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A vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of motor vehicle ownership from a seller to a buyer. Fill out, edit, and sign it in your browser with our all-in-one PDF editor. When you're done, download or send your document without extra software.

What is a bill of sale for a car?

By definition, a bill of sale for a car represents an official receipt of the sale of a vehicle from one owner to another and proves that the sale took place. This document lists the transaction details, confirms the payment, and helps you transfer the car title.

The bill of sale goes by different names depending on your state.

Common synonyms:

• Vehicle/Car/Automobile/Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

• Vehicle Sale Agreement

• Vehicle Sales Receipt

Do you need a bill of sale to sell or register a car?

It depends on your state's laws whether you need a bill of sale. This document is needed in many states to register your car, calculate sales tax, or confirm the purchase price. Even if your state does not require one, creating a bill of sale is still recommended. After the deal is over, a written record helps protect both the buyer and the seller.

You usually need a bill of sale in these situations:

• DMV Registration: Many states require this document to register the car and support the title transfer process.

• Sales Tax: Local agencies use it to see the exact purchase price and calculate your state tax correctly.

• Ownership Disputes: If the buyer receives tickets or is involved in an accident immediately after the sale, this will protect the seller.

What a vehicle bill of sale must include

A vehicle bill of sale should include specific information to document the transfer of ownership properly.

Standard fields:

• Buyer's and Seller's info: Names, mailing addresses, and contact information.

• Description of the car: Make, model, year of manufacture, color, and VIN.

• Odometer reading: the exact mileage at the time of sale.

• Purchase Price & Payment Method: The cost of the vehicle and how it will be paid.

• Taxes: Which party is responsible for applicable taxes.

• The date when the ownership transfer occurs.

• Signatures: The buyer and the seller sign the document by hand or digitally.

Many private transactions use an “as is” bill of sale for car transfer. This section protects the seller. It states that the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current physical and mechanical condition, including any hidden defects. Once both parties sign, the seller is not responsible for any future breakdowns. The financial risk for any repairs shifts entirely to the buyer.

What does a bill of sale look like for a car?

How to fill out a bill of sale for a car

With PDFAid, you can fill out the entire form digitally before printing or sharing it.

Follow these steps to write a bill of sale for a car online:

• Open the blank template in the editor.

• Enter the location of the transaction: the county and state where the sale is happening.

• Fill in the personal details of the buyer and the seller.

• Provide the vehicle details: the car's description, VIN, odometer numbers, and final price.

• Download your document: save it as a PDF file to your device. You can now use it as a printable copy for your personal records.

How to create a bill of sale for a used car

Buying a used car from a private seller involves more risk than purchasing from a dealership because the law doesn't protect you as much. To avoid future problems, you must clearly state the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.

Make sure your document includes these specific used car details:

• Actual condition: any known mechanical, structural, or cosmetic problems.

• Current mileage: numbers from the odometer.

• The “as is” clause: a sentence stating that the buyer agrees to accept the car with all of its current issues and that the seller is not providing any warranty.

How to write a handwritten bill of sale for a car

While using a digital form is easy for the DMV to read and ensures you do not forget important fields, you can fill it out by hand if you need to. Make sure you include all the relevant transaction details.

If you do write the document by hand, use permanent ink and include these points:

• The date and place where the sale took place.

• The names and addresses of the people buying and selling.

• Details of the car, such as its year, make, model, and VIN.

• The total price, or a note stating the car is a gift.

• The specific “as is” text to confirm there are no warranties.

• The signatures of both parties to make the agreement official.

How to sign and notarize a vehicle bill of sale

Finalizing your vehicle transaction involves two main steps. First, both parties must sign the document. Second, you may need to have it notarized, depending on your state's requirements.

How to sign a vehicle bill of sale

The form has to be signed by both the buyer and the seller. These signatures show that you both agree on the price, the car's condition, and the change of ownership. In some states, additional witnesses must also sign to verify the sale.

You can sign this document online using PDFAid. Our e-signature tool lets both parties add electronic signatures. You can then download the final copy without printing anything first.

Does a car bill of sale need to be notarized?

You can complete your vehicle transaction without a notary in most states. A simple document signed by the buyer and the seller is usually enough to finalize the deal.

However, a few states require a notarized bill of sale for car registrations. In these areas, you must sign the document in front of a notary public. If not, the DMV will reject your application.

You generally need to visit a notary public if:

• Your specific state laws require a notary stamp for all private vehicle sales.

• Your local DMV office requires an official stamp.

• The transaction involves a high-value purchase, and either the buyer or seller wants a notary to prevent fraud.

• You live in or buy a car in states such as Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Maryland.

These requirements shift over time. Maryland's notary rule, for example, is set to end on October 1, 2026, so confirm the current rule with your local DMV before your sale.