Create a vehicle bill of sale
Select your state to create a vehicle bill of sale recording the buyer, seller, vehicle, purchase price, and terms of the transfer. The form adjusts the required disclosures and signing instructions for the selected state.
Sign together or apart. Every state form that does not require notarization supports Secure Relay Electronic Signing—parties sign in sequence by link or QR code.
Common questions about bills of sale
Is a vehicle bill of sale required?
Not in every state or every vehicle sale. Some states require a bill of sale for particular title or registration transactions, while others rely primarily on the properly assigned certificate of title. Even when it is not required, a signed bill of sale records the vehicle, purchase price, sale date, and agreed terms for both parties.
What information should a vehicle bill of sale include?
A vehicle bill of sale should identify the buyer and seller and include the sale date, purchase price, vehicle year, make, model, vehicle identification number, and odometer reading. It should also record whether the vehicle is sold as is or with a stated warranty. State law may require an official form, additional disclosure, declaration, or notarization.
Is a bill of sale the same as a vehicle title?
No. The title is the state-issued ownership document; the bill of sale records the transaction. A buyer ordinarily needs a properly assigned title to obtain a new title and registration. A bill of sale alone is sufficient only in limited situations, such as certain title-exempt vehicles or special state procedures for missing ownership documents.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Usually not. Louisiana generally requires an original notarized bill of sale when a separate bill of sale is used instead of stating the price on the notarized title assignment. Maryland requires a notarized bill of sale in certain below-book-value transactions involving newer vehicles. West Virginia requires one when the private-sale price is below 50% of the applicable book value and the buyer seeks tax treatment based on that price. Wyoming requires notarization of the title assignment, not the ordinary bill of sale. Special title procedures may require notarized documents in other states.
What does "as is" mean on a vehicle bill of sale?
"As is" means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition and the seller does not promise to repair it or provide an unstated warranty. It does not excuse fraud, a false odometer statement, concealment of a known problem, or failure to make a disclosure required by law. Any warranty or repair promise should be written into the agreement.
What should the buyer and seller do after signing?
The required steps depend on the state. The seller may need to complete the title assignment, provide a lien release, remove or surrender the plates, and file a notice of sale or release of liability. The buyer may need to obtain insurance, transfer the title, register the vehicle, pay taxes and fees, and complete an inspection within a state deadline. Signing the bill of sale alone does not complete every vehicle transfer.