Similarly, it shows that the previous owner effectively carried out the sale and is no longer liable. It confirms that the new owner paid for the vehicle and has rights over it. While not needed in some states, it is a good idea to fill out a bill of sale to prove the purchase happened.

If the state requires a bill of sale for registration, then the buyer and seller must complete the document (unless stated otherwise). State laws determine whether or not owners need a bill of sale to sell their car. In other words, they cannot handwrite or utilize a generic copy of the document. Keep in mind that certain states have a specific form that residents must use. Where to Get a Car Bill of Sale?ĭownload and electronically fill or print a vehicle bill of sale to complete it. Reference the lists below to determine whether or not to use a car bill of sale form.Ī bill of sale IS required to register a car in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.Ī bill of sale IS NOT required to register a car in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Some states require a signed bill of sale to register a vehicle however, having this form is always recommended, regardless of requirements. Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Car? The list below contains commonly asked questions along with answers. Instead, they need to create a new document. Buyers and sellers cannot make edits to the bill of sale once signed. If the form contains errors, the DMV can reject the application or determine it valueless. Since the document holds power in the eyes of the state, both parties must ensure they complete it with accuracy, sign it, and have it notarized as needed. It also verifies that the seller no longer has liability for the vehicle, and, as a result, the buyer cannot make legal claims after the sale. State Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices often require the form as proof of ownership for registration purposes. A car bill of sale lawfully transfers the possession of a car from an owner to a purchaser.

Simple bill of sale for car as is