Used Car Bill of Sale – Free Printable PDF Template

A Used Car Bill of Sale is a written record of a private vehicle transaction between a buyer and a seller. It documents important details about the vehicle and the agreement, including the buyer and seller’s information, VIN, mileage, purchase price, payment terms, sale date, and vehicle condition.

If you are buying or selling a pre-owned car privately, a completed bill of sale gives both parties a convenient record of what was agreed upon. It can also be useful when keeping transaction records or completing certain motor-vehicle procedures.

Important: A bill of sale does not automatically replace a vehicle title or complete the ownership-transfer process in every state. Title, registration, tax, odometer, and bill-of-sale requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Free Used Car Bill of Sale PDF

Use this free printable template to record the essential information involved in a private used-car sale.

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Before signing, the buyer and seller should check every entry, particularly the VIN, mileage, purchase price, and ownership documents.

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What Is a Used Car Bill of Sale?

A Used Car Bill of Sale is a document that records the terms of a vehicle sale between a buyer and seller. It normally identifies the parties and vehicle, states the agreed price and sale date, and records relevant payment and condition information.

It is best viewed as a transaction record. Depending on the state, additional documents—especially the vehicle title—may be necessary to transfer and register ownership.

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What Information Goes on a Used Car Bill of Sale?

A well-prepared form should provide enough information to identify the people, vehicle, and terms of the transaction.

Buyer Information

Record the buyer’s:

• Full legal name
• Street address
• City, state, and ZIP code
• Telephone number
• Email address

Seller Information

Record the seller’s:

• Full legal name
• Street address
• City, state, and ZIP code
• Telephone number
• Email address

Vehicle Information

Include as much identifying information as applicable:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Trim or body style
• Color
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Odometer reading
• License plate number
• State of registration

The VIN should be checked against the vehicle and ownership documents before the sale is completed.

Transaction Details

Clearly record:

• Date of sale
• Agreed purchase price
• Deposit, if applicable
• Remaining balance
• Payment method
• Payment schedule, if applicable
• Additional conditions

Vehicle Condition

The form can also record known information about:

• Mechanical problems
• Existing damage
• Accident history disclosed by the seller
• Known defects
• Modifications
• Warranty terms
• Other relevant disclosures

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Used Car Bill of Sale Template

1. Seller Information

Full Name: __________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City/State/ZIP: ______________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

2. Buyer Information

Full Name: __________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City/State/ZIP: ______________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

3. Vehicle Identification

Year: _______________________________________________

Make: ______________________________________________

Model: _____________________________________________

Trim/Body Style: _____________________________________

Color: ______________________________________________

VIN: ________________________________________________

Odometer Reading: __________________________________

License Plate Number: _______________________________

Registration State: __________________________________

4. Purchase Information

Date of Sale: ________________________________________

Total Purchase Price: $_______________________________

Deposit Paid: $_______________________________________

Balance Due: $_______________________________________

Payment Method: ____________________________________

Additional Payment Terms:

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5. Vehicle Condition and Disclosures

The buyer has had an opportunity to inspect the vehicle and ask questions about its condition.

Known defects, damage, mechanical issues, or other disclosures:

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6. Sale Terms

The vehicle is being sold under the following conditions:

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If the vehicle is being sold “as-is,” the parties should state the intended terms clearly and ensure that the provision complies with applicable law.

7. Title and Other Documents

The seller agrees to provide the documents required for the transaction, subject to applicable state requirements.

Documents Provided:

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8. Signatures

Seller Signature: _____________________________________

Printed Name: ________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________

Buyer Signature: ______________________________________

Printed Name: ________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________

Witness/Notary, if applicable: _________________________

Date: _______________________________________________

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Printable Used Car Bill of Sale

A printable Used Car Bill of Sale gives private buyers and sellers a simple way to put their vehicle transaction in writing.

The form can be printed and completed by hand or, where appropriate, filled out electronically before printing and signing.

A typical printable form provides space for:

• Buyer and seller details
• Vehicle identification
• VIN
• Odometer reading
• Sale price
• Payment terms
• Sale date
• Vehicle-condition disclosures
• Additional agreements
• Signatures

Both parties should review the completed document before signing and retain a copy afterward.

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Used Car As-Is Bill of Sale

An as-is Used Car Bill of Sale records a transaction in which the vehicle is sold according to the conditions stated in the agreement, rather than with a broad promise that the seller will correct future problems.

An as-is statement should be used carefully. It does not necessarily eliminate every legal responsibility, disclosure requirement, or consumer protection that may apply.

