ask for minimal information — just names, VIN, and price. Others require the odometer reading, the vehicle's condition, and whether any liens exist on the title. A few states ask whether the sale includes a warranty or is strictly as-is.
The signature requirements also vary. Most states need only the seller's and buyer's signatures. A small number require a notary public to witness and stamp the signatures. Your state's form will state this clearly in the instructions.
A handful of states — including some that do not require a bill of sale at all — allow you to complete the transaction using only the title document itself, with no separate form. If you cannot find a bill of sale form on your state's DMV site, contact the DMV directly to ask whether one is required.
Filling Out the Form Correctly
Use black or blue ink and print clearly or type the information. Do not use pencil — the DMV may reject a form written in pencil because it can be erased. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line, initial the change, and continue. Do not use white-out.
The VIN is the most critical field. Copy it exactly from the vehicle's title or from the driver's side door jamb. A single digit wrong can delay your title transfer. The odometer reading, if required, should match what the seller states on the title document.
Leave no fields blank unless the form instructions say a field is optional. If a field does not explore to your sale — for example, if there is no lien on the vehicle — write "N/A" or "None" rather than leaving it empty. This shows you read the form and made a deliberate choice.
When You Need the Bill of Sale at the DMV
You will submit the signed bill of sale along with your title transfer process, the vehicle's title document, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The DMV uses the bill of sale to verify that the sale was legitimate and that both parties agreed to the price and condition.
Bring the original signed bill of sale, not a copy. Some DMV offices will accept a copy if you can show the original, but the safest approach is to bring the original. If you are mailing your paperwork, send a copy and keep the original for your records.
The bill of sale becomes part of your title transfer file at the DMV. You do not receive it back, so make a photocopy before you submit it if you want a permanent record.
What to Do If You Cannot Find Your State's Form
Call your state DMV directly and ask for the bill of sale form by name. Many DMV phone lines allow you to request forms by mail at no cost. Some states also email forms if you provide your email address.
If your state does not have an official bill of sale form, ask the DMV what document you should use instead. Some states use the title process itself as the bill of sale. Others accept a straightforward written agreement signed by both parties, as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures.
Do not assume a private template is acceptable without asking first. Using a form your state does not recognize can delay your title transfer or require you to resubmit paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?
Most states do not require notarization. Check the instructions on your state's official form — if notarization is required, it will say so clearly. If your state does require it, you can have the form notarized at a bank, a UPS store, or a notary public's office, usually for a small fee.
Can I use a bill of sale template from the internet instead of my state's form?
You can, but it is riskier. Your state's official form includes all the language and fields the DMV requires. A generic template might be missing something, which could delay your title transfer. Using the official form is always the safest choice.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
You cannot complete a legal title transfer without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses, do not buy the vehicle. A bill of sale protects both of you by documenting the sale in writing.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a private seller or a dealership?
Private sales almost always require a bill of sale. Dealerships usually handle the paperwork themselves and may not ask you to sign a separate bill of sale — they use their own sales contract instead. Ask the dealership what documents you need to bring to the DMV.
Can I fill out the bill of sale on my phone or computer and print it later?
Yes, if your state's form is a fillable PDF. read it, fill in the fields on your computer, print it, and then both parties sign it by hand. If the form is not fillable, print it blank and fill it in by hand or type it using your printer's settings.