Vehicle Bill of Sale Template, Free Download 2026
Vehicle Bill of Sale Template Preview
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 car 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. For two-wheeled vehicles, use our motorcycle bill of sale template instead.
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 auto bill of sale transactions 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.
Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Vehicle Bill of Sale
Parties
This Vehicle Bill of Sale is made on [____________] by [____________] ("Seller") and [____________] ("Buyer").
Vehicle Description
Seller hereby sells and transfers to Buyer the following vehicle (the "Vehicle"): Year: [____________]; Make: [____________]; Model: [____________]; Color: [____________]; Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [____________]; License Plate Number: [____________]; State of Registration: [____________].
Odometer Reading
The odometer reading at the time of sale is [____________] miles. Seller certifies that to the best of Seller's knowledge, the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the Vehicle [unless: the odometer reading is not the actual mileage because ____________ / the odometer reading exceeds the mechanical limits].
Purchase Price and Payment
The Purchase Price is [$__________], paid by [cash / certified check / other: ____________]. Seller acknowledges receipt of the full Purchase Price.
Title Transfer
Seller shall deliver to Buyer a properly endorsed certificate of title, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, at the time of sale. Buyer shall be responsible for transferring title and registration with the appropriate state motor vehicle agency within the time period required by law. Seller shall provide a release of any existing lien.
Condition
The Vehicle is sold "AS IS" without any warranty, express or implied. Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the Vehicle and accepts it in its present condition. Seller makes no warranties regarding the Vehicle's condition, fitness, or merchantability. [OR: Seller provides the following limited warranty: ____________.]
Liens
Seller represents that the Vehicle is free from all liens, encumbrances, and security interests. If a lien is discovered after sale, Seller shall be responsible for satisfying such lien and shall indemnify Buyer against all related costs and expenses.
Emissions and Safety
[If required by state law:] Seller certifies that the Vehicle has passed [emissions testing / safety inspection] as required by the laws of the State of [_____________]. Test/inspection date: [____________]. Certificate number: [____________].
Taxes and Fees
Buyer shall be responsible for payment of all sales tax, use tax, title transfer fees, registration fees, and any other government charges associated with the transfer of the Vehicle.
Governing Law
This Bill of Sale is governed by the laws of the State of [_____________]. This document constitutes the complete agreement regarding the sale of the Vehicle.
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.
Related Contracts & Agreements Templates
A vehicle bill of sale is often used alongside other contracts & agreements documents. Depending on your situation, you may also need:
How to Fill Out a Vehicle Bill of Sale
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.
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.
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.
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 create your promissory note outlining the payment schedule. Note the payment method used for the transaction.
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.
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 a printable car bill of sale original. The buyer takes the bill of sale to the DMV along with the signed title to complete the transfer.
Free Template vs Custom Vehicle Bill of Sale
| Feature | Free Template | Custom (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 | - | |
| Printable vehicle bill of sale (PDF/Word) |
Key Facts About Vehicle Bill of Sale Documents
UCC Article 2 Statute of Frauds requires written bill of sale for vehicles over $500.
Odometer Disclosure Act requires accurate mileage on bill of sale for vehicles under 20 years.
Six states require notarized vehicle bill of sale: Louisiana Maryland Montana Nebraska West Virginia Wyoming.
FTC Used Car Rule requires dealers to display Buyers Guide on used vehicles.
DMV requires bill of sale as proof of purchase price for sales tax calculation.
Key Legal Terms in a Vehicle Bill of Sale
When a Free Template Is Not Enough
Free templates cover standard situations, but a professionally drafted vehicle bill of sale accounts for state-specific requirements, unusual circumstances, and enforceability considerations that generic forms miss. If your situation involves significant assets, complex terms, or potential disputes, request an attorney-drafted vehicle bill of sale with a custom quote based on your situation.
Vehicle Bill of Sale Template FAQ
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized?
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
Can you register a car with just a bill of sale?
What information is required on a vehicle bill of sale?
How much does a bill of sale cost?
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
What states require a notarized bill of sale?
Does a bill of sale prove ownership?
More Free Templates
Need a Customized Vehicle Bill of Sale?
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