What an Arkansas bill of sale must contain

An Arkansas vehicle bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of a vehicle. It is not the same as the title — the title stays with the state — but the bill of sale is the proof that the transaction happened, and both parties need one for their records.

Arkansas law does not mandate a specific form, but the bill of sale must 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 seller and the buyer. If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning a lender still owns part of it), that must be noted on the bill of sale as well.

You do not need to notarize a bill of sale in Arkansas, though having it notarized adds a layer of protection if a dispute arises later. The document can be handwritten or typed, and there is no filing fee — you keep it for your own records.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas does not require a specific bill of sale form, but the document must show the VIN, vehicle year/make/model, sale price, date, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
  • A bill of sale is separate from the vehicle title and serves as proof of the transaction for your personal records.
  • Notarization is optional in Arkansas but recommended if you want extra legal protection.
  • The seller should keep a copy and give a copy to the buyer; neither party files it with the state.

When you need a bill of sale in Arkansas

You need a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a vehicle privately — that is, when the transaction does not happen at a dealership. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer typically provides the paperwork and handles the title transfer.

A bill of sale also protects you if the vehicle has outstanding tickets, unpaid registration fees, or other issues that might surface after the sale. Once you have a signed bill of sale showing the date and time of transfer, you have proof that you no longer owned the vehicle when those problems occurred. This is especially important in Arkansas, where the previous owner can remain liable for violations that happen after the sale if there is no clear record of when ownership changed hands.

What information to include on the bill of sale

Start with the vehicle details: the full VIN (you will find it on the dashboard or the title), the year, make, model, and color. Include the odometer reading at the time of sale — this is required by federal law and protects both parties from odometer fraud claims later.

Write the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000" and "Five Thousand Dollars"). Include the date of the sale and the condition of the vehicle — you can note whether it is sold "as-is" or with any warranties or guarantees the seller is making.

Both the buyer and seller must print their full names and sign the document. Include their addresses and phone numbers if possible. If the vehicle has a lien, write the name of the lender and the loan account number. Some sellers also note whether the buyer is responsible for any outstanding registration fees or taxes, though in Arkansas the buyer typically assumes those obligations upon purchase.

How to handle a bill of sale with a lien

If the vehicle still has a loan against it, the bill of sale must state that fact. Write something like "Vehicle subject to lien held by [Lender Name], Account #[number]" or "Buyer assumes responsibility for existing lien." This tells the buyer that the lender still has a claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off.

In practice, the seller usually pays off the lien before handing over the keys and signing the title over to the buyer. The lender releases the lien, and then the title transfer can proceed. If the buyer is taking on the loan, the lender must consent to the transfer, and the bill of sale should reflect that arrangement clearly.

Do not sign a bill of sale for a vehicle with an outstanding lien unless you have a written agreement about who will pay it off and when. This is one of the most common sources of disputes in private vehicle sales.

Signing and storing your bill of sale

Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale in front of each other. You do not need a witness or notary, but if either party is concerned about authenticity later, having a notary public sign off adds credibility. Many banks and some pharmacies offer notarization for a small fee.

Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. Keep your copy in a safe place, along with any other vehicle records. If you are the seller, hold onto your copy for at least three to five years in case questions arise about the sale. If you are the buyer, keep your copy until you sell the vehicle yourself or the vehicle is scrapped.

Using a bill of sale with the Arkansas DMV

When you buy a vehicle in Arkansas, you will need to register it and transfer the title. The bill of sale is not filed with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles, but you will likely need to show it when you explore for the title transfer. The DMV uses it as proof that you own the vehicle and that the transaction was legitimate.

Bring your bill of sale along with the signed title (which the seller provides), proof of insurance, and a completed process for Title and Registration (Form 4-1) when you go to your local DMV office or an authorized vehicle licensing office. The bill of sale helps the DMV confirm the sale price and the condition of the vehicle, which may affect registration fees or tax calculations.

What happens if you do not have a bill of sale

If you buy or sell a vehicle without a bill of sale, you still have the right to own or transfer the vehicle, but you lose the written proof of when and for how much the transaction occurred. This can create problems if the previous owner is later held responsible for violations or accidents that happened after the sale, or if a dispute arises about the price or condition of the vehicle.

Without a bill of sale, the DMV may ask additional questions or require other proof of ownership before processing the title transfer. It is always better to have the document, even if it is handwritten on a single sheet of paper. The time it takes to write one out is far less than the time spent resolving disputes later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale form from another state in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas does not require a specific form, so a bill of sale from another state will work as long as it includes all the required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. You may want to add "State of Arkansas" at the top to make it clear where the sale took place.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?

No, notarization is not required in Arkansas. However, it is recommended if you want extra legal protection or if you are concerned about the buyer or seller disputing the transaction later. A notary public can verify the signatures for a small fee.

What if the buyer does not show up to sign the bill of sale?

You cannot complete the sale without both parties signing. If the buyer backs out, you still own the vehicle. If you have already handed over the keys or the title, contact a lawyer when ready — you may need to file a police report or pursue a civil claim to recover the vehicle or your money.

Can I sell a vehicle without a title in Arkansas?

No. The seller must provide the signed title to the buyer. If the title is lost, the seller must request a duplicate from the Arkansas DMV before the sale can be completed. A bill of sale alone does not transfer ownership in Arkansas.

How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?

Keep it for at least three to five years after the sale. If you are the seller, this protects you if questions arise about the vehicle's condition or the transaction. If you are the buyer, keep it until you sell the vehicle or it is scrapped.