Bill of Sale by State

Bill of sale requirements differ by state. This reference groups the main variations so you can see what your state expects before you fill in the form.

States that recommend or require notarization

A notarized bill of sale adds proof of the signing date and the identities of the parties. The states below commonly advise or require it for vehicle transfers.

• Florida
• Louisiana
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• Nebraska
• Ohio

Odometer disclosure

Federal and state rules require an accurate odometer reading when a vehicle is sold. States such as Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas build this into the title transfer paperwork.

Gift and as-is rules

A gift bill of sale shows a zero dollar consideration, while an as-is sale disclaims warranties. Both should state the condition clearly so a later buyer cannot claim hidden defects.

Per-state summary

Alabama

Alabama bills of sale are signed by the seller and need not be notarized. A Birmingham buyer keeps the signed copy with the title application. The form is the main proof of the sale date if the price is later disputed.

Alaska

Alaska does not require notarization, though a notarized copy strengthens ownership proof. An Anchorage seller lists the VIN and odometer for the title transfer. The document protects both sides if the amount is challenged.

Arizona

Arizona vehicle bills of sale should show the VIN and odometer reading. A Phoenix buyer files it with the title transfer at the MVD. Notarization is optional but useful for older cars.

Arkansas

Arkansas bills of sale are valid with both signatures and no notary. A Little Rock seller should note the paying price and any lien. The form helps the buyer register the vehicle cleanly.

California

California uses form REG 135 for vehicle bills of sale, signed by buyer and seller. A Los Angeles buyer submits it with the title to the DMV. A smog check usually accompanies the private sale.

Colorado

Colorado requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old. A Denver buyer keeps the bill of sale with the title packet. Notarization is not mandatory for the transfer.

Connecticut

Connecticut bills of sale should list the sale price for sales-tax purposes. A Hartford buyer attaches it to the registration paperwork. Notarization is optional at the hub.

Delaware

Delaware has no state sales tax, so the bill of sale mainly proves the transfer. A Wilmington seller records the VIN and mileage for the file. The buyer uses it at the DMV counter.

Florida

Florida recommends a notarized vehicle bill of sale and a title transfer within 30 days. A Miami buyer files it with the county tax collector. The form sets the official sale date.

Georgia

Georgia bills of sale should include the VIN for the title transfer. An Atlanta buyer submits it to the tag office promptly. Notarization is optional but tidy.

Hawaii

Hawaii vehicle bills of sale are filed with the county, not the state. A Honolulu buyer keeps it with the registration. Notarization is not required on the islands.

Idaho

Idaho bills of sale should show the odometer reading and both signatures. A Boise buyer uses it to title the car. The sale price supports the tax basis.

Illinois

Illinois does not require notarization, but both signatures should appear. A Chicago seller lists the VIN and mileage clearly. The buyer keeps it for the title transfer.

Indiana

Indiana bills of sale are valid with signatures, and a notary is optional. An Indianapolis buyer attaches it to the BMV packet. The form proves the ownership change.

Iowa

Iowa recommends a detailed bill of sale with the VIN for registration. A Des Moines buyer files it with the county. A notary is not required there.

Kansas

Kansas bills of sale should include the sale price and odometer reading. A Wichita buyer uses it at the tag office. Notarization is optional in the state.

Kentucky

Kentucky bills of sale are used for vehicle titling, and notarization is optional. A Louisville buyer keeps the signed form with the title. The VIN must be listed.

Louisiana

Louisiana follows civil-law tradition, so a notarized act is stronger for vehicles. A New Orleans buyer may still use a signed bill of sale. The form documents the transfer date.

Maine

Maine bills of sale should include the VIN and be signed by the seller. A Portland buyer files it with the title application. Notarization is not required up north.

Maryland

Maryland requires a bill of sale (form VR-181) for vehicle registration. A Baltimore buyer submits it to the MVA with the title. Notarization is not required.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts bills of sale should list the sale price for tax. A Boston buyer keeps the form with the title. A notary is optional in the commonwealth.