Before purchasing an as-is vehicle, the buyer should consider:

• Inspecting the car personally
• Arranging an independent mechanical inspection
• Checking the VIN
• Reviewing available vehicle-history information
• Examining maintenance records
• Asking about known defects
• Confirming the title status
• Checking for outstanding liens where applicable

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Sample Used Car Bill of Sale

A sample can help buyers and sellers understand what a completed document may look like.

For example, a private transaction could contain information such as:

Seller: Alex Johnson
Buyer: Daniel Miller
Vehicle: 2021 Honda Accord
VIN: [VIN]
Mileage: 48,250 miles
Sale Price: $21,000
Sale Date: [Date]

The final document should include the actual vehicle information, agreed terms, applicable disclosures, and signatures.

[View Sample Used Car Bill of Sale]

This example is for illustration. The requirements for an actual transaction depend on the applicable jurisdiction.

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How to Fill Out a Used Car Bill of Sale

Completing the form carefully helps prevent mistakes in the transaction record.

1. Enter the Seller’s Details

Use the seller’s legal name and current contact information.

2. Enter the Buyer’s Details

Provide the buyer’s full name and contact information.

3. Identify the Vehicle

Enter the VIN, year, make, model, color, mileage, and other identifying information.

4. Record the Purchase Price

State the exact agreed amount. If a deposit or balance is involved, record those amounts separately.

5. Describe the Payment Arrangement

State how the buyer is paying and include any installment or deferred-payment terms.

6. Record Known Vehicle Issues

Document material information about the vehicle’s condition that is relevant to the transaction.

7. Check the Title

The seller and buyer should verify that the title and other ownership documents are properly completed according to local requirements.

8. Complete Any Required Odometer Disclosure

If a separate odometer statement or disclosure is required, complete it as instructed by the relevant motor vehicle authority.

9. Sign and Date the Form

Both parties should review the completed document and sign it.

10. Keep Copies

The buyer and seller should each retain a signed copy together with their other transaction records.

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Bill of Sale vs. Car Title: What’s the Difference?

A bill of sale and a vehicle title are not the same document.

A bill of sale records the details of the transaction between the buyer and seller.

A vehicle title is an ownership document issued or recognized by the applicable motor vehicle authority.

Because the rules differ by state, a buyer should not assume that possession of a signed bill of sale alone is enough to establish or register ownership.

Before completing the transaction, check whether the jurisdiction requires:

• A signed vehicle title
• A bill of sale
• Odometer disclosure
• Lien-release documentation
• Registration paperwork
• Sales or use tax documentation
• Additional DMV forms

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Is a Bill of Sale Required When Selling a Used Car?

The answer depends on the state and the circumstances of the transaction.

Some jurisdictions require a bill of sale for particular vehicle transactions, while others may accept it as supporting documentation or make it optional.

Because requirements can change, buyers and sellers should check the current instructions from the appropriate DMV or motor vehicle agency.

Even when a bill of sale is not mandatory, having a written transaction record can still be useful.

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Does a Bill of Sale Transfer Ownership?

A bill of sale documents the agreement and transaction between the buyer and seller, but it should not automatically be treated as the document that transfers ownership in every jurisdiction.

The vehicle title and any required transfer paperwork may also need to be completed.

The buyer should make sure that all documents necessary for title and registration are properly transferred before considering the transaction complete.

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Is a Used Car Bill of Sale Legally Binding?

A signed bill of sale can serve as evidence of the terms agreed upon by the parties. However, its legal effect depends on the wording of the document, the circumstances of the transaction, and applicable law.

A bill of sale should contain accurate information and should not be used to conceal known problems or misrepresent the vehicle.

For complicated or high-value transactions, professional legal advice may be appropriate.

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Does a Used Car Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

Not every used-car transaction requires notarization.

Whether a notary is necessary depends on the applicable jurisdiction and the particular transaction. Some parties may choose notarization even when it is not mandatory.

Check the requirements of the relevant motor vehicle authority before signing.

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Odometer Information on a Used Car Bill of Sale

Mileage is an important part of a used-car transaction.

The bill of sale can record the odometer reading observed when the vehicle is sold. Depending on the vehicle and jurisdiction, a separate odometer disclosure may also be required.

The buyer and seller should make sure that the mileage information is accurate and that any required federal or state disclosure is completed.

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What Buyers Should Check Before Purchasing a Used Car

A bill of sale records the transaction, but buyers should carry out their own checks before handing over payment.

Buyer Checklist

• Confirm the seller’s identity.
• Compare the VIN on the car with the ownership documents.
• Review the vehicle title.
• Check the odometer reading.
• Inspect the vehicle carefully.
• Consider an independent mechanical inspection.
• Review available maintenance records.
• Check available vehicle-history information.
• Ask about previous damage and known defects.
• Check for outstanding liens where applicable.
• Confirm the agreed purchase price.
• Complete the required paperwork.
• Obtain the necessary title and ownership documents.
• Keep a signed copy of the bill of sale.

