Bill of Sale for Car to Get Title – The Complete Guide, Template & Checklist

Bill of Sale for Car to Get Title is the essential document that turns a simple transaction into a legally binding transfer of ownership. Whether you’re buying a used car from a private seller, selling your own vehicle, or handling a family inheritance, a properly completed bill of sale is the first step toward securing the title you need.

Below you’ll find a friendly, step‑by‑step walkthrough of everything you need to know about a bill of sale for car to get title – from why it matters, to state‑specific requirements, to a downloadable template you can start using right now.

1. What Is a Bill of Sale for a Car?

A bill of sale for car is a written contract between a seller and a buyer that records the details of a vehicle transfer. It works like a receipt and a legal record rolled into one, capturing:

• Who is selling and who is buying
• The exact make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and mileage of the vehicle
• The purchase price and payment method
• Any warranties, “as‑is” statements, or special conditions
• Signatures of both parties, plus notarization when required

While the bill of sale itself does not transfer ownership—that job belongs to the DMV’s title system—it is the document the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency requires to issue a new title. Think of it as the bridge that connects a private sale to the official state record.

2. Why a Bill of Sale Is Required to Get a Title

2.1 Legal Proof of Transfer

When you walk into a DMV office with a bill of sale for car to get title, you’re presenting a legally recognized proof that the vehicle’s ownership has changed hands. Without it, the agency cannot verify who the rightful owner is, and the title remains stuck in the seller’s name.

2.2 Protects Both Parties

• Buyers gain a clear, documented record of what they paid for, which can be crucial if the seller later disputes the mileage or condition.
• Sellers receive evidence that they have relinquished ownership, protecting them from future liability (e.g., parking tickets or accidents involving the vehicle after the sale).

2.3 Satisfies State Regulations

Every state has its own set of rules for title transfers. Some require a notarized bill of sale; others accept a simple written statement. In any case, the bill of sale for car to get title is the cornerstone document the state uses to verify:

• The vehicle’s identity (VIN)
• The transaction price (important for tax calculations)
• The date of sale (used to determine registration deadlines)

2.4 Facilitates Tax & Fee Calculations

Most states calculate sales tax based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale. An accurate, detailed bill helps you avoid unexpected tax bills or penalties.

3. Key Elements Every Car Bill of Sale Must Include

A well‑crafted bill of sale for car to get title contains the following sections. Missing any of these can delay or even block your title transfer.

Section	What to Include	Why It Matters
1. Parties’ Information	Full legal names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of both buyer and seller.	Confirms identities for DMV records.
2. Vehicle Details	Year, make, model, color, VIN, license plate number, and current odometer reading (exact mileage).	Guarantees the title is linked to the correct vehicle.
3. Sale Information	Date of sale, purchase price, method of payment (cash, certified check, bank transfer).	Used for tax calculation & proof of transaction.
4. Condition & Warranty	“As‑is” statement or any expressed warranties/guarantees. Include “no known defects” if applicable.	Protects both parties from disputes about vehicle condition.
5. Odometer Disclosure	Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement (if required) – a separate form in many states.	Required by law for vehicles under 10 years old.
6. Signatures	Signed and dated by both buyer and seller.	Legally binds the agreement.
7. Notarization (if required)	Notary public’s seal and signature.	Some states demand notarization for title issuance.
8. Additional Clauses	Any liens, financing information, or special terms (e.g., “seller will provide a temporary registration”).	Clarifies any extra responsibilities.

4. State‑Specific Requirements (Quick Reference)

Below is a snapshot of the most common variations. Always verify the latest rules on your state’s DMV website before completing the document.

State	Notarization Required?	Odometer Disclosure Needed?	Additional Forms
California	No (but recommended)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment)
Texas	No (but optional)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR‑346)
Florida	Yes for title transfers	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Bill of Sale (Form HSMV 82040)
New York	No (but notarized copy accepted)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DTF‑802)
Illinois	No	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Title Transfer (Form VSD 190)
Georgia	No (but notarized version preferred)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1)
Washington	Yes for title transfers	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Bill of Sale (Form OS-214)
Virginia	No (but notarization speeds processing)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Title and Registration (Form VSA 118)
Pennsylvania	No	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Title Application (Form MV-1)
Colorado	No (optional)	Yes for vehicles ≤10 years	Title Transfer (Form DR 2395)

(If your state isn’t listed, click the “Full State Guide” button at the bottom of the page for a downloadable PDF.)

5. How to Fill Out a Car Bill of Sale – Step‑by‑Step

Below is a practical, SEO‑friendly walkthrough that you can follow while completing the template provided later in this guide.

Step 1 – Gather All Vehicle Information

1. Locate the VIN (17‑character code) on the driver’s side dashboard and vehicle registration.
2. Write down the exact odometer reading at the time of sale.
3. Verify the vehicle’s year, make, model, and color as they appear on the title.
4. Check for any existing liens (bank loans) and note the lienholder’s name.

