A Georgia bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) both sign to document the transfer of a vehicle

Georgia does not require a bill of sale by law, but the state's Department of Revenue recommends one because it protects both parties. The bill of sale serves as proof of the sale price, the vehicle's condition at handoff, and who owned it on a specific date. If a dispute arises later—about the sale price, mechanical condition, or ownership—a signed bill of sale is your evidence.

You can create a bill of sale using a form from the Georgia Department of Revenue, a template from a title service, or a document you write yourself. What matters is that both parties sign it, date it, and keep a copy. The bill of sale does not transfer the title itself; the title transfer happens separately through the Georgia Department of Revenue when the new owner registers the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale, but having one signed by both parties protects you if questions arise about the sale price or vehicle condition later.
  • The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, odometer reading, the date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
  • The Georgia Department of Revenue provides a free bill of sale form (Form T-7) that you can print and use, or you can write your own as long as both parties sign it.
  • A bill of sale is separate from the title transfer; you will still need to complete the title paperwork with the Georgia Department of Revenue for the new owner to register the vehicle.

What Information to Include on a Georgia Bill of Sale

A bill of sale should contain enough detail that someone reading it months or years later would know exactly which vehicle was sold, for how much, and in what condition. Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and color. Include the odometer reading on the date of sale—this is important because it documents the mileage at the time of transfer and can protect the buyer if mechanical problems surface later.

Write the sale price in both numbers and words to prevent disputes. For example: "$5,500 (five thousand five hundred dollars)." Add the date of the sale, the names and addresses of both the seller and buyer, and the signatures of both parties. If the vehicle has a lien (money still owed to a lender), note that on the bill of sale as well. Some sellers also note the vehicle's condition—whether it is sold "as-is" or with any warranties—to avoid confusion later.

Using the Georgia Department of Revenue Form

The Georgia Department of Revenue publishes Form T-7, a free bill of sale template designed for Georgia vehicle sales. You can read it from the Georgia DOR website or pick up a copy at any county tax assessor's office. The form has blank lines for the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, buyer and seller information, and signatures.

Fill in the form by hand or on a computer, print it, and have both parties sign and date it in front of each other if possible. Each party should keep a copy. The form is straightforward and covers all the information Georgia recognizes as standard for a vehicle sale, so using it reduces the chance of missing something important.

Writing Your Own Bill of Sale

If you do not use the Georgia DOR form, you can write a bill of sale yourself. It does not need to be fancy or use legal language. A straightforward document that includes the vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties is valid. You might start with something like: "I, [seller name], sold my vehicle to [buyer name] on [date] for [price]," then add the VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading.

The key is that both parties understand what they are signing and that the document is clear enough to stand up if there is ever a question about the sale. Avoid vague language like "good condition" or "as discussed"—be specific. If the vehicle has known problems, write them down. If the sale includes any conditions (like the buyer picking up the vehicle on a certain date), include those too.

When to Sign the Bill of Sale

Sign the bill of sale at the time of the sale, ideally in front of a witness or notary public. If you are the seller, signing it means you are confirming that you owned the vehicle on that date, that you received the stated price, and that you are transferring ownership. If you are the buyer, signing it means you received the vehicle in the condition described and that you paid the price listed.

Signing in front of a witness or having the document notarized is not required in Georgia, but it adds a layer of protection. A notary public can verify that both parties signed willingly and that their signatures match their identification. This is especially useful if the sale involves a large amount of money or if either party is concerned about later disputes.

Bill of Sale and Title Transfer Are Separate Steps

The bill of sale documents the sale between you and the other party, but it does not transfer the vehicle's title. The title is the legal document that proves ownership, and it is held by the Georgia Department of Revenue. To transfer the title, the new owner must submit the current title, a completed process for title (Form T-4), proof of insurance, and the required fee to the Georgia DOR or a county tax assessor's office.

The bill of sale is often required as supporting documentation during the title transfer process, especially if there are questions about the sale or if the title has been lost. Keep your copy of the bill of sale in a safe place. The new owner will need to show it when they register the vehicle, and you may need it if there is ever a question about when you sold the vehicle or what condition it was in.

Protecting Yourself as a Seller

As a seller, a bill of sale protects you by creating a record that you no longer own the vehicle on the date you signed it. This matters if the new owner gets into an accident, racks up parking tickets, or fails to register the vehicle. With a signed bill of sale, you have proof that ownership transferred on a specific date.

Before you hand over the keys, make sure the buyer has signed the bill of sale and that you have a copy. Do not accept a personal check unless you are willing to wait for it to clear before releasing the vehicle. If the buyer is financing the purchase through a lender, the lender will usually handle the title paperwork, but you should still have a signed bill of sale for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notarize a Georgia bill of sale?

No, notarization is not required in Georgia. A bill of sale is valid as long as both the seller and buyer sign and date it. However, having it notarized adds extra proof that both parties signed willingly and can be useful if a dispute arises later.

What if I lost the bill of sale after I sold the vehicle?

If you are the seller and lost your copy, ask the buyer for a copy or contact the Georgia Department of Revenue to request a record of the title transfer. If you are the buyer and lost your copy, you can request a duplicate title from the Georgia DOR, which will show the sale date and price.

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

Yes, Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale. However, selling without one leaves both parties without written proof of the transaction, which can cause problems if questions arise about the sale price, condition, or ownership date later.

Should I include the sale price on the bill of sale?

Yes, include the sale price. The Georgia Department of Revenue uses the stated sale price to calculate sales tax for the new owner. If you leave the price blank or write an artificially low amount, the buyer may face tax issues when registering the vehicle.

What if the vehicle has a loan against it?

Note on the bill of sale that the vehicle has a lien and include the lender's name. The seller must pay off the loan before the title can be transferred to the buyer. The bill of sale should make clear that the sale is contingent on the lien being cleared.