Bill of Sale by State
What does a motor vehicle Bill of Sale look like?
Alabama
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Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Colorado
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Florida
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Georgia
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Hawaii
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Idaho
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Iowa
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Maine
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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Mississippi
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Missouri
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Montana
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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New Mexico
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New York
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North Carolina
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North Dakota
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Ohio
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Oklahoma
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Oregon
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Pennsylvania
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Rhode Island
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Tennessee
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Texas
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Utah
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Vermont
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Virginia
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Washington
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West Virginia
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
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The look of a Private Party Bill of Sale varies state by state because private party car sales are regulated by state motor vehicle agencies. Many states provide an official DMV Bill of Sale, but the following states do not offer an official form and thus documents displayed were created by F&I Tools for private party usage: Alaska, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas.
What is a Bill of Sale?
A Bill of Sale is a receipt to document the transaction during the sale of a motor vehicle.
A Bill of Sale is a receipt to document the transaction during the sale of a motor vehicle.
What information must be on the Bill of Sale?
Official verbiage differs by state, however the Bill of Sale must at least contain the following information: vehicle year, make, model, body type, color, mileage, VIN – date of transaction – sale price – buyer’s name, physical address, phone number, and signature – seller’s name, physical address, phone number, and signature.
Official verbiage differs by state, however the Bill of Sale must at least contain the following information: vehicle year, make, model, body type, color, mileage, VIN – date of transaction – sale price – buyer’s name, physical address, phone number, and signature – seller’s name, physical address, phone number, and signature.
View Sample Titles
Is a Bill of Sale the same as a title?
No. It is important to note that a Bill of Sale does not transfer ownership. The certificate of ownership (aka car title) must accompany the Bill of Sale during the transaction. Additional documents are also required along with a visit to the DMV to officially complete the transfer of ownership. Check your state’s website for a list of official documents and procedures. The most common forms to accompany the Bill of Sale are a Certificate of Title and an official DMV Transfer Form.
No. It is important to note that a Bill of Sale does not transfer ownership. The certificate of ownership (aka car title) must accompany the Bill of Sale during the transaction. Additional documents are also required along with a visit to the DMV to officially complete the transfer of ownership. Check your state’s website for a list of official documents and procedures. The most common forms to accompany the Bill of Sale are a Certificate of Title and an official DMV Transfer Form.
Do I need a Bill of Sale to sell my car privately?
Some states require a Bill of Sale for private party car sales and some do not, however the form is useful to record the details of the transaction for future reference even when it’s not required.
Some states require a Bill of Sale for private party car sales and some do not, however the form is useful to record the details of the transaction for future reference even when it’s not required.
Private Party Car Sale Tips for Buyers and Sellers:
The dates on all documents must match date of the actual transaction. The vehicle mileage must be accurately recorded at the point of purchase and match within all documents.
Seller must have the original title in hand (not a photocopy) during the transaction and know where to sign. Review our title images to know what you're looking for. The DMV will only accept official titles with ink signatures. If you cannot find the title then use our duplicate title page to receive an official duplicate from the DMV prior to the transaction.
Buyer must verify that the name on the title matches the name of the seller and the VIN on the title matches the number on the vehicle.
Seller submit a release of liability to the DMV immediately after the sale to disclose that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle in case the new owner incurs moving violations prior to completing the transfer of ownership.
Buyer complete the transfer of ownership at the DMV as soon as possible and be prepared to pay tax on the selling price. Know your tax rate ahead of time by reviewing our car tax by state page.
Private party vehicle sales are generally understood to be “as is” without warranties from the seller, however your vehicle may still be under a manufacturer warranty. Review our factory warranty page to see if your vehicle may still be under warranty and then contact the manufacturer to verify by VIN on the specific car in question.
The dates on all documents must match date of the actual transaction. The vehicle mileage must be accurately recorded at the point of purchase and match within all documents.
Seller must have the original title in hand (not a photocopy) during the transaction and know where to sign. Review our title images to know what you're looking for. The DMV will only accept official titles with ink signatures. If you cannot find the title then use our duplicate title page to receive an official duplicate from the DMV prior to the transaction.
Buyer must verify that the name on the title matches the name of the seller and the VIN on the title matches the number on the vehicle.
Seller submit a release of liability to the DMV immediately after the sale to disclose that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle in case the new owner incurs moving violations prior to completing the transfer of ownership.
Buyer complete the transfer of ownership at the DMV as soon as possible and be prepared to pay tax on the selling price. Know your tax rate ahead of time by reviewing our car tax by state page.
Private party vehicle sales are generally understood to be “as is” without warranties from the seller, however your vehicle may still be under a manufacturer warranty. Review our factory warranty page to see if your vehicle may still be under warranty and then contact the manufacturer to verify by VIN on the specific car in question.
Do I need a Bill of Sale to donate a car?
No. When you donate your car to charity, the donation organizer will handle all of the necessary paperwork to complete the transfer of ownership, however you must still submit a release of liability to the DMV.
No. When you donate your car to charity, the donation organizer will handle all of the necessary paperwork to complete the transfer of ownership, however you must still submit a release of liability to the DMV.
