Bill of Sale Form

At a glance

What matters first

A bill of sale is a written record of a vehicle transaction between a buyer and a seller. Some states require one for titling or tax purposes, while others treat it as optional but strongly recommended documentation. Even where it is not mandatory, a complete bill of sale protects both parties by recording the price, the vehicle details, and the date ownership changed hands. Requirements and whether a specific form or notarization is needed vary by state, so check with your motor vehicle agency.

Checklist

What to have ready

• Full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller
• Vehicle details including the VIN, year, make, model, and odometer reading
• The sale price, sale date, and signatures, plus notarization if your state requires it

Step by step

How the process usually goes

1. Confirm whether your state requires a bill of sale for titling or tax and whether it must use an official form.
2. Complete the document with accurate vehicle and party information, including the odometer reading and agreed price.
3. Have both parties sign and date it, notarize if required, and keep copies for titling, registration, and tax records.

Why Accurate Details Matter

A bill of sale is only as useful as the information it records. Accurate vehicle identifiers and an honest odometer reading help prevent disputes and support the title transfer and tax calculation. Both parties should keep a copy in case questions arise later.

• The VIN, which ties the document to the specific vehicle
• The sale price, which many states use to assess tax
• The odometer reading, which supports mileage disclosure
• Signatures and date, which establish when ownership changed

FAQ

Common questions