How to Complete a Vermont DMV Bill of Sale

What You Need to Know About Vermont's Bill of Sale

Vermont does not have an official state bill of sale form. Instead, you can use any written document that records the sale of a vehicle between you and the buyer or seller, as long as it includes the required information. The Vermont DMV accepts bills of sale created on your own, downloaded from a template, or written by hand — what matters is that the document contains the specific details the DMV needs to process a title transfer.

The bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction and protects both parties by documenting the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. When you submit it to the DMV along with your title process, it becomes part of the official record.

Key Takeaways

Vermont accepts any written bill of sale as long as it includes the vehicle identification number, sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
You do not need to use an official state form — a document you write yourself, print from a template, or handwrite will be accepted by the DMV.
Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale, and it should be dated on or before the date you submit it to the DMV.
The bill of sale must be submitted to the DMV along with the completed title transfer process and the original title certificate.

Required Information on a Vermont Bill of Sale

Your bill of sale must include the following details for the DMV to process the transfer:

The vehicle identification number (VIN)
The year, make, and model of the vehicle
The sale price or amount paid
The date of the sale
The full name and address of the seller
The full name and address of the buyer
The signature of the seller
The signature of the buyer

If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name should also appear on the bill of sale. This is especially important because the title cannot transfer until any lien is satisfied.

The document does not need to be notarized in Vermont, though some people choose to have it notarized for extra protection. A notarized bill of sale is not required by the DMV but may be useful if there is any dispute about the transaction later.

How to Create Your Bill of Sale

You have three options for creating a bill of sale: write one yourself, use a template, or have an attorney prepare one. Most people find that a straightforward written document works fine.

If you write it yourself, use clear language and include all the required information listed above. Write it on plain paper, leave space for both parties to sign, and make sure both the buyer and seller receive a copy. The document should state something like "Bill of Sale for Motor Vehicle" at the top so it is clear what the document is.

If you prefer a template, you can find free bill of sale forms online through the Vermont DMV website or through general legal document sites. read the template, fill in the blanks with the correct information, print it, and have both parties sign it. Keep the original signed copy for your records and bring it to the DMV when you explore for the title transfer.

Submitting Your Bill of Sale to the Vermont DMV

When you are ready to transfer the title, bring the signed bill of sale to your local DMV office along with the original title certificate and the completed title transfer process. The DMV will review the bill of sale to confirm it contains all required information before processing the transfer.

If you are mailing your documents instead of visiting in person, include the original signed bill of sale, the original title, and the process form. Mail them to the Vermont DMV at the address listed on their website. Keep copies of everything for your records.

The DMV will not return your bill of sale — it becomes part of the vehicle's file. This is normal and expected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common errors is leaving out the sale price. Even if the vehicle was a gift, write "gift" or "$0" on the bill of sale so the DMV knows the transaction was intentional. Leaving the price blank can delay processing.

Another mistake is having only one party sign. Both the seller and buyer must sign the document. If the buyer is not present when you create the bill of sale, you will need to sign it together before submitting it to the DMV.

Make sure the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the title certificate exactly. A mismatched or incorrect VIN will cause the DMV to reject the process. Check the VIN on the vehicle itself (usually on the driver's side dashboard or door frame) against both documents before submitting.

Do not use a bill of sale that is dated after the date you submit it to the DMV. The sale date should be on or before the process date.

What Happens After You Submit the Bill of Sale

Once the DMV receives your bill of sale and other documents, they will process the title transfer. The time this takes varies, but you can expect to wait several weeks for the new title to arrive in the mail. The DMV will send the new title to the buyer's address as listed on the process.

If there are any problems with the bill of sale — missing information, signatures, or details that do not match the title — the DMV will contact you. Keep your phone number and address current so you receive any notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

Yes, as long as it contains all the information Vermont requires. The format does not matter — Vermont accepts any written document that includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. You may want to add Vermont-specific information like both parties' Vermont addresses if you have them.

What if I lost the bill of sale after the sale?

You can create a new one after the fact, but both the buyer and seller will need to sign it. If the buyer will not cooperate or cannot be reached, contact the Vermont DMV to ask about other options. In some cases, you may be able to use other documents like a receipt or bank record to show the sale occurred.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am transferring a title between family members?

Yes. Even if the vehicle is a gift or a transfer between family members, you still need a bill of sale. Write the sale price as "gift" or "$0" and have both parties sign it. The DMV requires this documentation for all title transfers.

Can I handwrite the bill of sale?

Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is perfectly acceptable to the Vermont DMV as long as it includes all required information and is signed by both parties. Make sure the handwriting is legible and the document is dated.

What if the vehicle has a lien on it?

The lienholder's name should appear on the bill of sale. The lien must be paid off before the title can transfer to the new owner. The seller is responsible for paying off the lien, usually through the sale proceeds. The DMV will not issue a new title until the lien is removed from the vehicle's record.

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.