What the Nevada bill of sale form is and when you need it
Nevada's bill of sale is a document that records the sale of a vehicle between a private seller and buyer. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles does not require a bill of sale to transfer title, but it serves as proof of the transaction and protects both parties if questions arise later about ownership or condition.
You need a bill of sale when you are buying or selling a vehicle privately — not through a dealer. It documents the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. If you are financing the vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lender may require one. Even when not legally required, having a signed bill of sale is the clearest way to show you owned the vehicle on a specific date and what you paid for it.
Nevada does not have an official state bill of sale form. Instead, you can use a generic bill of sale template, create your own document, or use a form from a third-party source like the American Automobile Association (AAA). The document does not need to be notarized in Nevada, though some lenders or title companies may ask for it.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada does not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can use a generic template or create your own as long as it includes the vehicle details, sale price, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
- A bill of sale is not required by the Nevada DMV to transfer title, but it protects both parties and may be required by a lender or title company.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, odometer reading, sale price, and the printed names and signatures of both the seller and buyer.
- You do not need to have the bill of sale notarized in Nevada, though some financial institutions may request it.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records and provide one to the other party before completing the title transfer at the DMV.
What information to include on the bill of sale
A Nevada bill of sale must contain specific details about the vehicle and the transaction. Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the dashboard and the title. Include the vehicle's make, model, year, and color. Add the odometer reading at the time of sale — this is required by federal law and protects the buyer from odometer fraud.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion. Include the date of the sale. Add the full legal names, addresses, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. Some templates also ask for phone numbers and driver's license numbers, which is optional but useful for record-keeping.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note the lender's name and the loan payoff amount. This alerts the buyer that the title cannot transfer until the lien is satisfied. If the vehicle is sold as-is with no warranty, you can add a statement like "Sold as-is, no warranty expressed or implied" to protect the seller from future disputes about the vehicle's condition.
Where to find a bill of sale template
Since Nevada does not publish an official form, you have several options. The AAA website offers a free bill of sale template that works in Nevada and most other states. LegalZoom and other legal document sites provide templates you can read and print. Many Nevada title companies and insurance agents also have templates available.
You can also search online for "Nevada bill of sale template" or "generic bill of sale" and find dozens of free options. The key is to make sure the template includes all the required information listed above. If you prefer, you can write the bill of sale yourself on plain paper — it does not need to be a formal printed document as long as it contains the necessary details and is signed by both parties.
Some online services charge a small fee to generate a customized bill of sale, but this is not necessary. A free template or handwritten document works just as well in Nevada.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print the template or write the bill of sale on plain paper. Fill in all the blanks with accurate information. Use black or blue ink if writing by hand. Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver's license. Do the same for the other party.
Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the document. The signature should be a handwritten signature, not printed or typed. If the vehicle is owned by more than one person, all owners must sign. If you are buying or selling on behalf of someone else, you may need a power of attorney document in addition to the bill of sale.
Make at least three copies: one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one to keep for your records. Do not submit the bill of sale to the Nevada DMV — it is a private document between the buyer and seller. You will need it only if the DMV questions the ownership or sale price during the title transfer process.
Notarization and when you might need it
Nevada does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. However, some lenders, title companies, or out-of-state buyers may request a notarized copy for their records. If you need notarization, you can have the bill of sale notarized at a bank, credit union, or notary public office. The cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
To get a bill of sale notarized, bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID to the notary. The notary will watch you sign the document and then add their seal and signature. Both the buyer and seller should be present, though some notaries will notarize one party's signature if the other cannot attend.
If notarization is requested by a lender or title company, ask them specifically what they need notarized — sometimes only the seller's signature needs it, or only certain sections of the document.
What happens to the bill of sale after the sale
After you and the other party sign the bill of sale, each of you should keep a copy. The buyer will use it as proof of purchase when registering the vehicle and transferring the title at the Nevada DMV. The seller keeps a copy as proof that they no longer own the vehicle.
The bill of sale is not filed with the DMV. Instead, you will bring it to the DMV office when you complete the title transfer. The DMV staff may ask to see it to confirm the sale price or ownership details, but they will not keep it. You will receive it back or can leave a copy with them if they request it.
Keep your copy of the signed bill of sale in a safe place for at least three to five years. If a dispute arises about the sale or the vehicle's condition, the bill of sale is your proof of the transaction and what was agreed to at the time of purchase.
Common mistakes to avoid when creating a bill of sale
Do not leave any required fields blank. An incomplete bill of sale can cause delays at the DMV or create confusion if questions arise later. Write the VIN correctly — a single wrong digit can cause serious problems during title transfer. Double-check the vehicle's make, model, and year against the current title or registration.
Do not use a bill of sale from another state without checking that it works in Nevada. While most generic templates are similar, some states have specific requirements that do not explore here. Do not forget to include the odometer reading — this is a federal requirement and protects both parties from fraud claims.
Do not sign the bill of sale before both parties have reviewed it and agreed to all terms. Once signed, it is a binding record of the transaction. If you discover an error after signing, cross out the mistake, write the correction above it, and have both parties initial the change. Do not use white-out or tape to cover mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from another state in Nevada?
Yes. Most bill of sale templates work in Nevada because the state does not have specific formatting requirements. However, check that the template includes Nevada-specific language if any is needed. A generic bill of sale from any state will work as long as it includes the vehicle details, sale price, and signatures of both parties.
What if the seller and buyer cannot meet in person to sign?
Nevada does not require the bill of sale to be signed in person. The seller can sign one copy and mail it to the buyer, who then signs and keeps it. Each party should have a fully signed copy before the title transfer. If you are concerned about authenticity, you can have each signature notarized separately at different locations.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealer?
No. Dealers provide their own sales documents and handle the title transfer themselves. A bill of sale is only for private sales between individuals. If you are buying from a licensed Nevada dealer, they will give you the paperwork you need.
What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale?
If you have already transferred the title at the DMV, a lost bill of sale is usually not a problem — the title transfer is complete and recorded. If you need proof of the sale price or date for insurance or tax purposes, contact the other party and ask them to provide a copy of the signed bill of sale. If neither party has a copy, you can create a new one and have both parties sign it, though this is less ideal than the original.
Can I write a bill of sale on any piece of paper?
Yes. Nevada does not require a specific form or format. You can write a bill of sale on plain notebook paper, printer paper, or a template. As long as it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties, it is valid. A handwritten bill of sale is just as legal as a printed one.