Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

Download a Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

Whenever you’re parting with a vehicle, you can do that in several ways. If you’re selling it, it’s best to put the sale in writing properly. A vehicle bill of sale template can help you do this with little to no effort.

These forms have been designed to be legally compliant and have all the fields you need. You just have to choose the one that’s good for you and fill it. With our templates, you have all you need to make the deal official.

Vehicle Bill of Sale Types

Vehicle Bills of Sale may come in different types depending on the transaction. Some common examples are:

• As-Is Bill of Sale
• Warranty Bill of Sale
• Bill of Sale with Promissory Note
• Bill of Sale for Gifted Vehicle

About This Document

This document formally states that someone is selling a car to another person. It is evidence of the purchase, and it also enumerates the terms of the transaction. When you use this compliant template, you can ensure both sides are protected and the sale goes smoothly.

What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A Vehicle Bill of Sale is a document that details the sale of a motor vehicle between two people. Rather than just a plain receipt, it is a contract containing the details of the transaction. That includes the features and details of the vehicle itself, as well as the agreed price.

This agreement gives the concerned parties a record for the authorities and shields them as well. Now, it’s important to know how it differs from a general bill of sale. It has special fields that are significant to vehicle sales.

These include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and the odometer reading. It proves the sale happened at a specific date, at a specific price, and that ownership has changed. This legal clarity helps avoid disputes in the future.

It also ensures that all the regulations governing motor vehicles in the state are adhered to. To be tenable and acceptable by the necessary departments, the form needs to contain some necessary information. They include:

• Identification of parties involved
• Detailed vehicle description
• Odometer reading
• Purchase price and payment details
• Date and time of sale
• Condition of vehicle ("as is" clause)
• Signatures of all parties
• Notarization (state-specific)

How To Use a Vehicle Bill of Sale

A Vehicle Bill of Sale is meant to cover many different types of vehicles. It is important to know the various kinds of vehicles that it normally covers. This shows it’s a flexible document used in private sales:

1. Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

This is the most common application. You could be selling a sedan, a pickup truck, a sport utility vehicle, or a minivan. Any normal passenger or light-duty commercial vehicle sale between individuals needs this form.

This means that the transfer of ownership is properly documented by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s important for title and liability purposes.

2. Motorcycles and Scooters

You can also use this form for two-wheeled motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters, or mopeds. Their titling and registration may be a little bit different when compared to cars. However, you still need a document that confirms the sale and ownership transfer. The document must contain information like engine size and VIN.

3. Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and Motorhomes

Bigger recreation vehicles, motorhomes, and travel trailers may also use this vehicle bill of sale. This can also include campers that have their own VIN and need to be registered with the state. The transactions can be quite complicated because of the size and value of these vehicles.

Usually, it’ll include a detailed description of amenities and "as is" clauses. The document should clearly show that the transfer is for the whole unit.

4. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Off-Road Vehicles

ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles that may or may not be street-legal may use this document. The vehicle bill of sale can demonstrate ownership. This is especially if they have been titled or registered with the state to run off-road.

This helps prove legal possession and is needed when it comes to insurance.

5. Boats and Watercraft (with motors)

There are motorized boats, jet skis, and other watercraft with hull identification numbers (HIN) that have state registration requirements. So, they operate in the same manner as land vehicles and need formal documentation of sale. In some cases, they may be covered by their own Boat Bill of Sale.

A Vehicle Bill of Sale that is modified for watercraft will have some specific details. For example, the HIN, engine information, and the registration number.

6. Trailers (Utility, Boat, RV)

Most trailers that require a title and registration usually need a Vehicle Bill of Sale to change the owner. For example, utility trailers, boat trailers, and RV trailers.

The form should have the VIN of the trailer, make, model, year, and dimensions of the trailer. So, a new owner can title and register the trailer appropriately.

Why Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

In any private transaction to sell a used vehicle, a Vehicle Bill of Sale Form is highly important. This is for both the seller and buyer. It protects both sides and ensures that the law is obeyed.

For the seller, this document is important to release them from any liability. As soon as the car becomes the property of someone else, the seller will no longer be responsible for its future use. For example, it may be involved in a traffic violation, accident, or just another issue.

The form should go along with proper notice to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or such agency. It’s strong proof of the actual date of transfer of ownership. It also protects the seller from being held liable for any future events and gives peace of mind.

For the buyer, the Vehicle Bill of Sale is the evidence of legal ownership. In the absence of this, the buyer might find it difficult to title and register the vehicle. They may also not be able to insure it, or sell the vehicle in the future.

