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Car bill of sale template

A bill of sale is a written record that a car changed hands: who sold it, who bought it, what it is, the price and the date. It protects both people if questions come up later.

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Before you start
  1. Check the seller's name matches the name on the title.
  2. Copy the VIN exactly as it appears on the title or registration.
  3. Record the odometer reading on the day of sale.
  4. Say whether the sale is as-is, and write down any warranty.
  5. Both people sign, and each keeps a copy.

Some states also want a notary or a specific form. Check your state's motor vehicle agency. See our state pages.

The sale

The sale

Seller

Seller

Buyer

Buyer

The car

The car

The 17-character vehicle identification number on the title.

Odometer

Odometer

Unit
Odometer statement

Do you need a federal odometer statement?

Enter the car's year to see whether federal odometer rules are likely to apply.

This is general information, not legal advice. Read the official rule (opens in a new tab)

Condition and title

Condition and title

Condition of sale
Liens

0 / 600

Signing

Signing

Only some places require it. Check your state.

How it works

  1. Fill in

    Type your details. Leave anything blank and it prints as a line to write on.

  2. Check the preview

    The page on the right updates as you type, exactly as it will print.

  3. Download

    Save a PDF or Word file, or print it. Nothing is sent to us.

A bill of sale is a written record that a car changed hands: who sold it, who bought it, what it is, the price and the date. It protects both people if questions come up later.

What it is

A car bill of sale is a short document the seller and the buyer both sign. It names the people, describes the car with its VIN, states the price and how it was paid, and says whether the car was sold as is. It does not transfer ownership by itself. In most places, ownership moves when the seller signs over the title and the buyer registers the car in their own name. The bill of sale is the supporting record that sits alongside the title.

What to include

  • The full names and addresses of the seller and buyer.
  • The year, make, model, color and VIN of the car.
  • The odometer reading on the day of sale, and the odometer statement.
  • The price, the date and how it was paid.
  • Whether the car is sold as is or with a warranty.
  • A statement about liens or loans on the car.
  • Signatures from both people, with the date.

How to fill it in

  1. Open the title or registration and copy the seller's name and the VIN exactly.
  2. Enter the sale date, price and how the buyer is paying.
  3. Fill in both people's details. Ask the buyer to check their own spelling.
  4. Read the odometer on the day of sale and enter it. Use the odometer helper to see whether a federal statement is likely to apply.
  5. Choose as is or a warranty, and say whether a lien exists.
  6. Check the preview, download the PDF or Word file, and print two copies.
  7. Both people sign. Each keeps a copy.

Common mistakes

  • Typing the VIN from memory and getting one character wrong.
  • Leaving the odometer blank or guessing the number.
  • Signing before the price and date are filled in.
  • Writing "paid in full" when only a deposit has changed hands.
  • Forgetting that the title still has to be signed over.
  • Skipping the lien question when the seller still owes money on the car.
  • Not telling the motor vehicle agency about the sale. Many places have a seller's notice or release form that ends your responsibility for the car.

Selling in a particular state?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car?

It depends on where you live. Some states ask for one when the buyer registers the car, and others don't. Even where it isn't required, it is good proof of the price, the date and the condition you agreed.

Does a bill of sale replace the title?

No. The title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale is supporting paperwork. If the title is lost, contact your motor vehicle agency about a replacement.

Does a car bill of sale need to be notarised?

In most places it doesn't, but a few states require a notary for the bill of sale, the title, or both. Check your state's motor vehicle agency before you sign. The state pages on Quicklet link to official sources where we have them.

What does the odometer statement mean?

It is the seller's statement about the mileage. For many newer vehicles, federal rules require a mileage disclosure when ownership changes. It is usually made on the title or an official form. Use the helper above the form to see whether it is likely to apply.

What does as is mean?

The buyer accepts the car in its current condition, and the seller isn't promising repairs afterward. Local consumer laws can still apply, so honest descriptions matter.

What if the car has a loan on it?

The lender usually holds a lien. The seller normally has to pay off the loan so the lender can release the lien before the title can be passed on. Tick the lien option so the document says so.

Should I keep a copy?

Yes. Both people should keep a signed copy for their records.

Can I use this outside the United States?

The layout works for any country. You can change the currency and the date format in the document options. Rules about ownership transfer differ by country, so check with your local vehicle registry.

Official sources

Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Spotted a mistake on this page? Tell us

Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Rules about titles, notaries and odometer statements vary by state and change over time.

Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.