Car Sold As Is Form Template for the United States

When you're buying or selling a car in the United States, a sold as is form sets out clearly that the sale includes no warranties or guarantees about the vehicle's condition. This document creates a binding agreement that the buyer accepts full responsibility for any existing or future mechanical issues, defects, or problems with the car. Below you'll find what the form covers, when to use it, and how it relates to other paperwork in a private or dealer sale.

What is a sold as is form?

A sold as is form is a short contract that records a private or dealer vehicle sale and disclaims warranties, so the buyer takes the car in its present state. It names the seller and buyer, describes the car (make, model, year, VIN, and odometer reading), states the price, and captures both parties' signed acknowledgment of the as-is sale. Many people use it together with a sold as seen contract to cover the full transaction, and store a copy alongside the title.

Who uses a sold as is form?

Private sellers commonly use this document to protect themselves from costly repairs or legal claims after the sale. Used car dealers may also employ as-is sales for older cars, flood-damaged vehicles, or those sold for parts. The form is useful when selling a car with known mechanical issues, high mileage, or one bought for a restoration project. Auction houses and estate sales frequently require as-is paperwork to limit liability. The buyer and seller are the parties named on the document; personal details for each go on the form itself.

When do you need this document?

You'll need this form whenever you're conducting a vehicle sale where warranty coverage is excluded or limited. If a buyer wants to purchase a car in its current condition and you want a clear record that no warranties apply, this is the document to sign. It's most relevant for private-party sales and for dealers offering older vehicles without a written warranty.

What is the difference between an as-is form and a bill of sale?

The two documents do different jobs and are often signed together. The as-is form is the warranty disclaimer; the vehicle bill of sale is the transfer record.

Is an as-is sale the same as an automobile bill of sale?

No. An automobile bill of sale records the transfer itself, while the as-is form adds the "sold as is, no warranty" language. An as-is bill of sale template blends the two: it records the transfer and carries the disclaimer in one document. In practice you often complete both together, and some state templates combine them. For example, an Illinois automobile bill of sale can carry both the transfer details and an as-is statement in a single document, though the exact wording and any state disclosures still need to match Illinois requirements.

What should the form include?

A complete as-is form contains the following:

• Full names and contact details of the seller and buyer, including an email or phone number for each party
• Vehicle description: make, model, year, color, VIN, and odometer reading
• Purchase price and payment terms
• A clear as-is statement disclaiming warranties (for example, "sold as is, where is, with no warranty")
• Odometer disclosure required by the Federal Odometer Act
• Disclosure of any known defects and title or lien status
• Date of sale and signatures of both parties, with a witness where recommended

Can I sell property other than a car as is?

Yes. The "sold as is" approach is used across many kinds of property, from a boat or trailer to furniture and equipment. This template is built for motor vehicle sales, so the fields match a car, but the same principle (the buyer accepts the item in its current state with no warranty) carries over. Adapt the description fields to match the property you're selling, and keep the disclaimer language conspicuous so it holds up.

Key legal considerations

Your form should include as-is language that complies with both federal and state regulations. The document identifies both parties, provides detailed vehicle information including VIN and mileage, and states plainly that no warranties apply. Include odometer disclosure as required by the Federal Odometer Act, and specify the purchase price and payment terms to avoid future disputes. A clause listing known defects adds protection for the seller. Both parties should sign and date the document, with a witness signature recommended for added security.

Legal requirements in the United States

Federal law under the FTC Used Car Rule requires dealers to display used-vehicle information clearly, making as-is sales legally permissible when properly disclosed. The Truth in Lending Act sets out specific disclosures if financing is involved. State consumer protection laws vary, with some states giving buyers stronger protections that may limit the effect of as-is clauses, and many require particular wording in disclaimers to be enforceable. State lemon laws may still apply in certain circumstances, particularly for newer cars. Check your state's rules for odometer disclosure, title transfer, and any cooling-off provisions that might affect the validity of your as-is sale. You can browse related forms in our legal template library, including the matching as-is bill of sale template.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fill in and download the form online? Yes. You can complete the vehicle details, price, and both parties' information online, then download a finished PDF ready to print or sign. You can skip any field that doesn't apply to your sale before you download.

Do I need both an as-is form and a bill of sale? They cover different things. The as-is form disclaims warranties, and the vehicle bill of sale proves the transfer for title and registration, so most private sales use both.

Can I use this for items other than a car? The template is built for motor vehicle sales, but the same "sold as is" approach applies to selling an item or property with no warranty. Adapt the vehicle description fields to match what you're selling.

Does an as-is sale remove all of my obligations as a seller? No. You still have to disclose known defects and material facts, and give accurate odometer and title information. An as-is clause disclaims implied warranties under UCC 2-316; it does not cover misrepresentation.

Is my information kept private when I use this template? Yes. The details you enter stay with your document, and how GenieAI handles that data is set out in the privacy policy on this site.