What Florida requires on a bill of sale

Florida does not have a single official bill of sale form that the state requires you to use. Instead, the state accepts any written agreement between buyer and seller that includes certain information. The document must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller, and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. You can write this on a blank piece of paper, use a template, or purchase a pre-printed form from an office supply store — what matters is that all required information is present and both parties sign it.

The bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction when you submit it to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles along with your title process. The DMV does not create the bill of sale; you and the seller do. Keep a copy for your records before you hand the original to the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida accepts any written bill of sale as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, sale date, buyer and seller names and addresses, and odometer reading.
  • The state does not require a specific form, so you can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form.
  • Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale, and it should be dated on or before the day you submit it to the DMV.
  • You will need the bill of sale when you explore for a title transfer at your local DMV office or through the mail.

Information that must appear on the bill of sale

Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb, or the title document itself. Write out the full 17-character number with no abbreviations. Next, record the exact sale price in dollars — this is the amount the buyer paid, not the estimated value or trade-in amount. If the vehicle was traded in as part of the deal, list only the cash difference, or note "trade-in" and the value if your local tax assessor requires it.

Add the date the sale took place. This date should be the same day or earlier than the day you submit the bill of sale to the DMV; it cannot be a future date. Include the full legal name and current mailing address of the seller and the buyer. If the seller is a business or dealership, use the business name and the business address. Finally, record the odometer reading at the time of sale — the actual miles shown on the vehicle's odometer. If the odometer is broken or reads over 99,999 miles, note that on the bill of sale.

How to sign and notarize the bill of sale

Both the buyer and the seller must sign the bill of sale in front of a witness or notary public. Florida law does not require the signature to be notarized, but having it notarized adds a layer of protection and can speed up the title transfer process. A notary public will verify the identity of both parties, watch them sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves.

If you choose not to notarize, both parties can sign in front of one witness who is not related to either of them. The witness should print their name and sign next to their signature. Notarization is available at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some public libraries at no cost or for a small fee. If you notarize, the notary's seal and signature replace the need for a witness.

Where to get a bill of sale form

You have three main options. First, you can read a template from the Florida DMV website or from third-party legal document sites — search "Florida bill of sale template" and look for PDFs you can print and fill in by hand or on your computer. Second, you can purchase a pre-printed bill of sale form from an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot, or from an online retailer. These forms cost between $5 and $15 and are already formatted with all required fields.

Third, you can write your own bill of sale on a blank piece of paper or type one yourself. As long as you include all the required information and both parties sign it, the DMV will accept it. Many people choose this route because it costs nothing and takes only a few minutes. Whichever method you use, make at least two copies — one for you, one for the seller, and one to submit to the DMV.

What to do with the bill of sale after you sign it

After both parties have signed and the document is notarized or witnessed, keep the original or a certified copy for your records. You will need to bring or mail the bill of sale to your local Florida DMV office when you explore for a title transfer. The DMV will keep the bill of sale as part of your title process file.

If you are buying the vehicle, submit the bill of sale along with the signed title from the seller, a completed process for Florida Title (Form HSMV 82101), and proof of insurance. If you are selling the vehicle, give the signed bill of sale to the buyer so they have proof of the sale. Do not lose your copy — if a dispute arises later about the sale price or date, the bill of sale is your evidence.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave any required fields blank. If you do not know the odometer reading, ask the seller or check the title document. If the price is unclear, write the exact amount in both numbers and words to prevent confusion. Avoid using nicknames or shortened names — use the full legal name as it appears on the seller's driver's license or title.

Do not backdate or postdate the bill of sale. The date should match the actual day of the sale. If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller, do not sign a blank bill of sale and fill it in later — both parties should complete and sign it on the same day. If the seller is no longer available to sign, you cannot complete the transfer. Finally, do not assume the bill of sale replaces the title transfer form — you still need to submit both documents to the DMV to legally transfer ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

No. Florida requires a bill of sale that includes Florida-specific information and is signed according to Florida law. If you bought the vehicle in another state, you will need to create a new Florida bill of sale when you transfer the title to Florida. Use the same information from your out-of-state bill of sale, but rewrite it on a Florida form or template.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature on the bill of sale and the title document. If the seller refuses to sign, the sale cannot be completed. If you have already paid for the vehicle, contact a lawyer or your local police department to report the situation. Do not hand over money until both documents are signed.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealership?

No. Dealerships provide their own sales agreement and paperwork, which replaces the bill of sale. The dealership will handle the title transfer on your behalf. You only need to create a bill of sale when buying from a private seller.

How long is a bill of sale valid?

A bill of sale does not expire, but you should submit it to the DMV within a reasonable time after the sale — typically within 10 days. If you wait too long, the DMV may ask for additional documentation to prove the sale was recent. Keep your copy indefinitely for your records.

What if I made a mistake on the bill of sale after signing it?

If the error is minor, you can draw a single line through the mistake, write the correction above it, and have both parties initial and date the change. If the error is major, create a new bill of sale with the correct information and have both parties sign it again. Do not use white-out or erase the original — the DMV needs to see what was changed and why.