Free Bill of Sale Templates
Selling or buying a car without a bill of sale is risky. No proof of sale? You could face legal disputes, unpaid fines, or even fraud claims. Protect yourself with a legally binding bill of sale for free today.
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A bill of sale protects both buyers and sellers during vehicle transactions. Download our free template to create a legally sound document that records all essential details of your sale.
What is a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legal document that confirms the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It acts as proof of purchase and is required in many states for vehicle registration and taxes.
The bill of sale basically has two purposes, they are:
- To confirm who now has ownership of the item
- To document the terms of the contract of sale
Without a bill of sale, disputes can arise over ownership, payment terms, or vehicle conditions, leaving both buyers and sellers vulnerable. It protects the buyer by confirming ownership and the seller with an ‘as-is’ clause to prevent future claims.
Get a bill of sale today and stay protected.
What's in a Vehicle Bill of Sale?
The content of a bill of sale typically varies from state to state, but it will generally include any of the information that might be required to identify the item being sold, the identity of the buyer, and the identity of the seller.
Here’s what you should expect to see on a U.S bill of sale:
Buyer and Seller Details
Full legal names, addresses, and contact information.
Vehicle Description
Make, model, year, VIN, mileage, and license plate number.
Purchase Price
Amount paid and payment method.
Date and Location
When and where the sale took place.
Vehicle Condition
Sold "as-is" or with a warranty.
Odometer Disclosure
Required in many states.
Signatures
Both parties must sign (and notarization if required).
Witness Information
Optional but recommended.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
Some of the reasons why vehicle sellers and dealers need bills of sale for every vehicle sale are:
Proof of Ownership Transfer: It serves as legal proof that ownership of the vehicle has been transferred from the seller to the buyer, protecting both parties in case of disputes.
Protection for the Seller: The bill of sale can protect the seller from any future claims regarding the vehicle after the sale by confirming the seller is no longer responsible.
Proof of Transaction: It acts as an official record of the transaction, showing the sale price, the date, and the details of both the seller and the buyer. This is important for tax purposes and can be used if the buyer later tries to claim they didn't buy the car.
Clarification of Terms: The bill of sale provides clear terms on the vehicle's condition, whether it's sold "as-is," and whether any warranties or promises are made, helping to prevent disputes.
Legal Requirements: In many states or countries, a bill of sale is required by law when selling a vehicle, especially for used cars. Failing to provide one may make the sale invalid or complicated later on.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is just as important for car buyers as it is for sellers. Here's why:
Proof of Purchase: A bill of sale is essential for confirming that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle and can serve as evidence if needed.
Title and Registration: Most states or countries require the bill of sale to register the vehicle and transfer the title at the DMV or local licensing authority. Without it, the buyer may not be able to own or register the vehicle officially.
Tax Documentation: The bill of sale records the sale price, which is necessary for calculating sales tax and for the buyer's tax filings.
Proof of Condition: The bill of sale can describe the vehicle's condition at the time of sale, including any warranties or disclosures. This can help resolve any post-purchase issues or disputes.
Legal Protection: If any issues arise, such as false claims from the seller or disputes about ownership, the bill of sale acts as evidence of the agreed-upon terms and can protect the buyer legally.
Where can I get a Bill of Sale?
There are three ways you can get a car bill of sale template for any state:
Our Templates
We have blank bill of sale templates for all states and all vehicles - cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and others. All you need to do is select your state and download the bill of sale form.
State Government Websites
Not all states provide bill of sale templates, but you can check if yours does. Otherwise, feel free to use the templates provided here.
Legal Document Services
There are also online legal document services that offer bill of sale templates for a small fee. These services are not recommended, especially since you can get them for free.
Bill of Sale vs. Title: Does the Bill of Sale Transfer Ownership?
The bill of sale is just like a receipt of payment for a vehicle – motorcycle, truck, trailer, and more. All it does is certify the transfer of ownership between the buyer and seller. While it does this, it is important to note that the bill of sale DOES NOT transfer ownership itself.
The title is the actual document that transfers ownership of the vehicle. When the buyer and seller sign the title (usually in the appropriate sections), it legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
Don't Risk Buying a Car Without Knowing Its History!
A bill of sale protects you legally, but it won’t tell you if a car has hidden issues like accidents, odometer fraud, stolen records, or title problems. Before finalizing any deal, run a VIN check or license plate check to check for the following:
- Mileage
- Auction History
- Title Brand
- Hail Damage
- Sales History
- Accident History
- Salvage Title
- Flood Damage
Don’t just take the seller’s word for it – verify before you buy!
Why Vehicle History Matters
Real-world example of why checking vehicle history is crucial
A customer bought a used 2020 Ford Expedition from a dealership in Highland, Illinois. The dealership now has a lawsuit on its hands for allegedly failing to disclose that the vehicle was involved in two previous accidents and severely damaged.
You can avoid post-sale drama, lawsuits, and unnecessary costs by checking history records yourself! Take a look at what you can find with a VIN check:
- Mileage
- Auction History
- Title Brand
- Hail Damage
- Sales History
- Accident History
- Salvage Title
- Flood Damage
Sellers: Boost Sales With Window Stickers
A window sticker helps you showcase all the specifications and features of your vehicle, making it easier to attract serious buyers. Providing a window sticker builds trust and speeds up the selling process by giving buyers all the details they need upfront.
With a window sticker, sellers can display all original factory specifications, features, packages, and pricing information. This transparency helps establish trust with potential buyers and can justify your asking price.
Stand out from other sellers by providing complete, accurate information about your vehicle!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Display all original factory details for your vehicle
- Vehicle Specifications
- Exterior Colors
- Optional Features
- Original MSRP
- Fuel Economy
- Safety Ratings
- Interior Colors
- Standard Features
- Packages
- Total Price
- Environmental Ratings
- Warranty Information
Why Choose Our Free Bill of Sale Templates?
Legally Sound
Covers all essential details & easy to use
Customizable
Works for private sales, gifted vehicles, or trade-ins
100% Free
No hidden fees, no catches
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Secure Your Car Purchase Today!
Download a free bill of sale template & verify the vehicle’s history before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not the motor vehicle bill of sale is legally required during a vehicle sale or purchase depends entirely on the state where the transaction is taking place. While some states require a bill of sale for vehicle transactions, many do not. However, even in states where it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for both buyers and sellers to have one.
No, the bill of sale does not need to be notarized. It is completely optional but recommended because a notarized bill of sale for cars adds some legal protection to the sale. This can help prevent potential disputes.
The auto bill of sale is not always legally required but recommended as it protects both the seller and buyer and can serve as proof of ownership transfer.
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a digital one, as long as it has all the necessary information and consent from both parties.
To write a bill of sale for a car, you need to create a document including buyer and seller details, vehicle info (make, model, VIN, mileage), purchase price, sale date, condition (as-is or warranty), and signatures. The same process applies to a trailer bill of sale or a motorcycle bill of sale. To make the process easier, make sure you use our template.
No, you cannot register a car without the title and just the bill of sale. The title is the legal proof of ownership, and without it, no vehicle can be registered.
