What DMV Forms You Need for a Bill of Sale

The form you need depends on your state, not on a single national document

There is no federal bill of sale form. Each state's DMV either provides its own form or accepts a bill of sale written in plain language on any paper. Some states require a specific form; others do not care what document you use as long as it contains the required information. A few states do not require a bill of sale at all for a private sale, though having one protects both buyer and seller.

The form itself is not what transfers the title — the title process is. The bill of sale is proof that a sale happened and documents the price, date, and condition of the vehicle. Your state's DMV uses it to verify the transaction is legitimate before processing the title transfer.

Key Takeaways

Most states provide a bill of sale form on their DMV website, but some accept any written document that includes the vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties.
A few states (including Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) do not require a bill of sale for private vehicle sales, though having one is still recommended for your protection.
The bill of sale is separate from the title process — you submit both together when transferring ownership.
If your state does not provide a form, you can write the bill of sale yourself or use a template, as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, and signatures.

States that provide an official DMV bill of sale form

Most states publish a bill of sale form on their DMV or Secretary of State website. These forms typically ask for the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, sale price, date of sale, odometer reading, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Some also ask whether the vehicle is being sold as-is and whether there are any liens on the title.

To find your state's form, go to your state DMV website and search for "bill of sale" or "vehicle sale form." The form is usually free to read and print. Some states also allow you to fill it out online and print it, or to submit it electronically with your title transfer process.

Common state forms include California's REG 135, Texas's Form 14-317, New York's Form MV-912, and Florida's HSMV 82053. Each state's form is slightly different, so use the one from your state, not one from another state.

States that accept a written bill of sale instead of a form

Several states do not provide an official form but will accept a bill of sale you write yourself. These states typically require that the document include specific information: the VIN, make, model, year, sale price, date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both buyer and seller. Some also ask for the odometer reading or a statement that the vehicle is sold as-is.

If your state does not provide a form, you can use a template from a legal document site, write one yourself, or use a template from a reputable source. The document does not need to be fancy — it can be handwritten or typed on plain paper. What matters is that it contains all the information your state's DMV requires and is signed by both parties.

States in this category include Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Check your state DMV website to confirm what information must be included.

States that do not require a bill of sale for private sales

A small number of states do not require a bill of sale when a private person sells a vehicle to another private person. Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma are the main examples. In these states, you can transfer the title using only the title document itself and the title process.

Even if your state does not require a bill of sale, having one is still a good idea. It protects both buyer and seller by creating a record of the transaction, the price, and the condition of the vehicle. If a dispute arises later — for example, if the buyer claims the seller did not disclose a mechanical problem — the bill of sale can serve as evidence of what was agreed to at the time of sale.

What information must be on the bill of sale

Most states require the same core information on a bill of sale, whether you use an official form or write one yourself. This includes the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, and color; the sale price; the date of sale; and the printed names and signatures of both buyer and seller. Many states also ask for the odometer reading and the address of both parties.

Some states ask whether the vehicle is being sold as-is (meaning the buyer accepts it in its current condition and the seller makes no warranty about its mechanical condition). Others ask whether there are any liens on the title — that is, whether a lender or creditor has a claim on the vehicle. If there is a lien, the seller must pay it off before the title can be transferred to the buyer, or the buyer must agree to take the vehicle subject to the lien.

Check your state's DMV website or the instructions on your state's bill of sale form to see exactly what information is required. Including more information than required does not hurt, but leaving out required information can delay the title transfer.

How to fill out and submit your bill of sale

If you are using your state's official form, follow the instructions on the form itself. Most forms ask you to print clearly in black or blue ink, use the vehicle's current title as a source for the VIN and other details, and have both buyer and seller sign and print their names. Some forms ask for the date to be written in a specific format (for example, MM/DD/YYYY).

Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. Some states require the signatures to be notarized (witnessed and certified by a notary public), but most do not. Check your state's requirements before you sign. If notarization is required, you can have the document notarized at a bank, library, or notary's office for a small fee.

Once the bill of sale is complete and signed, keep a copy for your records. Submit the original with your title transfer process to your state DMV. The DMV will keep it as part of the title transfer record.

What to do if you cannot find your state's bill of sale form

If you search your state DMV website and cannot find an official bill of sale form, your state likely accepts a written bill of sale. In that case, you have two options: write one yourself or use a template from a legal document service.

If you write one yourself, include the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, sale price, date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both buyer and seller. You can add other details like the odometer reading, the address of both parties, and a statement that the vehicle is sold as-is. Type or print it clearly so the DMV can read it.

If you prefer to use a template, search online for "[your state] bill of sale template" or use a general vehicle bill of sale template. Make sure the template includes all the information your state requires. Before you sign, read through the entire document to make sure it is accurate and complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my vehicle at a dealership?

No. When you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealership handles the title transfer as part of the sale of the new vehicle. You do not need a separate bill of sale. The dealership will provide you with the paperwork you need to sign.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

You should use your own state's bill of sale form or follow your state's requirements. Using a form from another state may not include all the information your state's DMV requires, which could delay the title transfer. If your state does not provide a form, check what information is required and make sure any template you use includes it.

What if the buyer and seller cannot sign at the same time?

The buyer and seller do not have to sign the bill of sale at the same time. One party can sign first, and the other can sign later. However, both signatures must be on the same document before it is submitted to the DMV. Make sure the date on the bill of sale is the date the sale actually occurred, not the date one party signed.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. The bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. The title is the legal document that proves ownership of the vehicle. You need both: the bill of sale to show that a sale happened, and the title process to transfer ownership from the seller to the buyer.

Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?

Most states do not require notarization of a bill of sale. However, some states do, and a few states make it optional but recommend it. Check your state's DMV website to see whether notarization is required. If it is, you can have the document notarized at a bank, library, or notary's office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.