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, or that someone sold a car to you. In Georgia, it is not legally required to complete a sale — the state does not mandate it — but you should create one anyway. A bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the price paid, the vehicle details, the date, and who owned it before the sale.
Without a bill of sale, you have no proof of when you transferred ownership or what condition the car was in at handoff. If the buyer later damages the car and a creditor or the state tries to hold you responsible, or if the buyer racks up parking tickets and the city sends you the bill, you will have no document showing you no longer owned it. The bill of sale is your receipt and your shield.
Georgia does not have an official state form for a bill of sale, but the state does recognize a bill of sale as proof of transfer. You can write one yourself, use a template, or have a notary public prepare one. Many people use the form provided by the Georgia Department of Revenue, though it is optional.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia does not require a bill of sale by law, but creating one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale price, vehicle details, and transfer date.
- A bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, sale price, buyer and seller names and addresses, and the date of sale.
- You do not need a notary to make a bill of sale valid in Georgia, but having one notarized adds an extra layer of proof if a dispute arises later.
- The seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records, and the buyer will need it when registering the vehicle with the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles.
What information to include on a Georgia bill of sale
A bill of sale should contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard or in the owner's manual. Include the make, model, year, and color of the car. Write down the exact sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)" — to avoid confusion later.
Add the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the seller and the buyer. Write the date of the sale. If the car has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale and include the lender's name. You can also describe the condition of the vehicle — "as-is" or note any known damage — though this is optional.
A straightforward bill of sale can be handwritten or typed. There is no required format, but keeping it clear and complete prevents misunderstandings. Both the seller and buyer should sign and date the document.
Whether to have the bill of sale notarized
Notarization is not required in Georgia, but it strengthens the document. A notary public is an official who witnesses your signature and verifies your identity. If you notarize the bill of sale, a notary will sign it and stamp it with their seal, creating a certified copy that courts and government agencies treat as more reliable proof.
Notarization costs between $5 and $15 per signature, depending on the notary. You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some government offices. If a dispute arises later — for example, the buyer claims they never received the car or the seller claims they were paid less — a notarized bill of sale carries more weight than an unnotarized one.
For most private sales between individuals, notarization is optional. If you are buying or selling a high-value vehicle or want extra protection, it is worth the small cost.
How the bill of sale connects to Georgia vehicle registration
When the buyer registers the car with the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), they will need to show proof of ownership. The bill of sale serves as that proof until the title is transferred. The buyer takes the bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over by the seller), and proof of insurance to the DMV to register the car in their name.
The seller should also keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records. If the DMV later contacts you about the vehicle — for unpaid taxes, parking tickets, or registration issues — you can show the bill of sale to prove you no longer owned it at the time the problem occurred.
Georgia law requires the seller to sign the back of the title and give it to the buyer. The bill of sale and the signed title work together: the title is the legal ownership document, and the bill of sale is the record of the transaction.
What to do if you are buying a used car from a private seller
Before you hand over money, ask the seller to write out a bill of sale with all the details listed above. Do not rely on a verbal agreement or a text message. If the seller refuses to provide one, that is a red flag — a legitimate seller has no reason to avoid documenting the sale.
Check the VIN on the bill of sale against the VIN on the car itself (found on the dashboard, driver's side) and on the title. Make sure they match. Inspect the car in person and note any damage on the bill of sale — for example, "dent on rear bumper, windshield crack" — so there is no dispute later about the condition you received it in.
Ask the seller whether the car has a lien. If it does, the lender must release it before you can register the car in your name. A bill of sale that notes an outstanding lien protects you by making clear that the seller is responsible for paying it off before transfer.
What to do if you are selling a used car privately
Write or type a bill of sale before the buyer hands you money. Include all the details: VIN, make, model, year, sale price, buyer and seller information, and the date. State whether the car is being sold "as-is" or describe any known issues. If there is a lien, write it down and confirm with your lender that they will release it once you pay them off.
Have both you and the buyer sign and date the bill of sale. Give the buyer a copy and keep one for yourself. Do not sign over the title until you have received full payment and the bill of sale is signed by both parties. Once you sign the title, you are transferring legal ownership, so make sure the sale is complete first.
After the sale, contact your insurance company to remove the car from your policy. Keep your copy of the bill of sale indefinitely — it is proof that you no longer owned the vehicle if any issues arise later.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" without a dollar amount. The price is part of the legal record and protects both parties. Do not skip the VIN or vehicle details — these confirm you are both talking about the same car. Do not forget to sign and date the document; an unsigned bill of sale is not proof of anything.
Do not assume the buyer will register the car right away. Some buyers wait weeks or months, and in the meantime you remain on record as the owner. Keep your copy of the bill of sale and follow up with your insurance company and the DMV to confirm the transfer is complete. If the buyer never registers the car and it gets towed or ticketed, you want proof that you sold it.
Do not notarize the bill of sale unless both the buyer and seller are present. A notary will not notarize a document you sign alone on behalf of someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale on a piece of notebook paper?
Yes. Georgia does not require a specific form or format. Handwritten or typed, on any paper, is legally valid as long as it includes the key details: VIN, vehicle description, sale price, buyer and seller names and addresses, date, and both signatures. Typed is clearer and easier to read, but handwritten works.
What if the seller will not give me a bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A seller who refuses to document the sale is a serious risk. You have no proof of what you paid, when you bought it, or what condition it was in. Walk away and find another car.
Do I need the bill of sale to get a Georgia title?
You need the signed title from the seller and proof of ownership, which the bill of sale provides. Take both to the DMV along with proof of insurance and identification. The bill of sale shows you bought it; the title shows the seller owned it.
How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?
Keep it as long as you own the car, and for several years after you sell it. If a dispute arises or the state contacts you about the vehicle, you need proof of when and to whom you transferred it. Many people keep bills of sale indefinitely.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title is the legal ownership document issued by the state. The bill of sale is a record of the transaction between buyer and seller. You need both: the title proves who owns it, and the bill of sale proves when and for how much it changed hands.