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Vehicle Bill of Sale Template – Free Download 2026

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When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

You are selling or buying a used car through a private party transaction and the DMV requires a written bill of sale to transfer the title certificate and calculate the sales tax owed on the purchase price.

The vehicle you are purchasing does not have a clean title, such as a salvage title or a title with a lien release pending, and you need a bill of sale to document the transaction terms while the title issues are resolved with the DMV.

Your state requires an odometer disclosure under the Odometer Disclosure Act (49 USC 32701) and you need a form that includes a compliant mileage statement signed by the seller at the time of transfer.

You are gifting a vehicle to a family member and need a written record showing the transfer was a gift with a stated value of zero dollars so the recipient can register the vehicle and potentially avoid sales tax in states that exempt family gifts.

A buyer or seller wants to document an as-is disclaimer to confirm the vehicle is being sold without any warranties, which is standard for private party sales that fall outside the FTC Used Car Rule applicable to dealers. You can also use our general bill of sale for non-vehicle personal property transactions.

You are selling a vehicle in one of the six states that require a notarized bill of sale (Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wyoming) and need a template that includes a notary acknowledgment block.

What Should a Vehicle Bill of Sale Include?

Buyer and Seller Information

Include the full legal names, mailing addresses, and driver license numbers of both the buyer and seller. Some states require phone numbers and dates of birth. Both parties should be identified exactly as they appear on their government-issued identification to prevent issues at the DMV during title transfer.

Vehicle Description and VIN

Record the year, make, model, body style, color, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code found on the dashboard near the windshield and on the driver-side door jamb. Verifying the VIN against the title certificate confirms the vehicle being sold matches the title being transferred.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

Under the Odometer Disclosure Act, the seller must disclose the exact mileage reading at the time of sale for vehicles less than 20 years old. The disclosure must state whether the mileage is actual, exceeds the mechanical limits of the odometer, or is not the actual mileage due to a discrepancy. Federal law imposes penalties up to $110,000 per violation for odometer fraud.

Sale Price and Payment Terms

State the total purchase price in both numbers and words. If the sale involves a trade-in, document the trade-in value separately. Under UCC Article 2, goods sold for $500 or more require a written agreement to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds. Include the payment method (cash, cashier's check, or financing) and whether the full amount was paid at closing.

As-Is Disclaimer and Warranty Terms

Private party vehicle sales are typically sold as-is with no warranties. Include a clear as-is disclaimer stating the buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition and the seller makes no representations about the vehicle's mechanical condition, history, or fitness for a particular purpose. If any warranties are offered, describe them in specific terms rather than general language.

Lien and Title Status

The seller must disclose whether there is an existing lien on the vehicle and, if so, identify the lienholder and provide documentation showing the lien has been or will be released. The bill of sale should state whether the seller is delivering a clear title certificate at the time of sale or if the buyer will receive the title after lien satisfaction.

Signatures and Date

Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. E-signatures are valid for vehicle bills of sale in most states. If your state requires notarization, include a notary acknowledgment block with space for the notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration date. Keep copies for both parties and bring the original to the DMV.

Signature Requirements

Electronic Signature

Both buyer and seller must sign the vehicle bill of sale. Electronic signatures are valid under ESIGN Act and UETA; however, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wyoming require notarization for vehicle title transfers.

How to Fill Out a Vehicle Bill of Sale

1

Enter Party Information

Fill in the full legal names, addresses, and driver license numbers for both the buyer and the seller. Use the names exactly as they appear on each party's government-issued ID to match what the DMV has on file.

2

Describe the Vehicle

Enter the year, make, model, body style, color, and VIN. Verify the VIN on the dashboard or door jamb matches the VIN on the title certificate. Note the engine size or trim level if applicable to distinguish between similar models.

3

Complete the Odometer Disclosure

Record the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. Check the appropriate box indicating whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. The seller must sign the odometer disclosure as required by the Odometer Disclosure Act.

4

State the Sale Price

Enter the total purchase price in both numbers and written words. If the payment is made in installments, attach a separate promissory note outlining the payment schedule. Note the payment method used for the transaction.

