A motor vehicle bill of sale form is a legal document that is used to transfer (car) ownership of interests from one person to another. It is used in transactions, including the sale, exchange, gift, or mortgage of objects.

Car Bill of Sale By State

What is a Motor Vehicle (Car) Bill of Sale Form?

A Bill of sale form is used to transfer ownership of goods, specifically moveable tangible items, and can only be used by individuals and businesses that are not corporate.

In England and Wales, bills of sale are regulated by two Victorian pieces of legislation: the Bills of Sale Act 1878 and the Bills of Sale Act (1878) Amendment Act 1882. These laws were created because of the issue of fraudulent use of bills of sale.

The Ins and Outs of Creating a Bill of Sale for Your Car

Buying a car is exciting and it’s a journey filled with choices about make, model, and color, but there’s an important document: the car bill of sale that protects both the buyer and seller in the transaction. The form create trust between the two parties.

What is a bill of sale for a car?

A bill of sale for a car is a legal document that serves as evidence of the transfer of ownership from one person to another. It includes important details about the vehicle and the transaction, providing both parties involved with a record of the sale.

Key Elements

What to Include in a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

Step 1: Seller and buyer details – The names and contact information of both the seller and buyer of the vehicle.

Step 2: Vehicle description – the make, model, year, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and any other details about the car being sold.

Step 3: Purchase price – The amount of money that the buyer agrees to pay for the car. This part of the document ensures transparency and clarity.

Step 4: Payment – If the buyer pays the purchase price in installments or uses any other payment arrangement, these details will be included in the bill of sale.

Step 5: Date and location – The document will state the date and place where the car sale is taking place. This helps establish the jurisdiction where the deal is legally binding.

Step 6: Odometer reading – Record the current mileage on the car\’s odometer at the time of the sale. This is essential for documenting the car’s condition and to ensure transparency regarding its usage.

Step 7: Condition of the car – Describe the overall condition of the vehicle, including any known defects or damages. This protects the buyer by accurately representing the car’s condition before purchase.

Step 8: Warranty information – If the seller provides any warranty or guarantee, it should be clearly stated in the bill of sale. This includes any terms and conditions associated with the warranty.

Step 9: Signatures – Finally, the bill of sale should be signed and dated by both the seller and the buyer to indicate their agreement to the terms and conditions of the sale.

By including all of these details in a bill of sale for a car, both the seller and the buyer can have a clear and legally binding document that outlines the details of the transaction.

Understanding a Car Bill of Sale

Showing who owned the car before is a history of the car’s past. This form includes the make, model, and identifying numbers. It summarized the deal, confirming the change of guardianship for new owner.

Car Bill of Sale Basics

Bill of Sales are promised on paper, proving that one person sold a car to another. This document is key in car-buying making sure everyone agrees on the car’s details.

Legal Significance of the Bill of Sale Form

Proof of Transfer: It turns the ownership from one person to another.

Tax: When it’s time to do taxes, this paper to remind you of the car’s price.

Legal Protection: If someone says, “That’s my car!” you can show this paper as a shield to prove it’s really yours.

Loan Document: Banks often want this paper before lending you funds (loan) to pay for the car.

Registration Requirement: Many places won’t let you register your new ride without this document. The document seals the transfer agreement, making it official.

States that Require a Notary

Preparing Your Bill of Sale Document

• Include the make, model, and year, along with the agreed-upon price – these are the main points (evidence) for purchasing power in negotiating the deal.
• Both the buyer’s and seller’s contact information.
• Include the current odometer reading and the sale date.

Accurate Vehicle Description

• Make, model, and year of vehicle.
• Colors, features, and any unique accessories.
• Any scars or quirks (scratch or a dent) – must be included.

