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Bill of Sale Forms (24)

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Bill of Sale Forms (24)

Updated September 17, 2023

A bill of sale is a legal document between a buyer and seller for the purchase of goods in exchange for cash or trade. It should be signed after the transaction has been finalized and the exchange has taken place.

By State

 

Table of Contents

By Type (24)

What is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a legal document that transfers the ownership of property, most commonly vehicles, to someone else in exchange for cash or trade. In most states, a signed bill of sale is required to register a vehicle.

Sample

BILL OF SALE

Date of Sale: [DATE]

1. THE PARTIES.

Buyer’s Name: [NAME] with a mailing address of [ADDRESS] (“Buyer”) and agrees to purchase the Property from the Seller known as:

Seller’s Name: [NAME] with a mailing address of [ADDRESS] (“Seller”) and agrees to sell the Property under the following terms:

2. DESCRIPTION OF GOODS

Property Description: [DESCRIBE]

Hereinafter known as the “Property.”

3. TRADE/PURCHASE PRICE. The Seller agrees to sell the Property in exchange of: (check one)

Cash Payment. The Seller accepts cash payment in the amount of $[PURCHASE PRICE] to be paid on: (check one)

– The date of this bill of sale.
– At a future date no later than [DATE]
– Other. [OTHER]

Trade. The Seller accepts trade for the Property in exchange for: [DESCRIBE TRADE]

Gift. The Buyer is receiving the Property as a gift.

Hereinafter known as the “Exchange.”

4. TAXES.

All municipal, county, and state taxes in relation to the purchase of the Property, including sales taxes, are included not included in the Exchange.

5. BUYER AND SELLER DISCLOSURE.

The undersigned Seller affirms that the above information about the Property is accurate to the best of their knowledge. The undersigned Buyer accepts receipt of this bill of sale and understands that the above-described Property is sold on an “as is, where is” condition with no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied.

Seller’s Signature: _________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: ____________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: ____________________________

How to Buy or Sell a Vehicle (privately)

  1. Negotiate the Terms
  2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  3. Gather Vehicle Documents
  4. Complete the Sale
  5. Registration

1. Negotiate the Terms

buyer and seller negotiating terms of sale

Once you have decided whether to buy or sell a specific vehicle, you will need to enter the terms of the agreement. If the vehicle is being sold for cash, the entire amount will be due at the time of sale. Any financing will have to be done prior with a local bank or credit union. If the vehicle is being sold for cash and trade, both vehicles and the terms of the transaction must be stated (common for vehicles purchased from dealers).

2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

VIN locations on car

The buyer should obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the motor vehicle. This number is unique to every automobile, consisting of 17 characters. It’s usually located on the driver’s side windshield or inside where the door meets the vehicle. If you are unable to find the VIN number, you can always find it on the vehicle’s title or registration. When obtaining this number, you can see all the repairs that were ever done during its existence including car accidents, water damage, and ownership history.

Private Inspection – Remember, only the damage that gets reported to an insurance company gets mentioned in a VIN lookup. Therefore, it is recommended to have a third-party mechanic inspect the vehicle to ensure it is in proper working condition.

3. Gather Vehicle Documents

seller obtaining vehicle title at dmv

In order to complete the sale, the seller must provide the title and registration of the vehicle. If the vehicle’s title is missing, you can request a new title from a DMV office, which can take about 10 to 14 business days to obtain.

Vehicle Bill of Sale – The legal contract between a buyer and seller that details a transaction between the parties. The form should only be signed by the seller after the funds have been transferred in person or via a bank transfer.

Odometer Disclosure Statement – According to federal law, all vehicles that are under 10 years of age and below 16,000 pounds must have their odometer verified by the buyer. The seller must acknowledge on the form that to the best of their knowledge the reading is accurate and that the mileage has not been defective.

Photo ID – Due to the amount of Craigslist and newspaper scams, it is highly recommended to obtain a copy of the seller’s photo identification (such as a driver’s license). This is to be 100% sure that the person authorizing the bill of sale is able to legally sell the property. The buyer should make certain that the title and identification match accordingly.

4. Complete the Sale 

seller handing car key to new owner

Document Signing – Once all the necessary papers are drawn up, the sale may be completed. The parties should meet at a mutual location with the buyer bringing the funds and the seller bringing the vehicle. At this time, the bill of sale should be signed by both parties, and the title should be signed over.

Sales Tax – Look up the sales tax laws in your state, which will determine whether the buyer or the seller is responsible for paying the sales tax at the time of sale.

5. Registration

new owner providing paperwork to dmv for vehicle registration

After a bill of sale has been finalized, the new owner will take possession and will need to register the vehicle within a certain time frame. In order to properly register a vehicle, the following documents and fee(s) will need to be taken to a DMV office location:

  • Bill of Sale – The original that was signed by the buyer and seller.
  • Title – A new Certificate of Title will be issued and sent to the owner within 30 days.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement – If the car is younger than 10 years and under 16,000 pounds.
  • Proof of Car Insurance – Usually an insurance card is suitable.
  • Identification (such as a driver’s license or passport)
  • Fee(s) – There is a tax or fee charged in every state.
  • *Emissions Test (*only required in some states)

Once the vehicle has been registered, the buying process is complete.

