What Is A Vehicle Bill Of Sale In Florida? (2026)

What Is a Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A vehicle bill of sale in Florida is a legal document that records the transfer of a vehicle’s ownership from the seller to the buyer. It functions somewhat like a receipt.

The vehicle’s title is the main document in a sale, but the bill of sale form is needed to complete the registration and title transfer. Often, it also serves as an “as-is” clause. This prevents future disputes regarding the vehicle’s condition.

When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale in Florida?

A vehicle bill of sale is important when you sell a car privately because it can prove ownership transfer. This proof of transfer is essential to help you avoid liability issues if the car is involved in an accident that results in property damage or serious injuries. Similarly, if the vehicle is involved in a crime, like the driver getting a DUI in Florida, you can safeguard yourself from any resulting criminal proceedings.

The bill of sale is also usually required for registering the vehicle if the title is incomplete. If you’re registering an out-of-state vehicle in Florida, you normally need a bill of sale in that case as well.

What Information to Include in a Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale

The document should include the names of the buyer and seller, the purchase price, the date of the transaction and the vehicle description. Most of the time, it will also include the license plate number.

The bill of sale must also contain the signatures of the seller and buyer. In some cases, an as-is clause can be included to protect the seller from any issues the buyer may have with the vehicle’s condition.

Common Types of Florida Vehicle Bills of Sale

In Florida, the most common type of bill of sale is the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale, which covers cars, trucks and motorcycles. There is also a Boat/Vessel Bill of Sale for transferring boat ownership, and a Mobile Home Bill of Sale for mobile home sales.

Keep in mind, too, that an affidavit of sale can be added in conjunction with the application for the certificate of motor vehicle title.

Does a Florida Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

You're not required to have this form notarized, but it's a good idea to do so. It confirms that both parties signed the document and that you’re no longer the vehicle’s owner. Notarizing the bill of sale is an important step to take to ensure that there is no fraud involved in the transaction.

Registering Your Vehicle After Completing a Bill of Sale

To register the vehicle in Florida after completing the bill of sale, you must transfer the title within 30 days to avoid fines. You'll need to complete the Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title. Registration fees in Florida vary based on the vehicle's size and weight, and first-time registrants are typically required to pay a one-time initial fee of $225.

Do You Need More Than One Copy of a Florida Bill of Sale?

It’s wise to have two copies made. This allows the seller and the buyer to each have a copy. You may need a copy for tax reasons, too, so it’s helpful to have a backup.

To ensure that the copies are valid, verify that both signatures are present in the documents. Although you aren’t legally required to make a copy, you could be taking a risk by not doing so.

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