Florida does not require a bill of sale form from the DMV, but you will need one anyway
Florida has no official state bill of sale document. The Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue one, does not require one by law, and does not provide a template. However, you still need a bill of sale when you buy or sell a vehicle in Florida — you just create your own or use one from a private source.
The reason is practical: a bill of sale is your proof that money changed hands and that you now own the vehicle. When you register the car with the Florida DMV, you will need to show the title transfer form (Form HSMV 82019), but the bill of sale is separate documentation that protects both buyer and seller. Without it, disputes over who paid what and when become your word against theirs.
Florida law does require the seller to sign the title itself, which transfers ownership. The bill of sale is the receipt that goes with it — not a legal requirement, but a practical one that every buyer and seller should have.
Key Takeaways
- Florida does not provide an official bill of sale form; you create one yourself or read a template from a reputable source.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- You will also need the title (the actual ownership document), which the seller must sign separately — the bill of sale and title are two different papers.
- Keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records even after you register the vehicle, as it proves when you bought it and what you paid.
What information must go on a Florida bill of sale
A bill of sale does not have to follow a specific format, but it must contain certain information to be useful. Include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the sale price, the date of the sale, and the printed names and signatures of both the buyer and the seller. If either party is a business, include the business name and the name of the person signing on its behalf.
You should also include the odometer reading at the time of sale. Florida law requires the seller to provide this information, and it protects the buyer by documenting the mileage at the point of transfer. Add the seller's name and address and the buyer's name and address so there is no confusion about who the parties are.
A straightforward bill of sale can be as short as a paragraph written on plain paper, as long as it contains all of this information and both parties sign it. Many people use a template from a legal document website or a form provided by their bank or credit union. The form itself does not matter — the content does.
Where to find a bill of sale template
You can create a bill of sale from scratch or read a template. Common sources include legal document websites, the Florida Bar Association website, and templates provided by banks or credit unions. Some car dealerships also provide bill of sale forms to customers, though these are usually for their own records.
When you choose a template, make sure it is designed for Florida and includes all the fields mentioned above. Read it through before you use it to confirm it asks for the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures. A template that is too generic or missing key fields will not protect you as well.
You do not need to pay for a bill of sale template. Free versions are widely available online. If you are buying from a dealership, the dealership will usually provide one as part of the paperwork. If you are buying from a private seller, you can bring a template with you or ask the seller to sign one you have prepared.
How the bill of sale connects to the title transfer
The bill of sale and the title are separate documents that work together. The title is the official ownership document issued by the Florida DMV. The seller must sign the back of the title to transfer ownership to you. The bill of sale is the receipt that proves the transaction took place and documents the price paid.
When you register the vehicle, you will submit the signed title to the DMV along with other registration documents. The bill of sale is not submitted to the DMV, but you should keep it with your vehicle records. If a question ever arises about when you bought the vehicle or what you paid for it, the bill of sale is your proof.
Do not confuse the bill of sale with the title. The title is what makes you the legal owner; the bill of sale is what proves you bought it. You need both, and you need to keep both.
What to do with the bill of sale after the sale
Make at least two copies of the bill of sale — one for you and one for the seller. Both parties should sign the original or sign each copy. Keep your copy in a safe place with your vehicle records, your title, and your registration documents. You may need it later if you sell the vehicle, if you file an insurance claim, or if a dispute arises about the purchase.
If you are financing the vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lender may ask to see the bill of sale as part of the loan process. Some lenders require it; others do not. Ask your lender before you sign the bill of sale so you know how many copies to make and whether the lender needs an original or a copy.
The bill of sale does not expire. Keep it for as long as you own the vehicle, and if you sell it later, you can show the buyer your copy as an example of what a bill of sale should look like.
Private sale versus dealership sale
If you are buying from a private seller, you are responsible for creating or bringing a bill of sale. The seller is not required to provide one, but most private sellers will sign one if you ask. Bring a template with you or ask the seller to meet you at a location where you can print one out before you hand over money.
If you are buying from a dealership, the dealership will provide all paperwork, including a bill of sale or sales agreement. Dealership paperwork is usually more detailed than a private bill of sale and may include warranties, trade-in information, and financing terms. Read it carefully before you sign.
In both cases, do not hand over money until the bill of sale is signed by both parties. Once you have signed copies, you can proceed with the title transfer and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legal in Florida as long as it includes all required information and both parties sign it. Many private sellers and buyers use handwritten bills of sale. Make sure the handwriting is legible and both parties keep a copy.
What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?
A seller cannot legally prevent you from having a bill of sale. However, if a private seller refuses, you have the right to walk away from the sale. A bill of sale protects you, and any legitimate seller should be willing to sign one. If you are buying from a dealership, they will provide one as part of the sale.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealership?
Dealerships provide a sales agreement or bill of sale as part of the purchase. You do not need to create a separate one. The dealership paperwork serves the same purpose and is usually more detailed. Keep it with your vehicle records.
What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the vehicle?
If you lose your copy, ask the seller for another copy if you still have contact with them. If you cannot reach the seller, you still own the vehicle — the title in your name is the legal proof of ownership. The bill of sale is helpful documentation but not required to prove you own the car.
Does the bill of sale have to match the price on the title?
The bill of sale and the title do not have to match. The title does not list a price. However, if you are financing the vehicle, the lender will have a record of the loan amount, which may differ from the actual sale price. Keep the bill of sale accurate for your own records.