How to Obtain a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is a legal document that records a transfer of a vehicle or another property between two parties. A U.S. bill of sale form typically contains important details about the transaction made between the seller and the buyer, such as vehicle information (description, year and make and more), personal information about the seller and purchaser, the final sale price, as well as the county or location where the transaction was made, among other information.
While some U.S. states may not require residents to provide a DMV bill of sale as part of a vehicle title transfer procedure, residents in other states, such as Florida, may need to file such form for the purposes of finalizing the process of transferring a title. Regardless of whether you are obliged to file a bill of sale or not, it is important to remember that this document is an essential addition to your vehicle paperwork, as it may prove invaluable for future transactions or official purposes, such as vehicle registration.
Should you wish to learn more about the importance of obtaining a bill of sale document, and how to fill out a bill of sale form, read the applicable sections below:
- When to use a bill of sale.
- Who needs a bill of sale.
- How to complete a bill of sale form.
When to Use a Bill of Sale
Obtaining a reliable U.S. bill of sale receipt is a step that should not be avoided by residents selling or buying a used motor vehicle, as this document includes essential details about the transfer. A vehicle bill of sale is generally necessary when selling a motor vehicle privately to another party for the purposes of protecting both sides in the purchase.
Due to the fact that this certificate contains information such as the selling price, personal details about the buyer and the person selling the car, it can protect both parties from later disagreements. In addition to this, a bill of sale form may also be necessary to complete the processes of title transfer and auto registration with state motor vehicle agencies.
Since some U.S. states require their residents to provide a used car bill of sale along with other required application forms to title and register a motor vehicle, consider contacting a local DMV office to check whether this applies to your situation.
Who Needs a Bill of Sale
Having a DMV bill of sale on hand may prove to be invaluable for both ends of a transaction. For the seller, for instance, a reliable bill of sale document is usually necessary for his or her own records. By providing a completed vehicle bill of sale, the seller proves that he or she does not own the motor vehicle in question, thus avoiding any liability for the operation of the car upon the sale. Therefore, it is highly recommended for sellers to keep a notarized copy of these certificates in order to avoid any future inconvenience.
Buyers, on the other hand, may be obliged to submit a valid bill of sale form in order to finalize the title transfer and register their newly purchased vehicle. Even if this is not the case, purchasers may still consider obtaining this document, as the details listed on the form, including the vehicle identification number or purchase price, may contribute to the facilitation of future vehicle-related legal procedures.
How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form
Though some U.S. states may have specific requirements about what to include in а bill of sale copy, most certificates of sale require details that pertain to the seller and purchaser, as well as the vehicle in question. When completing a bill of sale form, you will generally need to include the following information:
- A motor vehicle description (year and make, vehicle identification number and more).
- Personal information about the seller, including name(s) and address.
- Personal details about the buyer.
- The seller’s and buyer’s signatures.
- Date of sale and selling price.
Note: When completing a Florida blank bill of sale, you will also be obliged to provide the odometer disclosure statement in addition to the aforementioned information. Failure to do so may lead to severe penalties, including steep fines and/or a jail sentence.
Specific U.S. states, such as Florida, California and Connecticut offer a printable bill of sale form through their motor vehicle agencies. To obtain a bill of sale template (if necessary), visit the official website of your state motor vehicle agency or contact a nearby DMV location for further details.