What Nevada Requires on a Bill of Sale

Nevada does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, but the document you create must include specific information for the sale to be valid at the DMV. The buyer and seller names, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the odometer reading must all appear on the bill of sale. Both the seller and buyer must sign the document in front of a notary public — Nevada law requires notarization for all vehicle bills of sale.

The bill of sale serves as proof of ownership transfer and protects both parties. The seller uses it to show they no longer own the vehicle, and the buyer uses it to prove they purchased it legitimately. Without a properly notarized bill of sale, the DMV will not process the title transfer, and the buyer cannot register the vehicle in their name.

You can write the bill of sale yourself on plain paper or use a template, as long as all required information is present and legible. Some Nevada title and registration offices provide a sample format, though they do not require you to use it. The document does not need to be printed on special paper or follow a particular layout — what matters is that the content is complete and notarized.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada requires a notarized bill of sale for all vehicle sales, and the document must include the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
  • You can write your own bill of sale on plain paper or use a template, but it must be notarized by a public notary before either party submits it to the DMV.
  • The seller keeps a copy to prove they transferred ownership, and the buyer keeps a copy to prove they purchased the vehicle.
  • The bill of sale is separate from the title certificate — you will also need to transfer the title itself at the DMV office or online.

Information to Include on Your Nevada Bill of Sale

Start with the names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer, written exactly as they appear on their identification. Include the vehicle's full VIN, which you can find on the dashboard, the title certificate, or the vehicle registration. Write out the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion — for example, "Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00)".

Add the odometer reading as it appears on the vehicle's instrument cluster on the day of sale. This protects the buyer by documenting the mileage at the time of transfer and helps prevent odometer fraud. Include the date the sale took place, the vehicle's year, make, and model, and any notes about the vehicle's condition if you want them recorded — for example, whether it has mechanical issues or outstanding recalls.

Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names on the bill of sale. The signatures must be witnessed and notarized by a Nevada notary public. You cannot notarize your own document, and the notary cannot be a family member of either party. After notarization, the notary will stamp and sign the document, making it official.

Where to Get Your Bill of Sale Notarized

Nevada notaries are available at banks, credit unions, title and registration offices, and independent notary services throughout the state. Many banks offer notarization for free if you are a customer; others charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. You can search for notaries online or call your local bank to ask if they provide the service.

Both the buyer and seller must be present at the notarization, and both must bring a valid photo ID. The notary will verify your identities, watch you sign the bill of sale, and then explore their official stamp and signature. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some notaries will travel to your location for an additional fee if you cannot meet them in person.

If you are buying or selling the vehicle from a distance, you can use a remote notary service, though Nevada has specific rules about remote notarization. The notary must use audio and video technology to confirm your identity and witness your signature. Not all notaries offer this service, so call ahead to ask.

What Happens After You Sign the Bill of Sale

Once the bill of sale is notarized, the seller should keep one copy and give the buyer another. The buyer will need the notarized bill of sale when they go to the DMV to transfer the title into their name. The seller should keep their copy for their records in case questions arise later about the sale.

The buyer has a limited time to transfer the title — Nevada law does not specify an exact important date, but delaying can cause problems if the seller is still listed as the owner on the registration. The buyer should take the notarized bill of sale, the original title certificate, proof of insurance, and a completed process for Certificate of Title (Form 227) to the DMV office. If the buyer is financing the vehicle, the lender may require additional documents.

The seller's responsibility ends once they sign the notarized bill of sale and hand over the title certificate. However, the seller should notify their insurance company that they no longer own the vehicle and should not be listed as the owner on the registration. Some sellers also file a Notice of Sale with the DMV to formally remove themselves from liability, though this is optional.

Private Sale vs. Dealer Sale

If you are selling a vehicle privately, you must use a notarized bill of sale. If you are buying or selling through a licensed Nevada dealer, the dealer handles the bill of sale and title transfer as part of their process. Dealers have their own forms and procedures, and they are responsible for notarization and DMV filing. You still receive a copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Private sales require more work from both buyer and seller because you are responsible for creating the bill of sale, finding a notary, and submitting the title transfer documents to the DMV. However, private sales often cost less because you avoid dealer fees. If you are unsure whether you are buying from a dealer or a private seller, ask whether they hold a Nevada dealer license — dealers are required to display this information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to notarize the bill of sale before submitting it to the DMV. Without notarization, the DMV will reject the document and ask you to return with a properly notarized copy. This delays the title transfer and can cause problems if the buyer needs to register the vehicle quickly.

Another mistake is leaving out the VIN or writing it incorrectly. The VIN must match exactly what appears on the title certificate and the vehicle itself. If the numbers do not match, the DMV will flag the discrepancy and may refuse to process the transfer until you clarify the issue.

Sellers sometimes fail to keep a copy of the notarized bill of sale for themselves. If a problem arises later — for example, if the buyer does not register the vehicle and it is involved in an accident — the seller may need proof that they transferred ownership. Keeping a copy protects you legally.

Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" instead of a dollar amount. The DMV uses the sale price to calculate taxes and fees for the title transfer. If the price is missing or unclear, the DMV cannot process the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a bill of sale on my phone or email it instead of printing it?

The bill of sale must be a physical document that you and the buyer sign in front of a notary. You cannot notarize a digital document or an email. You can write it by hand or print it, but it must be on paper that both parties and the notary can sign and the notary can stamp.

What if the buyer and I cannot meet in person to get the bill of sale notarized?

Some Nevada notaries offer remote notarization using video and audio technology. Both you and the buyer must be present on the video call, and the notary will verify your identities and watch you sign. Not all notaries provide this service, so contact notaries in your area to ask about remote options.

Do I need to report the sale to Nevada if I am the seller?

You are not required to file a Notice of Sale with the DMV, but you can do so to formally remove yourself from liability if the buyer does not register the vehicle or gets into an accident. Filing a Notice of Sale protects you by creating an official record that you transferred ownership. You can file this form at any DMV office or online.

What if the sale price on the bill of sale is different from what we actually agreed to?

The sale price on the bill of sale should match what you and the buyer actually agreed to pay. If you write a lower price to reduce taxes, that is considered tax fraud and is illegal. The DMV may investigate if the price seems unusually low for the vehicle's year and condition.

Can I sell a vehicle without a bill of sale in Nevada?

No. Nevada law requires a notarized bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. Without one, the buyer cannot transfer the title into their name, and you cannot prove you no longer own the vehicle. The title transfer cannot be completed without this document.