5

Include Condition and Warranty Terms

Select whether the vehicle is sold as-is or with specific warranties. For private party sales, as-is is standard. If the vehicle has a salvage title or known defects, disclose them in this section to protect the seller from future claims.

6

Sign and Distribute

Both parties sign and date the bill of sale. If your state requires notarization, have the document notarized before leaving the signing. Print at least two copies so each party retains an original. The buyer takes the bill of sale to the DMV along with the signed title to complete the transfer.

Vehicle Bill of Sale Requirements by State

Vehicle Bill of Sale laws and requirements differ across states. Key variations include specific language requirements, notarization mandates, witness requirements, filing deadlines, and enforceability standards. Our templates incorporate state-specific provisions when you select your jurisdiction.

For the most comprehensive state-specific version, use our AI generator which automatically applies your state's legal requirements.

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Free Template vs Custom Vehicle Bill of Sale

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic buyer/seller and vehicle fields
Odometer disclosure statement
State-specific DMV complianceVaries by state-
As-is disclaimer and warranty language-
Attorney review and customization-
Digital download (PDF/Word)

Vehicle Bill of Sale Template FAQ

Does a bill of sale have to be notarized?
In most states, a vehicle bill of sale does not have to be notarized. However, six states require notarization: Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Even in states where notarization is not required, having the bill of sale notarized adds an extra layer of authentication that can help resolve disputes about the transaction later. Check your state DMV requirements before completing the sale.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No, a bill of sale and a title certificate are two different documents that serve different purposes. The title certificate is a government-issued document that proves legal ownership of the vehicle and is maintained in the DMV system. A bill of sale is a private transaction record that documents the terms of the sale, including the price, date, and parties involved. You typically need both documents to complete a vehicle transfer at the DMV.
Can you register a car with just a bill of sale?
In some states, you can register a vehicle with just a bill of sale if the title has been lost or is unavailable. States like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire have procedures that allow registration with a bill of sale for older vehicles. However, most states require a signed title in addition to the bill of sale for registration. If the seller cannot produce the title, the buyer may need to apply for a bonded title or use the state's duplicate title process.
What information is required on a vehicle bill of sale?
A vehicle bill of sale must include the full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures of both parties. Most states also require an odometer disclosure under the Odometer Disclosure Act. Some states require additional information such as driver license numbers, the vehicle's color, and engine number. Including the lien status and condition of the vehicle is strongly recommended.
How much does a bill of sale cost?
A basic vehicle bill of sale template is available for free, including the template on this page. If you need a state-specific bill of sale with customized legal language, as-is disclaimers, warranty provisions, or installment payment terms, an attorney-drafted version typically costs between $30 and $150. The cost of the bill of sale itself is separate from DMV registration fees and sales taxes that may apply to the purchase.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. Under UCC Article 2, the key requirement is that the agreement be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. However, a typed or printed bill of sale is preferred because it is easier to read, reduces the risk of errors, and is less likely to be questioned by the DMV during title transfer.
What states require a notarized bill of sale?
Six states require a notarized vehicle bill of sale: Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Additionally, some states require notarization only for transactions above a certain dollar amount or for vehicles without a title. Even in states that do not require notarization, some DMV offices may request a notarized bill of sale when the circumstances of the sale appear unusual. Always verify current requirements with your local DMV.
Does a bill of sale prove ownership?
A bill of sale is evidence of a transaction but does not by itself prove ownership. The title certificate issued by the state DMV is the primary proof of vehicle ownership. A bill of sale proves that a purchase occurred and documents the terms of the sale, but legal ownership does not officially transfer until the title is reassigned at the DMV. Courts may accept a bill of sale as supporting evidence of ownership when a title is lost or disputed.

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Attorney-Verified Document: All Legal Tank templates are drafted and reviewed by licensed attorneys to ensure legal accuracy and compliance with current state and federal laws. While our templates meet professional legal standards, individual circumstances vary. We recommend consulting with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for complex or high-stakes legal matters. Legal Tank is not a law firm and use of our platform does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Reviewed by licensed attorneys · Editorial policy · Last updated March 2026

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