Michigan

Michigan bills of sale are used for vehicle transfers, and notarization is not mandatory. A Detroit buyer attaches it to the title packet. The VIN must appear.

Minnesota

Minnesota bills of sale should show the odometer reading and both signatures. A Minneapolis buyer uses it at the DVS. Notarization is optional in the state.

Mississippi

Mississippi bills of sale are valid with signatures, and a notary is optional. A Jackson buyer files it with the title transfer. The form proves the sale price.

Missouri

Missouri bills of sale should include the VIN for vehicle titling. A St. Louis buyer submits it to the DMV. Notarization is not required there.

Montana

Montana has no county sales tax, so the bill of sale documents the private transfer. A Billings buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is optional.

Nebraska

Nebraska bills of sale should include the odometer disclosure for vehicles. An Omaha buyer uses it at the DMV. Both signatures should appear.

Nevada

Nevada requires a bill of sale for vehicle registration, and notarization is optional. A Reno buyer files it with the title. The VIN and odometer should be listed.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no sales tax, so the bill of sale documents the transfer. A Manchester buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is not required.

New Jersey

New Jersey bills of sale should list the sale price for motor-vehicle records. A Newark buyer attaches it to the title. Notarization is optional in the garden state.

New Mexico

New Mexico bills of sale should include the VIN and odometer reading. An Albuquerque buyer files it with the title. Notarization is not required.

New York

New York uses form MV-912 for vehicle registration, and a notary is not mandatory. A Buffalo buyer submits the bill of sale with the title. The sale price supports tax.

North Carolina

North Carolina bills of sale should include the title number and odometer reading. A Charlotte buyer uses it at the DMV. Notarization is optional.

North Dakota

North Dakota bills of sale are valid with both signatures, and notarization is optional. A Fargo buyer keeps it with the title. The VIN should be listed.

Ohio

Ohio bills of sale should include the VIN for a vehicle title transfer. A Columbus buyer files it with the title. Notarization is not required.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma bills of sale should show the odometer reading and be signed by the seller. A Tulsa buyer uses it at the tag agency. Notarization is optional.

Oregon

Oregon bills of sale should list the VIN, odometer, and sale price. A Portland buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is not mandatory in the state.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania bills of sale should include the VIN and both signatures. A Philadelphia buyer files it with the title. Notarization is optional in the commonwealth.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island bills of sale should list the sale price and be signed by both parties. A Providence buyer attaches it to the registration. Notarization is not required.

South Carolina

South Carolina bills of sale should include the VIN for the title transfer. A Charleston buyer submits it to the DMV. Notarization is optional.

South Dakota

South Dakota bills of sale should show the odometer reading and signatures. A Sioux Falls buyer uses it at the DMV. Notarization is not required.

Tennessee

Tennessee bills of sale should include the VIN and sale price for titling. A Nashville buyer files it with the title. Notarization is optional.

Texas

Texas bills of sale should list the VIN, odometer, and sale price for the title. A Houston buyer submits it to the county tax office. Notarization is not mandatory.

Utah

Utah bills of sale should include the VIN and odometer reading for the title. A Salt Lake City buyer files it with the DMV. Notarization is optional.

Vermont

Vermont bills of sale should list the sale price and be signed by the seller. A Burlington buyer keeps it with the title packet. Notarization is not required.

Virginia

Virginia bills of sale should include the VIN and be signed by the seller. A Richmond buyer files it with the title at the DMV. Notarization is optional but advised for clean proof.

Washington

Washington bills of sale should list the VIN, odometer, and sale price. A Seattle buyer uses it at the licensing office. Notarization is not mandatory.

West Virginia

West Virginia bills of sale should include the VIN for the title transfer. A Charleston buyer files it with the title. Notarization is optional in the state.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin bills of sale should show the odometer reading and both signatures. A Milwaukee buyer uses it at the DMV. Notarization is not required.

Wyoming

Wyoming bills of sales should include the VIN and sale price for titling. A Cheyenne buyer files it with the title. Notarization is optional out west.

LegalForge templates are prepared for general educational use. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state, so have a licensed attorney in your state review any document before you sign it.