The document records that the car was purchased legally and protects against any fraud or theft claims. It also includes the purchase price that the parties agreed upon, which determines the sales tax. Also, it has the odometer reading, which is a federal requirement and protects the new owner from odometer fraud.

When a bill of sale is well done, it clarifies all parts of the transaction. It puts everything on the table and benefits both parties.

Other Questions

What Are the Federal and State Requirements for a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

When completing this document, you need to adhere to legal requirements, both federal and state. If any key information is left out, it can lead to delays or legal issues later.

Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement

The Truth in Mileage Act has a requirement for vehicles under 10 years old, and less than 16,000 lbs. Sellers have to give the correct odometer reading when the car is being sold. This is usually on the title or separately in a disclosure form.

The bill of sale should also reflect this. This is to protect the new owner from odometer fraud.

State-Specific Information for Titling and Registration

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state has its own regulations for transferring vehicle ownership. It can also be provided by an equivalent agency, such as MVA, SOS, or DOR. A standard vehicle bill of sale covers the essentials, but some states ask for:

• A specific bill of sale form (e.g., CA REG 135, MD VR-181)
• Notarized signatures
• Proof of safety/emissions inspection
• Purchase price to be used for tax calculation
• A seller-submitted Notice of Sale or Release of Liability

Clarity of "As Is" Clause

The “As Is” clause has the benefit of protecting the seller if they’re selling a used car. It removes any implied warranties regarding the merchantability and fitness for purpose. The buyer is getting the car as it is, with all its defects.

Nevertheless, an “As Is” clause also does not protect the seller from being liable for:

• Fraudulent misrepresentation (knowingly lying about a defect)
• Failure to report known defects when required by the law
• Failure to comply with federal odometer disclosure laws

How Do You Ensure Legal Enforceability of Your Vehicle Bill of Sale?

It is possible to make a vehicle bill of sale legally strong with the necessary best practices. They include:

• Accuracy: Check and compare the details with official records. That includes VIN, mileage, names, and addresses.
  
• Mutual Consent: Both parties have to read and understand the document first. Then, they can sign it.
  
• Proper Execution: All original copies should be signed and dated. Record the normal sale time and notarize if necessary.
  
• Retention: Both of them should have a signed original copy. The seller should also keep proof of the DMV release.
  
• Supporting Documents: Normally, the buyer should have the signed title and odometer statement. They also need the inspection/smog certificates.

State Resources Links

How To Complete a Vehicle Bill of Sale in 5 Easy Steps

In a private sale of any motor vehicle, you need a vehicle bill of sale. A template at LegalDocs.com guides you through all the details you have to provide.

1. Gather All Vehicle and Party Information

Get all the details you need before you start filling out the form. These include complete legal names and addresses, as well as contact details of the buyer(s) and seller(s). Have the title of the vehicle prepared to note details like the year, make, model, and VIN.

It is also good to know the agreed-upon sale price and the method of payment. Putting the details in place even before you start makes it easier to draft.

2. Choose the Right Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

First, choose the right template for the bill of sale for car. Our recommendation is a LegalDocs.com one. It has the necessary fields that the DMV of most states requires, and is mutually beneficial to both sides.

A template will remove a lot of the complexities and ensure you don’t miss federal requirements. For example, odometer disclosure. It acts as your guide through the process.

3. Input All Transaction Details Accurately

Fill in all the information you have gathered in the right fields on the form. Make sure you check all entries, like the VIN, odometer reading, the spelling of names, and the price. Ensure that the car description matches the vehicle title.

In case the car is sold “as is”, check that the right clause has been marked clearly. At this stage, everything needs to be accurate. This will keep the title transfer on the right track and help avoid legal issues in the future.

4. Review and Customize the Document Thoroughly

After all the information has been filled in, carefully revise the whole document. Read all the clauses to make sure that they reflect your understanding and agreement with the other party. Check for any grammatical mistakes or typographical errors. This is where you can now include any special terms you both negotiated.

However, this is if they do not go against the state and federal laws. Such a thorough examination ensures the document is accurate and complete. It also ensures that the document is ready to be signed officially. It is a last check mark before it becomes a legal record.

5. Print and Execute Your Vehicle Bill of Sale

Once you have carefully looked through everything, you can download and print it. Print as many copies of your printable vehicle bill of sale as you will need. Each original copy has to be signed and dated by the buyer and the seller.

A signed copy must be given to each of the parties to be kept in their record. For security reasons or state requirements, the odometer disclosure on the title must be completed correctly. Moreover, check the requirements in your particular state.

It’s possible that the vehicle title or bill of sale needs to be notarized. If you execute it rightly, this will ensure the document is legally binding. This means it’s ready to be submitted officially to the DMV.