Georgia Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
A bill of sale protects car buyers and sellers by keeping the transaction recorded accurately. With this document, they can remain protected from potential disputes, fraudulent claims, and legal complications.
What is the Georgia Bill of Sale?
The bill of sale is a legal document that documents the transaction process between the buyer and the seller of a boat, car, or trailer and provides clear evidence of ownership transfer. Basically, this is what a Georgia bill of sale is used for:
- Protecting the buyer by proving they legally purchased the vehicle.
- Helping the seller show they are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
- Assisting with title transfers and registration at the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) in each County Tag office.
- Preventing fraud by listing the vehicle’s condition and sale price at the time of purchase.
Why Do You Need a Georgia Bill of Sale?
For Seller
- Proof of Ownership Transfer: A bill of sale ensures that the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale. If the buyer did not register the vehicle under their name, the seller can use the bill of sale to prove that they no longer own the vehicle.
- Legal Protection and Liabilities: If a buyer gets a parking ticket, is involved in an accident, or commits a traffic violation before transferring the title, the bill of sale helps protect the seller from any legal or financial issues i court; it can be used as evidence that the seller has sold the vehicle to the buyer.
- Tax Reporting Purpose: The State of Georgia may require proof of sale for tax calculation purposes. A bill of sale confirms the amount paid by the buyer. Therefore, the Department of Revenue can charge tax accordingly during the transfer process.
For Buyers
As a buyer, you need to get a copy of the bill of sale for your convenience because you will need to present the bill of sale when you want to register your vehicle.
- Proof of Purchase: This document is legal proof that the buyer has purchased the vehicle or boat. If there are any title transfer delays, the bill of sale can be used as proof that the buyer has purchased the vehicle and it is officially theirs.
- Ownership Verification: Mistakes in the title transfer process can cause delays. If the title has errors or the transfer is not completed immediately, the Bill of Sale helps confirm that the buyer legally acquired the vehicle.
- Avoid Fraud and Disputes: The bill of sale includes the purchase details, such as the agreed price, vehicle information, and buyer and seller information. If the seller later claims a different price or disputes the agreement, the bill of sale can be written proof of the transaction.
Types of Bill of Sale in Georgia
Georgia offers different bills of sale depending on the kind of property being transferred.
Official Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form T-7)
This is the standard form used for private vehicle sales. It includes sections for essential details such as the VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading, and is required to complete the transfer of ownership.
General Bill of Sale
This flexible form is used for other types of personal property that don’t have a state-issued form. It can be used for selling boats, trailers, equipment, appliances, firearms, animals, or other personal belongings.
What Should Be Written in the Georgia Bill of Sale?
The Georgia bill of sale should include these details to document the sale of the vessel and vehicle properly. The Georgia Department of Revenue has a template of the bill of sale that can be used to document the sale.
Here are the things that should be written on the bill of sale
- Buyer and seller information: Full names, addresses, and contact details.
- Vehicle or vessel details: Make, model, year, color, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN).
- Sale date and purchase price: The agreed amount and transaction date.
- Odometer reading: Required for vehicle sales to confirm mileage at purchase.
- Seller disclosure: A statement confirming whether the vehicle is sold "as-is" or with warranties.
- Signatures: The buyer and seller must sign the document.
How to Register a Vehicle in Georgia
The process of registering a vehicle in Georgia can vary depending on the county. It is best to contact your County Tag Office first to confirm what documents and fees are required. In general, you will need the following to complete your vehicle registration:
- Location of your County Tag Office: Find the nearest office and confirm their accepted payment methods and working hours.
- Valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card: A Georgia-issued identification document is required to register your vehicle.
- Completed Title and Tag Application (Form MV-1): You can fill out this form online or print and complete it by hand before submission.
- Emissions inspection certificate (if applicable): Vehicles in certain counties must pass an emissions test before they can be registered.
- Proof of ownership: Accepted documents include a bill of sale, vehicle title, or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
- Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be covered by a valid insurance policy that meets Georgia’s minimum requirements.
- Payment for fees and taxes: Contact your County Tag Office to find out the total amount due and the accepted forms of payment.
Georgia applies two types of vehicle taxes depending on when the vehicle was purchased:
- Annual Ad Valorem Tax (AAVT): This applies to vehicles purchased before March 1, 2013. The tax amount is based on the current market value of the vehicle.
- Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT): This applies to vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013, or to new residents bringing a vehicle into Georgia. It is a one-time tax calculated by multiplying the vehicle’s fair market value by the tax rate at the time of purchase.
Complete the Application for Registration
Fill out the necessary registration forms available at local County Tag Offices or online.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees
Visit your County Tag Office in person to submit the required paperwork and make payment for registration and title fees.
Obtain Your License Plates and Registration
Once approved, you’ll receive your registration certificate, license plates, and decal to legally operate your vehicle.
Georgia VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
If you plan to buy a used vehicle in Georgia, make sure you check the VIN and secure the vehicle history report to examine the vehicle’s specifications and its records, ownership history, accidents, title checks, service and repair history.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Georgia Bill of Sale FAQs
Does Georgia require a bill of sale?
Yes, in Georgia, the bill of sale is required. According to the Georgia Department of Revenue office, for all vehicle sales that are sold by a private party in Georgia. The buyer will need this document when they go to register and also title the vehicle in their local county, and this document will help to legally protect the seller in the future.
Can a bill of sale be electronic?
Yes. The bill of sale can be electronic. You can create the bill of sale using our official Georgia bill of sale template to simplify the process. Simply fill out the form and sign it with the other party to make it official.
Do you need a bill of sale to transfer the title to Georgia?
Yes, you need a bill of sale to transfer the title to Georgia. The title transfer process usually requires these documents: the vehicle’s title (or a bill of sale), a fully signed MV-1 title application, and a Georgia driver’s license for each new owner.
What is a T7 bill of sale in Georgia?
A T7 bill of sale is a form that enables the transfer of personal property and, specifically in Georgia, acts as a substitute title for untitled vehicles from 1985 and earlier, as well as small, untitled trailers.
Does the Georgia bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, the bill of sale does not need to be notarized for private vehicle sales in Georgia. The primary document for vehicle registration in Georgia is a signed title that serves as the bill of sale.
