Printable Vehicle Bill Of Sale Template for the United States

A printable bill of sale template is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership transfer when buying or selling property such as a car in the United States. It creates a binding contract between buyer and seller, setting out the terms of sale and protecting both parties from later disputes. Whether you buy from a private seller or a company, a properly completed bill of sale supports vehicle registration and gives the new owner a clear record of the transaction.

What is a bill of sale template?

A bill of sale template is a reusable form that records the sale of goods from one party to another. A vehicle bill of sale is the most common version, naming the buyer and seller, describing the car, and stating the price. Alongside the title, it is the main paper trail that shows who owns the car after the sale. It also works as a receipt for the payment, confirming the buyer handed over the money and the seller received it. Buyers use it to register the vehicle and prove the purchase price for sales tax; sellers keep a copy to show they are no longer the vehicle owner if the car turns up in a citation, toll, or parking notice.

When do you need this document?

You need a vehicle bill of sale whenever ownership of a car, truck, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, or other motor vehicle passes outside a licensed dealership. That covers private party sales, family transfers, gift transactions, and sales between businesses. Most motor vehicle offices ask for the document during title transfer, and many buyers present it at the DMV or tag office along with the title and the license plate paperwork. You will also want it when selling a car "as-is" to document the condition and limit your liability, and for insurance and tax calculations on both sides.

What information goes on a car bill of sale?

A complete document names both parties and describes the vehicle so there is no confusion about what was sold. Include the following:

• Full legal names, home addresses, and signatures of the buyer and seller, each dated.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, body style, and color.
• License plate number and current odometer reading.
• Purchase price, payment method (cash, card, or financing), and the date of sale.
• A statement of whether the car is sold "as-is" or with any warranty.
• Notary block or witness lines where the jurisdiction calls for them.

Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under ten years old under the Truth in Mileage Act, so leave space for the mileage and both signatures.

What's included in this template's table of contents?

The template is organized so each required detail has its own field. The table below shows what each section captures and why it matters.

Working through the form in that order means nothing financial or administrative gets missed before filing.

Can I use a bill of sale template for things other than a car?

Yes. The same structure works for most private sales of goods, including boats, trailers, equipment, machinery, and furniture. The core content stays the same: who is selling, who is buying, what is being sold, the price, and the date. For a vehicle the template adds the VIN, license plate, and odometer fields. If you are transferring an asset other than a car, start from a simple bill of sale template and adapt the description section to the item.

Do I need a car bill of sale if I have the title?

The title proves legal ownership, but it does not always show the sale price, the odometer reading, or the exact terms. A bill of sale fills those gaps and is what many DMVs use to calculate sales tax and registration fees. Some jurisdictions let you skip a separate bill of sale when the title carries a transfer section, while others treat it as a mandatory step. Check your state's motor vehicle office before assuming you can leave it out.

Does California require a bill of sale for a car?

California accepts the state's REG 135 bill of sale form, and the DMV uses it alongside the title to record the transfer and calculate use tax. Along with the odometer reading and a smog certificate where one applies, the form gives the vehicle owner and buyer a clean record of the sale. Requirements differ by jurisdiction, so confirm the exact form, notarization, and inspection details with your own DMV before filing.

How do you complete and file it?

Draft the document, confirm the details against the title and the car itself, then have both parties sign, adding a notary or witnesses if your jurisdiction calls for one. Review every field before signing so the VIN, odometer reading, and price all match the official records. Give the buyer the signed original and keep a copy for your own records. When you fill it out online with a template, the fields prompt you for each required item so nothing is missed. If you also need to hand over ownership of the plates or account for outstanding fees, note that on the document. For a related transfer record, see our automobile bill of sale template, and for other assets you can start from a simple bill of sale template.

Legal requirements in the United States

Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, so search for your state's rules before you sign. Some states publish a mandatory form; others accept any format that carries the needed details. Ohio, Louisiana, and Kentucky, for example, require notarization for the document to be valid. Most states want the bill of sale for DMV registration and title transfer, usually within 10 to 30 days of the sale. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, the document must show a clear transfer of ownership and consideration (the price paid). Many states also call for disclosures about liens, prior damage, or flood history, and some add lines for witness signatures or warranty disclaimers to limit the seller's liability once the car changes hands. You can complete the form yourself without an attorney and still produce a filing that holds up at the DMV.