You can get a bill of sale from your state's DMV website, a blank template from a legal document site, or by writing one yourself using your state's required format

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else or bought one from them. It shows the date, the vehicle details, the price, and signatures from both the buyer and seller. You do not need to buy one from a lawyer or a special service — most states provide free templates, and you can create one yourself if you follow your state's rules.

The fastest route depends on whether you need the document right now or have time to order it. If you are selling or buying today, a DIY version using your state's format works when ready. If you want a pre-printed form, your state DMV website usually has a PDF you can print at home, or you can order a pad of blank forms from an office supply store.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website publishes a free bill of sale form that meets your state's legal requirements — start there before looking elsewhere.
  • You can write your own bill of sale by hand or on a computer as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both parties.
  • Office supply stores and online legal document sites sell blank bill of sale pads, but these are optional — the free state form or a handwritten version works just as well.
  • Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized; check your state DMV website to see whether yours does before you sign.
  • Keep a copy for your records even after you hand the original to the other party, because you may need it for insurance, taxes, or title transfer later.

Getting the form from your state DMV

Every state DMV publishes a bill of sale form on its website, usually in the section for sellers or for title transfer. Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale" and you will land on the official form. read it, print it, and fill it out by hand or on your computer. This is the safest route because the form is already written to meet your state's rules.

Some states call it a "bill of sale," others call it a "sales agreement" or "vehicle sales form." The name varies, but the purpose is the same. If you cannot find it on the first search, go to your state DMV's main website and look for a section labeled "Forms" or "Selling a Vehicle" — the link is usually there.

Print two copies: one for you and one for the buyer or seller. Both of you sign both copies so each party has a signed original. This matters because if a dispute comes up later, you both have proof of what was agreed to.

Writing your own bill of sale

If you do not have time to print the state form, you can write a bill of sale yourself on plain paper or type one on your computer. It does not have to be fancy or use legal language. It just has to include the facts: who sold the car, who bought it, when, what car (with the VIN), and for how much.

Here is what must be on the page: the date of the sale, the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, the vehicle year and make and model, the VIN (the 17-character number on the dashboard or title), the odometer reading, the sale price, and signatures from both the seller and the buyer. Some states also require the title number or license plate number. Check your state DMV website to see if there are any other fields your state requires.

Write it out, print two copies, and both of you sign both copies in pen. A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in all 50 states as long as it has the basic information and both signatures. You do not need a notary unless your state specifically requires one — check the DMV website to be sure.

Buying blank forms from office supply stores

Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot sell pads of blank bill of sale forms, usually in the legal forms section near the notary supplies. These are generic forms that work in most states, though they may not include every field your state requires. They cost between $5 and $15 for a pad of 50 forms.

The advantage is that you have a pre-printed form with lines already drawn, which looks more official and is easier to fill out neatly. The disadvantage is that a generic form may not match your state's exact requirements, and you have to buy a whole pad even if you only need one.

If you go this route, compare the blank form to your state's official form before you use it. Make sure all the required fields are there. If your state requires something the blank form does not have, add it by hand.

Using online legal document services

Websites like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Nolo offer bill of sale forms that you can read and print. These services usually charge $10 to $30 for a single form, though some offer free templates. The forms are state-specific and include all the fields your state requires.

The trade-off is cost versus convenience. You pay more than you would for a blank pad from an office supply store, but you get a form tailored to your state without having to search the DMV website. If you are not comfortable writing your own and your state DMV form is hard to find, this is a reasonable option.

Read the fine print before you buy. Some services offer a free template but charge for a "reviewed" version or for customer support. If you just need the form itself, the free version is usually enough.

Whether your state requires notarization

Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized — meaning a notary public watches you sign it and stamps it with their seal. Other states do not require it at all. A few states require notarization only if the sale price is above a certain amount, or only for certain types of vehicles.

Check your state DMV website or call the DMV directly to find out whether notarization is required. If it is, you will need to sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public. Notaries work at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some libraries. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per signature.

If notarization is not required in your state, you do not need to get one — a regular signature is enough. However, getting it notarized anyway does not hurt and may be useful if there is ever a dispute about whether the signature is genuine.

What to do after you sign

Once both parties have signed, keep a copy for yourself. Do not throw it away after the sale closes. You may need it later for your insurance company, for your tax records, or if there is a dispute about the sale price or the condition of the car.

If you are the buyer, keep your copy until you receive the title in your name. If you are the seller, keep your copy for at least three years in case the buyer has problems with the car and tries to claim you misrepresented it. Some states also require you to submit a copy to the DMV as part of the title transfer process, so check your state's rules.

The bill of sale is not the same as the title. The title is the legal proof of ownership and is issued by the state. The bill of sale is just a record of the transaction. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

A bill of sale from another state may not meet your state's requirements. Each state has different rules about what must be included. Use your own state's form or write one that includes all the fields your state DMV requires. If you use an out-of-state form, the DMV may reject it during title transfer.

What if the buyer or seller will not sign?

If one party refuses to sign, you cannot force them to. However, without a signed bill of sale, you have no proof of the sale. If you are the seller, the buyer could later claim they never bought the car. If you are the buyer, the seller could claim they never sold it. Do not hand over money or the car until both parties have signed.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my car at a dealership?

No. Dealerships handle the paperwork themselves and do not use a bill of sale. They will give you a receipt and handle the title transfer with the state. A bill of sale is only needed for private sales between individuals.

Can I write a bill of sale on my phone or tablet?

Yes, as long as you print it out and both parties sign it in pen. A bill of sale must be a physical document with real signatures — an electronic signature or a photo of a signature on a phone screen is not legally valid in most states. Type it if you want, but print it and sign it on paper.

What if I lost my copy of the bill of sale after the sale?

If you kept a copy with the other party, ask them for another copy. If neither of you has it anymore, you can recreate one from memory as long as you remember the date, price, and vehicle details. However, it will not have the original signatures, so it is weaker proof. This is why keeping a copy is important.