What is a pickup truck bill of sale?

A pickup truck bill of sale is a legal document that records the private transfer of a pickup truck between a buyer and seller. It documents the sale price, vehicle identification number, both parties' names and addresses, the odometer reading, and the date of sale. Both parties keep a signed original as proof of the transaction.

Is a pickup truck bill of sale required by law?

Requirements vary by state. Most states require or strongly recommend a signed bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership and calculate sales tax at the DMV. Select your state above for state-specific requirements.

Does a pickup truck bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization is required in a few states — including Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Most states accept a signed bill of sale without notarization for private party transfers.

How long should I keep a pickup truck bill of sale?

Keep a signed copy for at least 5 years after the sale. The bill of sale is your legal proof that the transfer occurred on a specific date, protecting you from liability for future incidents or unpaid fines involving the vehicle.

Pickup Truck Bill of Sale

A pickup truck bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale of a pickup truck between a buyer and a seller. It captures the sale price, vehicle details, and signatures from both parties — providing proof of ownership transfer and protecting both sides of the transaction. Requirements vary by state; select your state below to get the correct form.

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Pickup Truck Bill of Sale by State

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Pickup Truck-specific legal information

Transfer notes

Pickup truck title transfer rules depend on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Light-duty pickups (½-ton, ¾-ton, most full-size 1-ton models) follow standard passenger vehicle rules. Pickups rated over 16,000 lbs GVWR (some heavy-duty 1-ton dually trucks loaded with campers) are exempt from federal odometer disclosure.

Odometer disclosure

Pickups under 16,000 lbs GVWR and under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Heavier pickups are exempt under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Most ½-ton through 1-ton pickups fall under the disclosure rule.

Applicable federal law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR

Title and registration

Pickup truck titles list GVWR and body style (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab). Verify the title body style matches the truck — incorrect body style on the title can delay registration in the buyer's state.

Special disclosures

Towing capacity, payload rating, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch installation should be documented — these affect both insurance and intended-use compliance.
Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF/EGR) integrity must be disclosed — delete kits are illegal under the Clean Air Act and can result in EPA penalties for both seller and buyer.
Lift kits, leveling kits, and oversize tires can void factory warranty and may disqualify the truck from emission compliance in inspection states.