📋 Quick Facts
Time
10 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
$0
Paperwork
BoS + ID
A car bill of sale must include the date, full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller, vehicle year/make/model/trim/VIN, odometer reading, sale price, "as-is" or warranty language, signatures of both parties, and a notary acknowledgment in states that require it (about 12 states). The federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580 is mandatory on every transaction.
📝 Step-by-Step
- Use the right templateMost state DMVs publish a free bill of sale form (e.g., New York MV-912, Texas Form 130-U, Florida HSMV 82050). When in doubt, use the state form.
- Include the dateSpell it out (e.g., "May 17, 2026") to avoid date-format ambiguity.
- List buyer and sellerFull legal names, mailing addresses, driver license numbers, and phone numbers for both parties.
- Describe the vehicleYear, make, model, trim, body style, color, and the 17-character VIN copied exactly off the dashboard plate.
- State the odometer readingRequired by 49 CFR 580 on every sale of a vehicle under 20 years old. Mark "Actual" or "Not actual" or "Exceeds mechanical limits."
- List the sale priceSpell out the amount ("Five thousand four hundred dollars") and write it numerically ($5,400). Document any down payment, trade-in, or installment terms.
- Include "as-is" or warranty languageFor private sales, state "Sold as-is without warranty, express or implied." For dealer sales, the FTC Used Car Rule Buyer Guide controls.
- Add disclosuresTitle brand (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon-law buyback), known mechanical defects, accident history, and any lien being paid off at closing.
- Sign and dateBoth parties sign. Print names below each signature. Include phone and email for follow-up.
- Notarize if requiredNotary required in Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming for vehicle bills of sale. Notary fees $5-$25.
⚖ Legal and Regulatory References
49 CFR 580 mandates a written odometer disclosure on every vehicle sale (under 20 years old). State DMV forms control the bill of sale format in most states (e.g., CA REG 135, TX 130-U). Notarization is required for vehicle transfers in approximately 12 states; check your state DMV website.
📚 Sources for pricing and historyKelley Blue Book (kbb.com), NADA Guides (nadaguides.com), Edmunds (edmunds.com) for valuations. Carfax and AutoCheck for vehicle history. NMVTIS (vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov) for branded-title lookups. Your state DMV for title transfer and release-of-liability forms.
🔗 Related Guides
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale legally required?
It is required by about half of states for vehicle registration. Even where not required, it is essential to document the transaction, prove the sale price, and limit your liability after the car leaves.
Do I need to notarize a bill of sale?
About 12 states require notarization (AZ, KY, LA, MD, MS, MT, NE, NV, OH, OK, PA, WV, WY). Notarization costs $5-$25 at any UPS Store, bank, or AAA office.
Can I use a generic bill of sale template?
Yes for most states, but state-specific forms are safer. The buyer needs a form the DMV accepts at the registration counter.
What odometer language is required?
49 CFR 580: print the current mileage and check one of "Actual," "Not actual," or "Exceeds mechanical limits." Both parties sign the odometer line.
Should I include "as-is" language?
Yes for private sales. "Sold as-is, where-is, without warranty, express or implied." Disclaiming warranties limits your post-sale liability in most states.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes if all required fields are present and legible. Typed is safer because handwriting disputes are common.