Vehicle Bill of Sale

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Sarah Edwards

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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

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DMV-ready bill of sale for any private vehicle transaction in 12 minutes – sale, gift, or trade. Covers VIN, federal odometer disclosure, vehicle condition, liens, smog certification, and state-specific titling and notarization for all 50 states.

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Updated 2026
Vehicle Bill of Sale
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2026
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Summary

  • A vehicle bill of sale offers proof of change of ownership
  • Some states require a notarized bill of sale for private purchases

If you’re buying or selling a vehicle, you may need to complete several documents, such as a vehicle bill of sale. Although not all states, such as Florida, require this document, it's a good idea to prepare one because it offers proof of the sale. Take a closer look at how to write a bill of sale and why it’s essential.

What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A vehicle bill of sale records the transfer of ownership of a car or any other vehicle from the seller to the buyer. It’s similar to the contract you would sign at a dealership if you bought the car there.

But what is the difference between a bill of sale vs. title, then? The title is the official document proving ownership of the vehicle, while the bill of sale functions more like a receipt.

When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

Some states require a vehicle bill of sale whenever you purchase a car to be able to formally transfer ownership and to register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s an important document when selling or buying a vehicle privately.

Why Use a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale can protect you against liability in personal injury cases if the vehicle is involved in any type of accident. It’s also a helpful document for DMV registration in many states and can be useful for tax purposes. Additionally, it contains an as-is clause, which helps prevent disputes about the vehicle’s condition.

What Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Contain?

The vehicle bill of sale generally includes the following:

  • Name and address of the buyer and seller
  • VIN
  • Purchase price
  • Date of the sale
  • As-is clause
  • Signatures of both parties

It should also contain a detailed description of the vehicle.

State-Specific Requirements and Notarization

Most states do not require a bill of sale, while others have you prepare one and get it notarized to be legally binding. States like Maryland require notarization, and others like New York require that the buyer sign the bill of sale even if the vehicle is a gift.

How to Fill Out a Vehicle Bill of Sale

To fill out the vehicle bill of sale as the seller, you will need to provide all of the information regarding the vehicle, including the VIN. You will have to add the exact price and all of the pertinent information regarding the buyer and seller.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Bill of Sale

The most common mistakes to avoid are providing inaccurate information on the parties involved and not getting signatures. Not verifying lien details is another mistake.

Have questions about selling a vehicle or navigating other legal concerns? Explore our resources and tools at ConsumerShield today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our vehicle bill of sale

A vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from one party to another. It includes the vehicle's details (VIN, year, make, model), the parties' information, the sale price, federal odometer disclosure, and the terms of the transaction. Most states require it — alongside the title — for registration and titling at the DMV.

Yes. This vehicle bill of sale is designed to comply with requirements in all 50 states. The form automatically applies state-specific rules based on the state you select — including California smog certification, Colorado emissions testing, Virginia/Maryland/Missouri safety inspections, and notarization for Louisiana, Ohio, and North Carolina.

You'll need the vehicle's VIN (17 characters, found on the dashboard or driver's door jamb), year, make, model, body type, color, and odometer reading. You'll also need both parties' legal names and addresses, the sale price, payment method, and date of sale. If the vehicle has a lien, you'll need the lienholder's name and amount owed.

It depends on your state. Louisiana, Ohio, and North Carolina require notarization for vehicle title transfers — the form auto-selects notary for these states. Maryland, West Virginia, and Wyoming may require it in certain situations. In all other states, notarization is optional but recommended for higher-value vehicles. Common notary locations include banks, UPS stores, and law offices ($5–$15 per signature).

Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 32705) requires the seller to provide a written odometer disclosure for all motor vehicle sales. Providing a false odometer reading is a federal offense. The exemption threshold depends on the vehicle's model year — vehicles from 2010 and earlier are exempt after 10 years, while 2011 and newer models are exempt after 20 years.

Notarization involves all parties signing the document in front of a licensed notary. It adds extra protection to the sale.

You need two. One is for the buyer, the other for the seller.
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