Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
Fill in this free vehicle bill of sale template, check the live preview, and download a clean PDF in about 2 minutes. Free means free: no signup, no card, no trial.
- Free PDF, no watermark
- As-is + odometer sections
- Made in your browser
- All 50 states
Last updated · Written and reviewed by the editorial team. Sources: state DMV websites and 49 CFR Part 580.
What is a vehicle bill of sale?
A vehicle bill of sale is a short written record that a car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle was sold or given by one person to another. It names the seller and buyer, describes the vehicle by its VIN, and states the date, the price and the terms, usually that the car is sold “as is.” The certificate of title transfers ownership; the bill of sale is the receipt both of you keep. Some states require one to register the car, and many tax offices use it to confirm the purchase price.
How to fill out a vehicle bill of sale template
- Pick the state and date. Choose the state where the sale happens and the date the vehicle changes hands. State notes and official DMV form links appear right away.
- Enter seller and buyer. Type both full legal names and addresses exactly as they appear on a driver's license and the title.
- Describe the vehicle. Add year, make, model, body type, color and the 17-character VIN. The tool checks the VIN's format and check digit.
- Record mileage, price and terms. Enter the odometer reading, the price and payment method (or mark it as a gift), and choose 'as is' or describe any warranty.
- Download, print and sign. Download the free PDF, print two copies, and have the seller and buyer sign and date both. Each keeps one.
What to include in a car bill of sale
| Section | What to write |
|---|---|
| Parties | Full legal names and addresses of seller and buyer |
| Vehicle | Year, make, model, body type, color, VIN; title and plate numbers if you have them |
| Sale | Date, price (in numbers and words) and payment method, or “gift” |
| Condition | “As is” with no warranty, or the exact warranty terms |
| Liens | A statement that there are no loans on the vehicle, or details of any lien |
| Odometer | Mileage reading and the federal odometer statement |
| Signatures | Seller and buyer signatures, printed names and dates (witness optional) |
The “as is” bill of sale for a car
Most private sales are “as is.” The as-is clause in this bill of sale template says the seller makes no promises about the car’s condition and the buyer has had the chance to inspect it. If you agreed to a warranty, such as 30 days on the transmission, choose the warranty option and write the exact terms instead.
Does your state need its own form?
Many states accept any bill of sale that has the key details. Some publish an official form or add extra steps. A few examples, taken from official state sources:
| State | What to know |
|---|---|
| Texas | No bill of sale required by TxDMV; the title and Form 130-U record the sale. The seller should file VTR-346 within 30 days. |
| Florida | Official combined form HSMV 82050 (notice of sale and/or bill of sale), filed within 30 days. |
| California | DMV publishes REG 135, its bill of sale form. |
| New York | A bill of sale is needed for private sales. The DMV provides form MV-912 and accepts other formats with the required details. |
| Louisiana, West Virginia | The bill of sale must be notarized. |
Rules change. Check your state motor vehicle agency before the sale.
Odometer disclosure: the federal rule
Under 49 CFR Part 580, the seller must state the mileage when ownership changes. Since 2021 the rule covers vehicles from model year 2011 onward until they are 20 years old, so a 2011 car stays covered until 2031. Older vehicles and those over 16,000 lb GVWR are generally exempt. Many states also put the statement on the title.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing the VIN from memory instead of copying it from the title.
- Leaving the price blank or writing a different price from the one paid. Tax offices compare these figures.
- Only one copy. Print two and both sign both.
- Forgetting the seller’s notice of sale or transfer notification, which protects you from the buyer’s tickets and tolls.
- Handing over the car before the payment has cleared.
Free vehicle bill of sale template vs paid form sites
Many legal-form sites advertise a “free” bill of sale, then ask for a card to start a $1.95 trial that becomes a monthly subscription of around $40 if you forget to cancel. Here the PDF is free with no card, and the optional Seller Pack is a single $9.99 payment, with no subscription to cancel.
Frequently asked questions
Is this vehicle bill of sale template really free?
Yes. You can fill it in and download a clean PDF without an account, a card or a trial. The optional Seller Pack ($9.99 one-time) adds e-signing, a Word file and a state-specific version, but you don't need it.
Does a car bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. Louisiana and West Virginia are the notable states that require the bill of sale to be notarized, and some states notarize the title instead. Always check your state motor vehicle agency.
Can I write my own bill of sale for a car?
Generally yes. Many states accept any written bill of sale that includes the vehicle description, VIN, date, price and both parties' names and signatures. A few states publish their own form, which you may need to use instead of or alongside a template.
What does 'sold as is' mean on a bill of sale?
It means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and the seller isn't promising any repairs or warranty. The template includes a standard as-is clause you can switch off if you are giving a warranty.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves ownership and is what the state transfers. The bill of sale is a receipt that records the deal: who, what, when, how much and on what terms. You usually need the signed title to register the car; the bill of sale supports it.
Who keeps the original bill of sale?
Print two copies and have both people sign both. The buyer usually needs one for titling and registration; the seller keeps the other as proof of when the vehicle left their ownership.
Do I need to include the odometer reading?
For most vehicles from model year 2011 onward, yes: federal law requires a mileage disclosure until the vehicle is 20 years old. The template includes the federal statement.
Can we sign the bill of sale electronically?
E-signatures are generally valid under federal and state law, but some DMV offices still ask for original ink signatures. Check with your agency first, or print and sign at the handover.
Templates, not legal advice. We are not a law firm and don't give legal advice. You choose the terms and fill in the template yourself. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.