What a Georgia bill of sale is and why you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else. In Georgia, it is not required by law to transfer ownership — the title document itself does that — but a bill of sale protects both the seller and the buyer by creating a paper trail of the transaction. It shows the date, the vehicle details, the sale price, and the names and signatures of both parties.

The main reason to use one is liability. Once you sign a bill of sale, you have documented proof that you no longer own the car. If the buyer gets into an accident, racks up parking tickets, or commits a crime with the vehicle after the sale, you have a dated, signed record showing you transferred ownership. Without it, you could be contacted by police or creditors about a car you no longer own.

For the buyer, a bill of sale is proof of purchase and the agreed price, which matters if there is a dispute with the seller later or if the title transfer gets delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale, but it protects you by documenting when you sold the car and to whom.
  • The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and the printed names and signatures of both seller and buyer.
  • You can write a bill of sale on plain paper or use the optional Georgia form (Form T-7), which is available free from the Georgia Department of Revenue.
  • Keep a copy for your records and give the original to the buyer; the buyer will need it when they register the car with the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.

What information to include on a Georgia bill of sale

A bill of sale must contain enough detail that anyone reading it can identify the exact car and understand the terms of the sale. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model, the odometer reading, the sale price in dollars, the date of sale, and the full names and signatures of both the seller and the buyer.

You should also note the condition of the car — whether it is sold "as is" or with any warranty — and whether any liens (loans) are still attached to the title. If the seller still owes money on the car, that must be disclosed. Include the seller's address and the buyer's address so there is no confusion about who the parties are.

If the car is being sold without a warranty, write "sold as is" on the bill of sale. This protects the seller from claims that the car was defective or misrepresented. The buyer should understand and agree to this before signing.

Using the Georgia Department of Revenue form or writing your own

Georgia offers an optional form called Form T-7, available on the Georgia Department of Revenue website. It is a one-page document with blanks for all the required information. You do not have to use it — a handwritten bill of sale on plain paper is legally valid in Georgia — but the form is straightforward and ensures you do not forget anything.

If you write your own, type or write clearly so the information is straightforward to read. Include a title at the top that says "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." Number the sections or use paragraphs so it is organized. Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names; signatures should be in blue or black ink.

You can find Form T-7 by visiting the Georgia Department of Revenue website and searching for "bill of sale" or "Form T-7." Print it, fill it out by hand or on a computer, and have both parties sign it. Some car dealerships and notary publics also have copies available.

Who signs and how many copies you need

The seller and the buyer must both sign the bill of sale. Each person should print their name below their signature so there is no ambiguity about who signed. If there are two sellers (for example, a married couple who both own the car), both must sign. If there are two buyers, both should sign as well.

Make at least two copies: one for the seller to keep and one for the buyer. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety to register the car and transfer the title into their name. The seller should keep a copy for their records in case questions arise later.

You do not have to have the bill of sale notarized in Georgia, but some people choose to do so for extra protection. A notary public will verify the identities of both parties and witness the signatures. This costs a small fee but adds a layer of official documentation.

When to sign the bill of sale and what happens next

Sign the bill of sale at the time of the sale, ideally before the buyer takes possession of the car. Both parties should have the vehicle present so you can verify the VIN and odometer reading together. This prevents disputes later about which car was sold or what condition it was in.

After signing, the buyer takes their copy and uses it along with the title to register the car at the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. The seller keeps their copy as proof of the sale. If the seller still has the title in their name, they should sign it over to the buyer at the same time or shortly after, depending on the agreement between them.

The bill of sale is not filed with any government office in Georgia. It is a private document between the two parties. However, it is important to keep it safe because it is your proof of the transaction.

What to do if you lose the bill of sale or need a copy later

If you signed a bill of sale and kept a copy, store it with your other car documents — your title, registration, and insurance papers. If you lose your copy, contact the other party and ask for theirs. If both copies are lost, you can write a new bill of sale based on your memory of the transaction, have both parties sign it, and note the original date of sale on the new document.

If you are the buyer and the seller refuses to provide a copy of the bill of sale, you still have the title transfer as proof of ownership. The bill of sale is helpful but not the only document that matters. The title in your name is what the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety recognizes as proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the Georgia Department of Revenue form, or can I write my own bill of sale?

You can write your own. Georgia does not require a specific form. A handwritten or typed bill of sale on plain paper is valid as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. The Department of Revenue form is optional and straightforward makes the process easier.

What if the car has a loan on it and the seller still owes money?

The bill of sale should state that the car is being sold subject to an existing lien or loan. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan, and the buyer should understand that the title will not be clear until the loan is paid. This should be discussed and agreed to before the sale.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title transfer?

No. A bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. The title is the legal ownership document. In Georgia, the title transfer happens when the buyer registers the car with the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety and the title is signed over to them. The bill of sale supports that process but does not replace it.

Can I sell a car without a bill of sale in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia does not legally require one. However, it is strongly recommended because it protects both the seller and buyer by documenting the sale. Without it, the seller has no proof they no longer own the car, which can cause problems if the buyer has an accident or gets tickets.

Do I need to have the bill of sale notarized?

No, Georgia does not require notarization. A bill of sale with the signatures of both parties is valid without it. Notarization is optional and adds extra verification, but it is not necessary for the document to be legally recognized.