Vehicle Bill of Sale

Selling or buying a motor vehicle from a private person is usually not as simple as handing over legal tender in exchange for the item. In most states, owning a motor vehicle has specific prerequisites, and the purchase of motor vehicles needs to be recorded with appropriate documentation to be valid.

That's where a Vehicle Bill of Sale comes in. It records the transfer of ownership and allows the purchaser to register the vehicle in their name with their local DMV. When purchasing a motor vehicle from a dealer, the dealer provides a Vehicle Bill of Sale as part of the transaction.

What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A Vehicle Bill of Sale is a legal document proving a seller sold a car to a buyer, and both parties agreed to the terms of the sale. Some states provide a state-specific Vehicle Bill of Sale, but the seller drafts their own in most cases. Typically, a seller prepares a Vehicle Bill of Sale. It is a legally binding contract and typically executed after the money has changed hands. It gives buyers little recourse to back out of the agreement.

A Vehicle Bill of Sale acts as a receipt in a motor vehicle purchase. The seller uses it to prove they sold the vehicle under specific conditions. The buyer uses it to prove they made full payment in exchange for the vehicle's ownership under the accepted conditions.

A Vehicle Bill of Sale's contents vary based on your local requirements, but a few essential elements are always present.

Other Names for Vehicle Bill of Sale

Depending on your state, a Vehicle Bill of Sale may also be known as:

• Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

• Vehicle Proof of Purchase

• Motor Vehicle As-Is Bill of Sale

• Vehicle Proof of Sale

• Proof of Payment for Motor Vehicle

Who Needs a Vehicle Bill of Sale

In most cases, the person selling a vehicle initiates a Vehicle Bill of Sale with the sale terms. However, anyone purchasing or selling a motor vehicle should insist on using a Vehicle Bill of Sale to document the transaction.

Using a Vehicle Bill of Sale is often necessary (and recommended) even when selling a motor vehicle to friends or relatives. Proving ownership of the vehicle is part of the registration process regardless of who the previous owner was or their relationship to the buyer.

Additionally, some states require the use of a Vehicle Bill of Sale even when the motor vehicle is a gift. If applicable, states use it to calculate the buyer's sales tax during the title transfer.

Why Use Swyft Forms for Your Vehicle Bill of Sale

Customized for you, by you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Vehicle Bill of Sale.

Specific to Your Jurisdiction

Laws vary by location. Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.

How to Create a Vehicle Bill of Sale with Swyft Forms

A Vehicle Bill of Sale requires several vital elements to be valid and enforceable. It is crucial to use a reliable and proven form generator. With Swyft Forms, all you need to do is provide some necessary information about the vehicle sale and the parties involved, and we'll make sure your agreement is worded correctly for your jurisdiction.

Let Swyft Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Vehicle Bill of Sale

To create your document, please provide:

• Purchaser: The full name and address of the person buying the motor vehicle

• Seller: The full name and address of the person selling the motor vehicle

• Date: The date when the transaction is executed

• Payment Method: The method by which the purchaser compensates the seller

• Description of Vehicle: The year, make, model, VIN, and other relevant information about the vehicle being sold

• Consideration: The amount of money or further compensation given in exchange for the transfer of ownership

• Odometer: The odometer reading of the vehicle when the Vehicle Bill of Sale is executed

• Terms and Conditions: Any additional terms and conditions specific to the vehicle needed to be added, such as an "As Is" statement

Vehicle Bill of Sale Terms

• Encumbrances: Claims against the vehicle by any party that may prevent the transfer of ownership

• Governing Law: The state's laws controlling and authorizing the Vehicle Bill of Sale

• Merchantability: An item's condition that's acceptable under normal circumstances

• Promissory Note: A section of the Vehicle Bill of Sale in some states containing a written obligation to pay a stated sum to a person upon demand

Vehicle Bill of Sale Signing Requirements

To be legally enforceable, a Vehicle Bill of Sale must be signed by the purchaser and seller. If the signatures are notarized and witnesses are used to validate the signatures, the notary public and witnesses' signatures are also required.

What to Do with Your Vehicle Bill of Sale

Once executed, the purchaser and seller should keep a signed copy of the Vehicle Bill of Sale for their records. As a buyer, you may need the Vehicle Bill of Sale to transfer the title in your name.

A Vehicle Bill of Sale does not need to be filed with any local or state records office since it is a private contract. However, a Vehicle Bill of Sale is required to register a motor vehicle in most states. In those cases, a copy will be needed for the DMV for the registration process.