What Is A Bill Of Sale For A Car And Is It Required? (2026)
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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- What Is a Bill of Sale for a Car?
- Bill of Sale vs. Car Title vs. Registration
- Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Buy or Sell a Car?
- What Information Should a Bill of Sale Include?
- How to Get or Write a Bill of Sale for a Car
- What if You Lost Your Car's Bill of Sale?
- How to Use a Bill of Sale to Transfer Vehicle Ownership
- Legal Resources at Your Fingertips
Summary
- A bill of sale isn’t required in most states, but it’s a crucial document
- The bill of sale shows that the vehicle is no longer yours
You may have heard that it’s necessary to file a vehicle bill of sale when you sell a car, and wondered whether it’s something that your state requires. What is a bill of sale for a car, and why is it so important?
What Is a Bill of Sale for a Car?
The bill of sale for a car is a legal document establishing the details of the transaction. It’s similar to the purchase contract you would sign if you bought a car from a dealership. This document protects you if the vehicle is involved in any accidents because it shows that you no longer own the car.
Bill of Sale vs. Car Title vs. Registration
What is a bill of sale vs. title? A bill of sale acts as a record of the transaction, while the title is official proof of the change in ownership. A bill of sale is not always needed, but the car title is.
The registration states that the vehicle is allowed on public roads, tying the owner to the car.
Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Buy or Sell a Car?
Not all states require a bill of sale, but it’s recommended that you create one if you’re selling the vehicle or that you ask for one if you’re purchasing it. In states such as West Virginia, you will need to have a notarized bill of sale. Most states don’t require notarization.
What Information Should a Bill of Sale Include?
A bill of sale typically includes:
- A detailed description of the car
- The VIN
- The full names and contact information of both parties
- The sale date
- The purchase price
It’s also a good idea to have an as-is clause to ensure no one disputes the state of the car.
How to Get or Write a Bill of Sale for a Car
You can get a bill of sale for a car through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. In Florida, for example, you can download the form from the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
What if You Lost Your Car's Bill of Sale?
If you bought a vehicle and you lost the bill of sale, you can usually contact the seller and get a copy. Your DMV might also be able to verify the sale.
How to Use a Bill of Sale to Transfer Vehicle Ownership
The bill of sale must be accompanied by a signed title to legally transfer vehicle ownership. The bill of sale proves the transaction took place.
Legal Resources at Your Fingertips
If you have questions about legal processes like these, ConsumerShield can help. Explore our online tools and resources today.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Create a legally binding vehicle bill of sale for private transactions. Covers sales, gifts, and trades. Includes VIN, federal odometer disclosure, smog certification, lien status, and state-specific titling rules. All 50 states. Instant PDF download.
Full legal form details & preview
View Legal FormBill Of Sale Knowledge Base
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The odometer disclosure is necessary. There is a place on the bill of sale for it, but you can file a separate odometer disclosure statement, too.
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Currently, 16 states require a bill of sale. Contact your local DMV to find out whether your state requires one.