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What Sellers Should Do After Selling a Used Car

The seller should also protect their records and follow the applicable state requirements.

Seller Checklist

• Confirm the buyer’s information.
• Verify the vehicle’s VIN and identifying details.
• Record the correct odometer reading.
• State the final purchase price.
• Document the payment method.
• Record relevant vehicle disclosures.
• Complete the required title paperwork.
• Provide applicable ownership documents.
• Sign the bill of sale.
• Give the buyer the required paperwork.
• Keep a signed copy for personal records.
• Notify the relevant motor vehicle authority when required.
• Follow applicable insurance and registration procedures.

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What Should a Buyer Receive When Purchasing a Used Car?

The exact paperwork varies by state, but a private buyer may need some combination of:

• Vehicle title
• Bill of sale
• Odometer disclosure
• Lien-release documentation, if applicable
• Registration documents
• Temporary permit, if applicable
• Other state-specific forms

The buyer should check the requirements before completing the transaction rather than assuming that the same paperwork applies everywhere.

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Can a Bill of Sale Be Used for a Car Sold “As-Is”?

A bill of sale can include language describing an as-is transaction when appropriate.

However, the wording should accurately reflect the agreement and comply with applicable law.

An as-is statement should not be treated as a substitute for honest disclosure. Buyers should have an opportunity to inspect the vehicle and should understand the condition in which they are purchasing it.

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Used Car Bill of Sale for Private Sales

A private-party vehicle sale is different from purchasing a vehicle from a dealership.

In a private transaction, the buyer and seller are responsible for making sure the vehicle information, payment terms, title paperwork, and other required documents are handled correctly.

A written bill of sale can help organize the transaction by recording the important details in one document.

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Legal Considerations

Vehicle transactions are governed by state and local requirements that can differ considerably.

Depending on the location and circumstances, requirements may involve:

• Vehicle title transfer
• Registration
• Sales or use tax
• Odometer reporting
• License plates
• Lien releases
• Insurance
• Seller notification
• Temporary permits
• Notarization

This template is intended for general informational and record-keeping purposes. It is not legal advice and may not contain every form or requirement applicable to a particular transaction.

For a high-value vehicle, financed transaction, disputed sale, unusual warranty, or other complicated situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Used Car Bill of Sale?

A Used Car Bill of Sale is a written record of a private sale involving a pre-owned vehicle. It typically identifies the buyer, seller, vehicle, purchase price, date, and agreed transaction terms.

What details should a Used Car Bill of Sale contain?

Common details include the buyer and seller’s names and contact information, vehicle year, make, model, VIN, mileage, sale price, payment terms, sale date, vehicle disclosures, and signatures.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. A bill of sale records the transaction, while a vehicle title is an ownership document. The exact requirements for transferring ownership depend on the applicable state or jurisdiction.

Do I need a bill of sale to sell my car?

It depends on where the vehicle is being sold and the circumstances of the transaction. Some jurisdictions require one for certain transactions, while others may not.

Can I print and use this template?

The template can be used as a general starting point for documenting a private used-car transaction. Before using it, check whether your state requires additional forms or specific wording.

Should the VIN be included?

Yes. Including the VIN helps identify the exact vehicle involved in the transaction and reduces the possibility of confusion.

Should mileage be recorded?

Yes. Recording the odometer reading creates a useful transaction record, and a separate odometer disclosure may be required depending on the vehicle and jurisdiction.

Does the buyer keep the original bill of sale?

Both parties should retain a signed copy. Whether an original document is required for registration or another procedure depends on local rules.

Does the bill of sale need a witness?

A witness is not universally required. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and transaction.

Can I add my own terms?

Yes. Additional terms can be added when they accurately reflect the agreement and do not conflict with applicable law.

Can I sell a used car as-is?

An as-is sale may be permitted, but the legal effect varies. Known issues and legally required disclosures should still be handled appropriately.

Can a bill of sale replace the vehicle title?

A bill of sale should not automatically be considered a substitute for the title. Buyers should follow the applicable title-transfer and registration requirements.

Download a Free Used Car Bill of Sale

A written transaction record can make a private vehicle sale easier to document and organize.

Use our free Used Car Bill of Sale PDF to record the buyer, seller, vehicle, VIN, mileage, purchase price, payment information, sale date, condition disclosures, and signatures.

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Before signing, verify every detail and check the current requirements of the applicable DMV or motor vehicle authority for title, registration, taxes, mileage disclosures, and other paperwork.