Where to find and print a free bill of sale template
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else or bought one from them. You can print one free from your state's DMV website, from legal document sites like LawDepot or Rocket Lawyer, or from general template sites like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The fastest route is usually your state DMV website — search "[your state] DMV bill of sale" and look for a downloadable PDF form.
Not every state publishes an official form, but most do. If your state doesn't have one on the DMV site, a generic template works just as well as long as it includes the required information for your state. Print it on regular paper, fill it out by hand or on your computer, and both the buyer and seller sign it in front of a witness or notary (depending on your state's rules).
Keep one copy for your records and give the other to the person you're buying from or selling to. You do not need to file it with the DMV in most states — it's a private record between you and the other party, though you may need to bring it when you register the car or transfer the title.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website usually has a free bill of sale form you can read and print, though some states do not publish an official one.
- A bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller.
- Witness or notary requirements vary by state — check your DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out what applies to you.
- You keep one signed copy for your records; the buyer keeps one, and you do not file it with the DMV unless your state specifically requires it.
What information to include on the bill of sale
Every bill of sale needs the same core details, whether you use an official state form or a generic template. Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the car, the sale price in dollars, and the date of the sale. Include the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and the seller.
Add a line for the odometer reading at the time of sale — this protects both parties and is required in many states. If the car is being sold "as is" with no warranty, say that clearly. If there are known problems with the car, list them. Note whether the seller is including the keys, title documents, or service records. The more detail you include, the less room there is for disagreement later.
Some states ask for the license plate number or the title number. Check your state's form or call your DMV to see if there are any fields specific to your state that you should not skip.
Signature and witness requirements by state
Most states require both the buyer and seller to sign the bill of sale, but the rules about witnesses and notaries differ. Some states ask for a witness signature, some require a notary public to watch both parties sign, and some require neither. A few states have no bill of sale requirement at all — they rely only on the title transfer document.
The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office and ask: "Do I need a witness or notary for a bill of sale?" If your state form does not say, assume a witness is a good idea even if it is not required. A witness is usually any adult who is not related to either party and who watches both people sign. A notary is a person licensed by your state to verify signatures; you can find one at banks, UPS stores, or online notary services.
If you are buying or selling across state lines, follow the rules of the state where the car is being registered, not where the sale happens.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print the form on regular white paper. You can fill it out by hand with a pen or type it on your computer before printing. Write clearly and use black or blue ink if you are writing by hand. Do not use pencil, and do not leave blank lines — if a field does not explore, write "N/A" or draw a line through it.
Both the buyer and seller should sign and print their names on the form. Sign in blue ink if possible — it shows the document is an original and not a photocopy. If a witness is required or recommended, have them sign and print their name as well. If a notary is required, take the unsigned form to a notary, and they will watch you both sign and add their seal and signature.
Make at least two copies — one for the buyer, one for the seller. If you are financing the car through a bank or lender, they may ask for a copy too. Keep your copy in a safe place with your other car documents.
When you need a bill of sale and when you don't
You need a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a car privately — that is, between two people rather than through a dealer. It protects both of you by creating a written record of the sale price, the condition of the car, and who owned it on what date. If there is ever a dispute about the sale, the bill of sale is your proof.
If you are buying from or selling to a licensed car dealer, they will usually provide their own bill of sale or sales contract. You do not need to create one yourself in that case. If you are trading in a car at a dealership, the dealer handles the paperwork.
Some states do not require a bill of sale at all — they use only the title transfer form. However, having one is still a good idea because it documents the sale price and condition of the car, which can matter for taxes, insurance, or disputes.
How to use the bill of sale when registering the car
When you register the car in your name at the DMV, bring the signed bill of sale along with the title, your ID, and proof of insurance. The DMV will not file the bill of sale, but they may ask to see it to confirm the sale happened and to record the new owner. Some states ask you to bring it; others do not. Call your local DMV office before you go to find out what documents you need.
If you are the seller, keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for your records. It shows you no longer own the car and when you sold it. This matters for taxes and for your own protection if something happens to the car after the sale.
If you are the buyer, the bill of sale plus the signed title are your proof that you own the car. Do not lose either one. Some states ask you to bring the bill of sale when you explore for a new title in your name.
Free template sources and how to choose one
Start with your state DMV website — it is free, it is official, and it includes only the fields your state requires. Search "[your state] bill of sale" or "[your state] DMV forms" and look for a PDF you can read. If your state does not have one, try these free sources: Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have bill of sale templates you can search for and read. LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer, and Nolo offer free templates as well, though they may ask for your email.
Generic templates work fine as long as they include the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. Avoid templates that ask you to pay or that seem to require you to sign up for a service — you do not need to pay for a bill of sale. If a template is confusing or does not match your state's rules, go back to your state DMV website or call your local office for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale by hand instead of printing a template?
Yes. Write it on plain paper with a pen, include all the required information (VIN, sale price, date, buyer and seller names and signatures), and it is legally valid in most states. A printed template is clearer and looks more official, but handwritten is fine as long as both parties sign it.
What if the buyer or seller is not available to sign in person?
Some states allow electronic signatures or notarized signatures, but rules vary. Contact your state DMV or a notary public to ask whether a remote signature is allowed. In most cases, both parties should sign in front of a witness or notary to avoid questions later.
Do I need to file the bill of sale with the DMV?
No, not in most states. The bill of sale is a private record between the buyer and seller. You keep your copy for your records. However, bring it with you when you register the car or transfer the title, because the DMV may ask to see it.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I sold the car?
If you are the seller and you have already transferred the title, you have already proved you sold the car. If you need another copy, ask the buyer for theirs. If you cannot get one, contact your state DMV — they may have a record of the title transfer, which serves the same purpose.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is a receipt that proves you bought or sold the car and for how much. A title is the legal document that proves who owns the car. You need both when you buy a car privately — the bill of sale shows the sale happened, and the title transfer shows the ownership changed.