How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car

If your state doesn’t provide a bill of sale, you can write one with key information about the vehicle and sale.

Philip is an automotive expert who writes a syndicated column for NerdWallet. He has appeared on national TV and radio and once wore a hidden camera for ABC News to show how to haggle for a used car. His passion is helping people save money in their automotive budgets.

Samantha Allen leads the insurance team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was the digital managing editor for the publications Financial Planning and On Wall Street. She attended Northwestern University's certified financial planner program and has been covering personal finance and wealth management for more than 10 years. She is based in Chicago.

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

A bill of sale is a document that verifies you’ve sold your car and provides basic information about the vehicle and the terms of the sale. Not all states require them, but it’s a good idea to create one — it can prevent misunderstandings between you and the buyer.

If you're ready to sell your car , find out if your state provides a bill of sale form. If not, you can write your own with the information provided below.

Compare auto loans

Finding your state’s bill of sale form

Your state’s motor vehicle department website might have a bill of sale form you can download and fill in. You can also search online for the following: “automobile bill of sale [name of state].” Carefully scan the results and select one that comes from your state’s motor vehicle department. The website will probably end in “.gov.”

For example, the web address for California's Department of Motor Vehicles is www.dmv.ca.gov and it provides a bill of sale that you can download.

While you’re on the department’s site, check your state’s bill of sale requirements. A few states require that the bill of sale is notarized (stamped by a notary public as additional legal proof of its accuracy).

Writing a bill of sale for a car

Even if your state doesn’t offer a downloadable vehicle bill of sale form, you might be able to find a free template online — or you can easily write one yourself.

A bill of sale for a car should include:

1. The date of the sale.

2. A description of the car, including its:

3. The selling price of the car. If the car is a gift or partial gift, you should still create a bill of sale. Indicate that the car is a gift or a partial gift and state the reduced price, if any money changed hands.

4. Warranty information. Most private party sales are assumed to be “as is,” meaning that there's no warranty. But if you have a different agreement, put it in the bill of sale.

5. The full names, addresses and signatures of the buyer and seller. Above the signature there's language stating that the information is accurate. Generally, it reads something like this: “I declare under penalty of perjury that the statements herein contained are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.”

Once you complete the document or fill in the blanks, the buyer and seller should each receive a copy.

You’re following Philip Reed
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.

Philip Reed is an automotive expert who writes a syndicated column for NerdWallet that has been carried by USA Today, Yahoo Finance and others. He is the author of 10 books. See full bio.

On a similar note.

NerdWallet’s Guide to Buying a Car

How and Why to Get a Preapproved Car Loan

Car loan preapproval puts you in a stronger negotiating position and helps you get the best interest rate possible.

Auto Loan Calculator

Our free car loan calculator generates a monthly payment amount and total loan cost based on vehicle price, interest rate, down payment, sales tax, fees and more.

Download the app

Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly.

NerdUp by NerdWallet credit card: NerdWallet is not a bank. Bank services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC. The NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Inc.

Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539

California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812

Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses

NerdWallet™ | 55 Hawthorne St. - 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105