Do I need a bill of sale for a private car sale?

Most states do not legally require a bill of sale for a private vehicle sale, but it is strongly recommended. It protects the seller from liability after the car changes hands and gives the buyer written proof of purchase. Some states require it to complete the DMV title transfer.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization is required for vehicle bills of sale in a handful of states, including Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and West Virginia, among others. Requirements change, so confirm your state DMV's current rules before signing.

Can I write a bill of sale by hand?

Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is generally valid as long as it contains all required information and meets your state's signing requirements. A typed or printed form is easier to read and less likely to contain ambiguous language, but legible handwritten documents are typically accepted.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. A bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. A certificate of title is the government-issued document that proves legal ownership. For vehicles, you need both: the bill of sale supports the transaction, and the signed title is what you take to the DMV to register the vehicle in the buyer's name.

How to Write a Legally Valid Bill of Sale (All 50 States)

By Chris Terry, Founder & Editor
Updated June 17, 2026

Create a state-specific legal form.

Free bill of sale, lease, eviction notice and power of attorney builders.

Browse the form builders

A legally valid bill of sale must identify both parties by full legal name, describe the item being sold with enough specificity to distinguish it from all others, state the purchase price, and be signed by the seller. Most states also require the date of sale. Some states require notarization or a buyer signature, especially for vehicles, and those requirements vary significantly. This page provides general educational information, not legal advice.

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a written document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It serves as proof of purchase, establishes the agreed sale price (which affects tax calculations in many states), and protects both parties if a dispute arises later about the condition, price, or ownership of the item.

Bills of sale are used most commonly for:

Motor vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles)
Boats and watercraft
Trailers and RVs
Livestock and farm equipment
General personal property in higher-value private-party sales

Core Elements Every Bill of Sale Should Include

Regardless of your state, a complete bill of sale should contain the following:

Seller's full legal name and address
Buyer's full legal name and address
Date of sale
Description of the item (for a vehicle: year, make, model, color, VIN or serial number; for other property: enough detail to uniquely identify it)
Sale price (or a statement that it is a gift, if applicable)
Odometer reading (required for motor vehicles under federal law for vehicles under 10 years old)
As-is disclosure if the seller is making no warranties about condition
Seller's signature (buyer's signature is required in many states)

State-by-State Differences: What You Need to Know

State rules on bills of sale differ in important ways. Some states have an official bill of sale form through their DMV; others accept any written document that meets minimum requirements. Below is a summary of common variations:

Requirement	States That Require It	Notes
Notarization	Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and others	Required for vehicle title transfers in these states; check your DMV's current rules
Buyer signature	Many states for vehicle sales	Protects seller by confirming buyer accepted the vehicle in its described condition
Official DMV form	California, Texas, New York, and others	Some states require their own form; a generic document may not be accepted
Odometer disclosure	All states (federal requirement)	Federal law requires written odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 10 years old

Because requirements change and vary, always verify your state's current rules. The official state government websites directory at USA.gov links to every state's official government portal, where you can find your DMV or motor vehicle agency directly.

Vehicle Bills of Sale: Special Considerations

Motor vehicle sales have additional layers of documentation beyond the bill of sale. The title (certificate of title) is the document that legally transfers ownership, and the bill of sale supports that transfer. In most states, the seller signs the back of the title and the buyer takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name.

Key points for vehicle sales:

Never sign a blank title. Fill in all fields before signing.
The sale price on the bill of sale is used to calculate sales tax in most states. Underreporting the price can constitute fraud.
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must release the title before the seller can transfer it.
Some states require a safety or emissions inspection before a title transfer.

Bills of Sale for Boats and Other Property

Boats and watercraft are titled in most states, and the process is similar to motor vehicles. Livestock sales in agricultural states may have additional brand inspection or health certificate requirements. For general personal property, a simple written bill of sale with the core elements listed above is usually sufficient, though high-value items like jewelry or art may benefit from a more detailed description or a professional appraisal attached as an exhibit.

As-Is Sales and Disclosure

Most private-party sales are as-is, meaning the buyer accepts the item in its current condition with no warranty from the seller. Including a clear as-is statement in the bill of sale helps protect sellers from later claims that the buyer did not know about a defect. However, knowingly concealing a material defect, such as a rolled-back odometer or a flood-damaged vehicle, can expose a seller to legal liability regardless of what the bill of sale says. Honesty in disclosure is both a legal and ethical obligation.

How to Use a Free Bill of Sale Form

The free bill of sale builder at LegalFormsByState.com guides you through entering the required information for your state and generates a completed document you can print and sign. After completing any form, review it carefully, confirm that all information is accurate, and verify your state's notarization and witnessing requirements before signing. For transactions involving significant sums or unusual circumstances, consider having a licensed attorney review the document.

After You Sign: Keeping Records

Both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale. Sellers should also keep a copy for their records in case of future disputes about whether the vehicle was sold, and to demonstrate that they are no longer liable for the vehicle after the sale date. The USA.gov portal can help you find your state's DMV to confirm any additional steps required after a private-party sale.

A bill of sale does not have to be complicated to be effective, but it does have to be complete and accurate. Take the time to fill in every field, confirm your state's specific requirements, and keep copies for your records. That simple document can prevent significant headaches if questions arise later about the sale.