Car Bill of Sale

A car bill of sale records the private sale of a vehicle from a seller to a buyer, including the car’s details, the price, and an “as-is” transfer of ownership. It’s the document the buyer often needs to register the car. Download the free car bill of sale below in PDF or DOCX. No signup or email required.

What Is a Car Bill of Sale?

A car bill of sale is a focused version of a bill of sale used specifically for selling a vehicle between private parties. It identifies the exact car by make, model, year, license plate, and VIN, records the sale price and date, and confirms the seller is the legal owner transferring it “as is.” Together with the signed title, it’s what most DMVs want to see when the buyer registers and titles the car in their name. It also protects the seller by documenting the condition of sale and the moment responsibility passed to the buyer.

What Information a Car Bill of Sale Needs

For the document to do its job at the DMV and in a dispute, it should capture:

• The seller’s and buyer’s full names
• The vehicle’s make, model, year, and color
• The license plate number and the VIN exactly as shown on the title
• The odometer reading at the time of sale
• The sale price and date
• An “as-is” statement and confirmation the car is free of liens
• Signatures of both parties

When Do You Need a Car Bill of Sale?

• Selling or buying a used car, truck, or SUV between private individuals
• Registering or titling a newly purchased vehicle at the DMV
• Proving the purchase price for sales tax or insurance
• Documenting an “as-is” sale so the seller isn’t liable for later repairs
• Recording the odometer reading at the moment of sale

How to Fill Out a Car Bill of Sale

1. Enter the seller’s and buyer’s full names.
2. Describe the vehicle: make, model, year, and license plate number.
3. Record the VIN exactly as it appears on the title, and the odometer mileage at sale.
4. Enter the sale price.
5. Confirm the car is sold “as is” and free of liens (this is stated in the template body).
6. Both the seller and buyer sign and date the form; add notarization if your state requires it.

Odometer Disclosure: A Federal Requirement

For most vehicles, federal law requires the seller to disclose the odometer reading at the time of transfer, and knowingly recording a false mileage is illegal. That’s why the mileage field isn’t optional — fill it in accurately and never estimate. Some states fold this into the title itself; others require a separate odometer disclosure statement in addition to the bill of sale. When in doubt, complete both.

Notarization and State Rules

Whether a car bill of sale must be notarized depends on your state. Some require notarization or a witness for vehicle sales; many don’t. Even where it’s optional, notarizing adds an extra layer of proof that the signatures are genuine, which can help if the sale is ever questioned. Check your state DMV’s requirements before you sign, and if notarization is needed, both parties should sign in front of the notary.

After the Sale: Title Transfer and Registration

The bill of sale rarely stands alone. To put the car in their name, the buyer typically needs the signed title plus this bill of sale, and sometimes a separate odometer statement. The seller, meanwhile, may need to notify the DMV that the vehicle was sold to end their liability for it. Make two copies so each party keeps a signed original, remove your plates if your state keeps plates with the seller, and cancel or transfer your insurance once the sale is final.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying the VIN incorrectly — it must match the title exactly
• Leaving the odometer reading blank, which is a federal disclosure requirement
• Not marking the sale “as is,” leaving the seller exposed to later claims
• Forgetting both signatures and the date
• Assuming the bill of sale alone transfers the title — the signed title is still required

Buying a Car: What to Check Before You Sign

A bill of sale records the deal, but a little homework before you sign protects you from inheriting someone else’s problem. Confirm the seller’s name matches the name on the title, and that the VIN on the title matches the one stamped on the car. Run a vehicle history report using the VIN to check for past accidents, flood or salvage damage, or an odometer reading that doesn’t add up. Make sure there are no outstanding liens — a car used as collateral for a loan can’t be transferred cleanly until that loan is cleared. Finally, agree on who handles the transfer paperwork and when payment changes hands, and never hand over cash before the signed title and completed bill of sale are in your hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a bill of sale for a car? Fill in the seller and buyer names, the vehicle’s make, model, year, plate, VIN, and odometer, the sale price, and an “as-is” line, then both parties sign and date it. The template above includes each field.

Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title? It depends on your state. A bill of sale supports the sale, but most states still require the signed title or a bonded-title process to register. Check with your local DMV.

Does a car bill of sale need to be notarized? Some states require it for vehicle sales and some don’t. Confirm with your state DMV before signing.

Do I need to record the odometer reading? Yes — federal law requires an odometer disclosure for most vehicles at the time of transfer, so always fill in the mileage.

What do I need to transfer the title? Usually the signed title plus this bill of sale, and sometimes a separate odometer statement. Your DMV can confirm the exact paperwork.

How much does a car bill of sale cost? This template is free to download in PDF and DOCX.

Related Forms

Bill of Sale · Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale · Motorcycle Bill of Sale · Odometer Statement · Truck Bill of Sale

This template is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Vehicle sale and registration rules vary by state — confirm requirements with your DMV.

Official resource: for the rules that apply to your situation, see your state DMV.

Related Forms

• Vehicle Invoice
• Used Car Comparison
• We Owe Form
• Vehicle Loan Payment Calculator
• Truck Bill of Sale
• Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Browse more in Auto Sales.