A bill of sale is a document used to transfer ownership of a car from the seller to the buyer. This record of purchase is useful for both the buyer and seller of a car, as it can help protect both against liability or theft in the future.
Having an accurate and up-to-date bill of sale for any car exponentially increases protection for all parties involved.
What Does a Bill of Sale Look Like?
A bill of sale is in the form of a standard text document, typically existing in both electronic and printed formats.
There are many editable or fill-in-the-blank style templates available for a bill of sale. They do not need to be overly complicated, as long as the key information is included and there are places for signatures from both parties.
What is on a Car Bill of Sale?
When drafting or signing a bill of sale for a car, it should include information about the buyer, seller, vehicle, and agreed upon terms.
Each state may have specific requirements for a valid bill of sale, so be sure to check in on any state-specific details. Most states also have specific statutes outlining which documents are needed to register or title a vehicle and/or proof of ownership that must be submitted to complete the transaction.
Generally, to draft a bill of sale for a car, you will need to include the following information:
Sale
- Date of Sale
- Sale Price
Seller
- Full Name
- Address
- Contact Information
Buyer
- Full Name
- Address
- Contact Information
Vehicle
- Make
- Model
- Year
- VIN
- Mileage
Additional Terms
- Any additional vehicle disclosures, terms, or conditions of the sale
Authorization
- Seller’s signature
- Buyer’s signature
Some bills of sale may include additional details such as payment method and inspection details.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale for a Car
Obtaining a bill of sale for your car is a relatively easy, yet important step in making sure that all the details of the transaction are accurately stated and understood.
There are a few places that you can obtain a bill of sale to complete:
- Your State’s DMV (website or in person) – this ensures alignment with your state’s specific requirements and format.
- Online – with a quick search, you’ll find multiple legal forms and templates specific to each state’s policies. Most of these services have quick turnaround times, e-signatures, review, and filing options available for hassle-free transactions.
- Dealerships – Depending on the situation, it might also be possible to obtain bills of sale from vehicle dealerships.
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, whether it is a larger franchise dealer or a smaller buy-here-pay-here lot, the bill of sale will be included in the standard paperwork that you fill out at the dealership to complete the purchase.