DMV Offices: By State

IMPORTANT: A bill of sale does not transfer the vehicle’s ownership. It only shows proof that a transaction took place. The seller must sign over the Certificate of Title to transfer ownership.
State DMV Locations Vehicle Bill of Sale Bill of Sale Required?
 Alabama County Title & Registration Office  PDFODT, Word Yes
 Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  PDFODT, Word No
 Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) PDF No
 Arkansas Dept. of Revenue Office PDF Yes
 California Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF No
 Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF No
 Connecticut Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 Delaware Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDFODT, Word No
 Florida Motor Vehicle Service Centers PDF No
 Georgia County Tag Office PDF Yes
 Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division PDF Yes
 Idaho Idaho Transportation Department (DMV) PDF No
 Illinois Facility Locations PDFODT, Word Yes
 Indiana  Indiana Branch Locations (DMV) PDF No
 Iowa Iowa Motor Vehicle Division PDF Yes
 Kansas Kansas Department of Revenue PDF Yes
 Kentucky  Drive.KY.Gov PDFODT, Word No
 Louisiana  Office of Motor Vehicles PDF No
 Maine  Bureau of Motor Vehicles PDF Yes
 Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration PDF Yes
 Massachusetts  Registry of Motor Vehicles PDF Yes
 Michigan DMV Office Finder PDF Yes
 Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services PDFODT, Word No
 Mississippi Tax Collector’s Office PDFODT, Word Yes
 Missouri License Office Locations PDF Yes
 Montana Motor Vehicle Division PDF Yes
 Nebraska Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 Nevada  Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 New Hampshire  Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 New Jersey  Motor Vehicle Commission PDFODT, Word No
 New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division PDF Yes
 New York Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 North Carolina Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF No
 North Dakota Motor Vehicle Site Locations (PDF) PDF No
 Ohio  Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) PDFODT, Word Yes
 Oklahoma Dept. of Public Safety PDFODT, Word Yes
 Oregon Dept. of Motor Vehicles PDF No
 Pennsylvania Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDFODT, Word No
 Rhode Island Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDFODT, Word Yes
 South Carolina  Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF No
 South Dakota Motor Vehicles Division PDF Yes
 Tennessee Driver Services PDF No
 Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF. ODT, Word Yes
 Utah Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 Vermont Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 Virginia Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDFODT, Word No
 Washington Dept. of Licensing PDF Yes
 West Virginia  Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF Yes
 Wisconsin Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) PDF No
 Wyoming County Treasurer’s Office PDF, ODT, Word Yes

Key Terms

For as simple and straightforward a bill of sale can be, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the language found in your document.

“As-Is” – The term “as-is” is a statement within a bill of sale that states that the item is being purchased with no warranty.

Buyer (Purchaser) – The person in the transaction who pays money in the return for an item.

Gift – The act of giving an item to the “buyer” with no compensation in return.

Notary Public – A disinterested third-party public officer who can attest to the signatures of the buyer and seller. You can find a notary public at your local bank or by using a professional service.

Payment – The money used to pay for an item in a transaction.

Seller – The person or party in a transaction that is offering an item for purchase.

Trade-In – A type of transaction that starts with the buyer offering an item to the seller in equal exchange or at a discount for the seller’s item. This type of transaction is commonly practiced in the car business when the buyer wants to trade in their used vehicle for another vehicle sold by the seller.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – A unique 17-character code consisting of numbers and letters, which is essentially the “serial number” of a vehicle. The VIN must be written into a vehicle bill of sale in order for it to be valid.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need a bill of sale when selling my car?

Depending on the state and sometimes even the county in which you are located, a bill of sale may or may not be required. By adding an extra layer of protection for the seller, this document should always be included and completed when a vehicle transfers ownership (View State Requirements).

How do I prevent disagreements with the buyer after the sale?

Preventing future disputes between the buyer and seller is a good reason to use a bill of sale. It’s important to input as many details as possible to maximize the effectiveness of your bill of sale. Adding and completing a certificate of acknowledgment will further strengthen the power of your bill of sale.

What is the difference between a sales agreement and a bill of sale?

A sales agreement is categorized as a contract and allows you to enter more detailed information pertaining to the sale of goods and services. A bill of sale acts more like a receipt (proof of purchase) and does not necessarily hold any contractual bearings.

Does the buyer need to sign a bill of sale?

It’s recommended but not required in most states. Due to the varying laws within each state, it’s important to check your local laws if you decide to not have the buyer sign. Although when possible, it’s always best to have the buyer sign the bill of sale.

When do I deliver the bill of sale to the buyer?

Typically after paying for an item, you receive a receipt showing proof of your purchase. A bill of sale should work in the same way, by only delivering the bill of sale after payment has been received by the seller.

When would I need to use a promissory note with a bill of sale?

The only time a promissory note should be used is when the buyer does not have enough funds to pay for the seller’s item in full at the time of purchase. By issuing a promissory note, the buyer promises to pay over a period of time for the seller’s item.