Step 2 – Collect Both Parties’ Details

• Full legal name (no nicknames)
• Current mailing address (must match ID)
• Phone number and email (optional but helpful)
• Driver’s license or state ID number (some states require it)

Step 3 – Determine the Purchase Price

• Agree on a price that reflects market value, condition, and any negotiated repairs.
• Write the amount in both numbers and words (e.g., $7,500.00 – Seven thousand five hundred dollars).
• Indicate the payment method (cash, certified check, bank transfer).

Step 4 – Draft the Core Statement

The undersigned seller, [Seller’s Full Name], hereby sells, transfers, and conveys to the buyer, [Buyer’s Full Name], the following vehicle: 
Year: _____   Make: _____   Model: _____   VIN: _____________________   Odometer: __________ miles.

Step 5 – Add Condition & Warranty Language

If selling “as‑is”:

“The vehicle is sold ‘as‑is’ with no warranties expressed or implied. The buyer acknowledges that they have inspected the vehicle and accept it in its present condition.”

If offering a limited warranty:

“The seller warrants that the vehicle’s engine and transmission are free from defects for a period of 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever occurs first.”

Step 6 – Include Odometer Disclosure (if required)

Write a short clause:

“The seller certifies that the odometer reading of __________ miles is the actual mileage of the vehicle and that the odometer has not been rolled back.”

Alternatively, attach the federal Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form ODOMETER).

Step 7 – Sign & Date

Both buyer and seller must sign under penalty of perjury. Include the date of signing next to each signature line.

Step 8 – Notarize (if required)

Take the unsigned document to a notary public. The notary will verify identities, affix a seal, and sign. In many states, notarization speeds up the title issuance.

Step 9 – Attach Supporting Documents

• Copy of the current title (or lien release if applicable)
• Proof of insurance (buyer’s responsibility, but helpful)
• A copy of the seller’s driver’s license (optional but recommended)

Step 10 – Submit to the DMV

Bring the completed bill of sale, title, and any required forms to your local DMV office. Pay the title transfer fee and any applicable sales tax.

Pro Tip: Some states now allow online title transfers. Check your DMV’s website for an e‑bill of sale portal.

6. Sample Bill of Sale Template (Downloadable PDF)

We’ve crafted a professional, fillable PDF that meets the requirements of all 50 states. It includes:

• Pre‑populated headings and fields matching the checklist above
• Space for notarization (if needed)
• A built‑in odometer disclosure box
• A section for “Additional Terms” (e.g., temporary registration, lien payoff)

[Download Your Free Bill of Sale Template →]

The PDF is compatible with Adobe Acrobat Reader and can be printed or saved digitally for electronic signatures.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	How to Fix It
Leaving the VIN blank	The DMV cannot match the title to the vehicle.	Double‑check the VIN on the dashboard and registration, then copy it exactly.
Incorrect mileage	Can trigger an odometer fraud investigation and delay title issuance.	Read the odometer in a well‑lit environment, write the exact number, and have the buyer verify.
Not using the correct date format	Some states reject documents with ambiguous dates.	Use “MM/DD/YYYY” (e.g., 09/14/2025).
Skipping the buyer’s driver’s license number	Required in many states for identity verification.	Ask the buyer to write their license number in the designated field.
Failing to notarize when required	Title transfer will be denied until a notarized version is submitted.	Locate a notary early; many banks and libraries offer free notarization.
Leaving “as‑is” ambiguous	Buyer may later claim they were misled about vehicle condition.	Include a clear “as‑is” clause or detail any warranties.
Forgetting to sign both copies	One copy will be kept by the buyer, the other by the seller; unsigned copies are invalid.	Sign each copy simultaneously, or sign one and photocopy it, ensuring legibility.
Not checking for existing liens	The title may remain with the lienholder, preventing transfer.	Request a lien release letter from the lender before finalizing the sale.

8. Tips for a Smooth Title Transfer After the Sale

1. Verify the Title Status – Ask the seller for a clear title (no liens) or a lien release.
2. Remove License Plates – In many states, plates stay with the seller. Confirm local rules.
3. Notify Your Insurance – Cancel the seller’s policy and obtain your own coverage before driving.
4. Complete the DMV Application Promptly – Most states require the title transfer within 30 days of sale.
5. Keep Copies – Retain a scanned copy of the signed bill of sale for your records.
6. Pay Sales Tax Early – Some states allow you to pre‑pay tax online, avoiding surprises at the DMV.
7. Ask for a Temporary Registration – If you need to drive before the new title arrives, request a temporary tag from the DMV.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need a bill of sale if I’m buying a car from a dealer?

A: Dealers typically handle the paperwork, but a private bill of sale for car to get title is still advisable for your own records, especially if the dealer’s paperwork is incomplete.

Q2: Can I use an online template without customizing it?

A: Templates are a great starting point, but you must fill in all required fields (VIN, mileage, price, signatures). A generic, unfilled template will not be accepted by the DMV.

Q3: What if the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale?

A: Without a signed bill of sale, you cannot legally obtain a title. Consider walking away or seeking legal advice. A seller’s refusal may indicate hidden problems.

Q4: Is a notarized bill of sale more secure?

A: Yes. Notarization verifies both parties’ identities, reducing the risk of fraud and often speeding up DMV processing.