How to Write a Vehicle Bill of Sale
Required fields, notarization rules, As Is clauses, and official DMV forms — everything you need to write a legally valid vehicle bill of sale in any state.
Required Fields for a Valid Bill of Sale
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Seller Information: Full legal name and current address of the seller. Must match the name on the title.
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Buyer Information: Full legal name and current address of the buyer. Will appear on the new title.
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Vehicle Year, Make, Model: As listed on the title. Do not abbreviate or estimate.
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VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 17-character VIN from the dashboard (visible through windshield) or door jamb sticker.
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Odometer Reading: Current mileage at the time of sale. Federal law requires odometer disclosure on vehicles under 10 model years old.
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Sale Price: The actual agreed sale price in both numerals and written form (e.g., "$15,000 — Fifteen Thousand Dollars").
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Date of Sale: The date the transaction is completed and keys are exchanged.
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As Is Clause (recommended): "Sold as-is, where-is, with no expressed or implied warranty." Protects the seller from post-sale claims.
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Signatures of Both Parties: Seller and buyer both sign and date the bill of sale.
Notarization Requirements by State (Sample)
| State | Notarization | Official Form |
|---|---|---|
| California | Not required | REG 135 (optional) |
| Texas | Not required | Form 130-U (required for title) |
| Florida | Not required | No mandatory form |
| New York | Not required | MV-912 (optional) |
| Illinois | Not required | VSD 190 (required for title) |
| Ohio | Not required | No mandatory form |
| Montana | Required | MV-37 |
| Louisiana | Required for notarized act | DPSMV 1799 |
Select your state from the grid below for your state's specific requirements.
All 50 States — How to Write a Bill of Sale
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto Rico
Frequently Asked Questions
What must be included in a vehicle bill of sale?
A valid vehicle bill of sale must include: seller name and address, buyer name and address, vehicle year/make/model, VIN, odometer reading, agreed sale price, date of sale, and signatures of both buyer and seller. Some states also require an odometer disclosure statement on the bill of sale itself.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Most states do not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale for private party transactions. Notable exceptions include Montana and Louisiana. However, notarization adds a layer of fraud protection — some lenders, courts, and title companies prefer a notarized document.
What is an As Is clause and should I include it?
"As Is" means the vehicle is sold without any expressed or implied warranty. Including an As Is clause in writing protects the seller from post-sale claims about undisclosed defects in most states. You should include it in every private party sale — and separately disclose any known safety defects.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in all 50 states as long as it contains all required fields and is signed by both parties. Typed or printed documents are easier to read and less susceptible to disputes about handwriting, but both are legally equivalent.
How many copies of the bill of sale should I make?
Make at least two signed originals — one for the seller and one for the buyer. Some state DMV offices request a copy during title transfer. The seller should retain a copy for at least 3 years as proof of the sale and the agreed terms.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale documents the transaction — price, condition, and parties. A title proves ownership. Both are needed to complete a private vehicle sale. The buyer needs the signed title to register the vehicle. The bill of sale protects both parties from disputes.
Skip the Writing — Generate It in Seconds
Use our free bill of sale generator. All required fields, As Is clause, and odometer disclosure — pre-filled for your state.
Generate Your Bill of Sale