Sale Details Essentials

• Terms of the trade must be spelled out clearly. Key details as the sale date and amount must be clearly stated. These facts show when and for how much the car was handed to a new adventurer. Make sure the total amount is truthful and clear.
• Important numbers on the bill of sale: the purchase price. It is a testament to the agreement, stamped with the honesty of the deal. This amount is like a spell that binds the transaction with integrity. An oath on paper binds.
• The bill of sale should also include promises or warranties being passed on as if the former owner.

Legal Requirements by State

Each state holds its own set of rules for car bills of sale. Some require this document as proof of transfer, like a certificate.  A public notary must witness the signing. Certain states don’t need a bill of sale to transfer cars.

State-Specific Stipulations

Every state has its own set of codes and rules for a car bill of sale form to be valid.

• California may require a thumbprint for added authenticity.
• Arizona, the vehicle’s emission abilities might need to be recorded.
• Connecticut asks for an Oath of the Odometer to confirm how far the steed has roamed.
• Georgia’s spellbinders insist a notary witness the bill’s signing.
• Montana might need proof of no sales tax from other states.

Some states will need a notary’s witnessing while others won’t.

Notarization: Is it Needed?

• Check Local Laws: Some states require a notary. Check local DMV.
• Find a Notary if Needed: A notary is a person who is to watch and ensure everyone signs the bill of sale correctly.
• Safety: Even if it’s not a must-have, getting it notarized can help keep things extra safe.

Additional Forms to Consider

Odometer disclosure statement – this form shows the car’s mileage.

Title – Prove that you’re the car’s new owner. The title transfer makes it crystal clear who’s responsible for the car now.

Sales Tax Form – The sales tax form tells the treasury precisely what they need to know about the money changing hands. Without it, they might not let you pass legally driving your car.

Trade-in agreement – Regarding trade-ins, you’ll want a vehicle trade-in agreement form.

After the Sale: Next Steps

Go to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), where you’ll register your new car and get license plates if needed. Don’t forget – insurance is also a must!

Can I create my own bill of sale for a car?

Yes, you can create your own bill of sale for a car! A bill of sale is a legal document that proves the sale and transfer of ownership of a car from one person to another. Creating your own bill of sale can be a cost-effective and convenient solution when buying or selling a car. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best to seek professional advice from an attorney. When creating your own bill of sale, make sure to include important information such as:

• The date of the sale
• The names and contact information of both the buyer and the seller
• A detailed description of the car, including the make, model, year, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license plate number
• The purchase price and any other agreed-upon terms or conditions
• Any warranties or guarantees, if applicable
• Signatures – A bill of sale is a legal document, so it’s always a good idea to have both the buyer and the seller sign and date the document.

How do I obtain a copy of a bill of sale for a car?

To obtain a copy of a bill of sale for a car, you can follow these simple steps:

Contact the Seller or Dealership: Reach out to the person or business from whom you purchased the car. They should have a copy of the bill of sale that they can provide to you.

Check Your Personal Records: If you don\’t have any luck contacting the seller, check your own files and records. Sometimes we forget that we have already received a copy of the bill of sale and have it stored away somewhere.

Contact the DMV: If you still can’t find a copy of the bill of sale, you can contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the relevant government agency responsible for vehicle registration. They should be able to assist you in obtaining a copy of the bill of sale.

Provide Necessary Information: When contacting the DMV or government agency, be prepared to provide them with specific details about the car, such as the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This information will help them locate the correct bill of sale for you.

Pay any outstanding Fees: Depending on your location, a small fee may be associated with obtaining a copy of the bill of sale. Ask about any fees and be prepared to pay them if necessary.

Rent Car Before Purchase

Renting a car before purchasing your vehicle is a great way to make sure you want to go through with your bill of sale agreement. You can rent a car by booking online with Turo.

A Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale should include the following information:

• Buyer’s name and address.
• Seller’s name and address.
• Vehicle details, such as make, model, year, and body style.
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Date of sale
• Transaction details, including the purchase price, trade, or gift
• Warranty information and details are usually sold on an “as-is, where-is” basis.

Generic Vehicle Bill of Sale: Preview Example