Vehicle Bill of Sale
Generate a professional vehicle bill of sale for any type of motor vehicle. Our templates cover cars, motorcycles, boats, trailers, RVs, and equipment — with state-specific formatting built in.
What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the private transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from one party to another. It captures all the essential details of the transaction — who is selling, who is buying, which vehicle is being transferred, the agreed price, and the date the sale takes place. This document serves as the written record that a transaction occurred and provides both parties with legal protection.
Unlike a dealer transaction where the dealership handles all the paperwork, a private vehicle sale puts the documentation responsibility on the buyer and seller. The bill of sale is the cornerstone of that paperwork. It is used by the DMV during title transfer, by insurance companies when setting up coverage, and by both parties as proof of the transaction terms if any dispute arises.
While the specific requirements vary from state to state, the core purpose of a vehicle bill of sale is universal: it creates an unambiguous, signed record of the transaction that can be referenced by any party, agency, or court that needs to verify the details of the sale.
When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale?
Private Party Sales
Any time a vehicle changes hands between individuals outside of a dealership, a bill of sale should be completed. This applies to sales between strangers, family members, and friends alike.
Gifting a Vehicle
Even when no money changes hands, a bill of sale documents the transfer. List the sale price as "$0" or "gift" and include the relationship between the parties. Some states offer tax exemptions for family gifts.
Estate and Inheritance Transfers
When a vehicle is transferred as part of an estate settlement, a bill of sale (often in combination with probate documents) is required to re-title the vehicle under the new owner.
DMV Title Transfer
Most state DMVs require a bill of sale as part of the title transfer application. It verifies the purchase price for tax purposes and documents the chain of ownership.
Insurance Documentation
Insurance companies may request a copy of the bill of sale when establishing a new policy on a recently purchased vehicle, particularly to confirm the vehicle details and purchase price.
Loan and Financing Applications
If you are financing a private-party vehicle purchase, the lender will typically require a bill of sale as part of the loan documentation to verify the transaction details.
Vehicle Types We Cover
We offer specialized bill of sale templates for every major vehicle category. Each template includes fields and disclosures specific to that vehicle type.
Car Bill of Sale
For private-party car, truck, and SUV sales. Includes VIN, odometer, and DMV-ready fields.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
For motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. Covers VIN location specifics and title transfer.
Boat Bill of Sale
For watercraft and marine vessels. Includes Hull ID, motor details, and trailer options.
Trailer Bill of Sale
For utility, cargo, and travel trailers. Covers VIN, weight ratings, and registration.
RV Bill of Sale
For motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers. Covers class types and NADA valuations.
Equipment Bill of Sale
For heavy machinery, farm equipment, and business tools. Serial number documentation included.
VIN Verification and Odometer Disclosure
Two of the most important fields on any vehicle bill of sale are the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the odometer reading. These fields serve distinct but equally critical roles in protecting both parties and satisfying DMV requirements.
The VIN: Your Vehicle's Fingerprint
- Unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned at the factory
- Encodes the manufacturer, model year, engine type, and production sequence
- Used by DMV, insurance, and law enforcement to identify the vehicle
- Always verify VIN on the physical vehicle matches the title document
Odometer Disclosure Requirements
- Federal Truth in Mileage Act requires mileage disclosure for most vehicle sales
- Exemptions exist for vehicles older than 10 model years or over 16,000 lbs GVW
- Must indicate if the odometer reading reflects actual mileage, exceeds limits, or is inaccurate
- Odometer fraud is a federal crime punishable by fines and imprisonment
Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about vehicle bill of sale documents.
A bill of sale is recommended or required for the private sale of any motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, personal watercraft, recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, and ATVs. Some states also require a bill of sale for off-road vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles. If ownership of a motorized vehicle is changing hands, a bill of sale is the standard document to record the transaction.
In the majority of states, a vehicle bill of sale does not need to be notarized to be legally valid. A signed and dated document with complete buyer and seller information is sufficient. However, several states — including Louisiana, Nebraska, Montana, Maryland, New Hampshire, and West Virginia — require or strongly recommend notarization for vehicle bill of sale documents. Check your state-specific page on our site for exact requirements.
A vehicle title is the state-issued certificate that proves who legally owns the vehicle. A bill of sale is a transactional document that records the details of the sale — the price, date, vehicle description, and identities of buyer and seller. When you sell a vehicle privately, you need both documents: the title is signed over to transfer legal ownership, and the bill of sale documents the terms of the transaction. The DMV uses both when processing the new registration.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle at the factory. Including the VIN on your bill of sale ensures there is no ambiguity about which specific vehicle is being transferred. The VIN is used by the DMV to process the title transfer, by insurance companies to set up a new policy, and by law enforcement to verify the vehicle is not stolen. Never complete a vehicle purchase without verifying the VIN on the physical vehicle matches the VIN on the title.
It is strongly recommended to create a separate bill of sale for each vehicle being sold, even if the same buyer and seller are involved. Each vehicle has its own VIN, title, and registration, and the DMV processes each title transfer independently. Using separate documents avoids confusion and ensures each transaction is clearly documented. If you are selling multiple vehicles, our bundle pricing offers three documents for $14.99.
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