Is this valid for private car sales in any state?

The core document works broadly, but several US states have their own required bill-of-sale form, and Australian states each have transfer forms that accompany it. Use this as the transaction record and file whatever your local authority additionally requires.

Who pays transfer fees and taxes?

Convention (and most laws): the buyer. Clause 6 makes it explicit so there's no doorstep argument.

Should I accept a personal cheque?

Prefer bank transfer cleared before handover, or cash counted together. If a cheque is unavoidable, the car stays until it clears — write that into clause 3.

Car Bill of Sale Template

The vehicle-specific bill of sale: VIN, odometer disclosure, as-is clause, and the details your motor authority expects to see.

MOTOR VEHICLE BILL OF SALE Date of Sale: SELLER: , of BUYER: , of 1. VEHICLE. Make: Model: Year: Colour: Body type: VIN: Registration/Plate: 2. ODOMETER DISCLOSURE. The odometer reads . Seller certifies this reflects the actual distance travelled . 3. PRICE. Buyer paid by . paid ; balance due .] 4. AS-IS SALE. The vehicle is sold "AS IS, WHERE IS". Seller makes no warranties about condition or roadworthiness, except: . Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect and test-drive the vehicle. 5. OWNERSHIP & LIENS. Seller certifies they are the lawful owner and the vehicle is free of liens and encumbrances . 6. TRANSFER. Seller will deliver the signed title/registration transfer documents to Buyer at the time of sale. Buyer is responsible for registration and taxes after . SIGNED: _________________________ _________________________ Date: Date:

Download Word (.docx)0/28 blanks filled · nothing is uploaded — this stays on your device

Using this for something that matters?

This free car bill of sale covers the standard situation. If real money, property, or an ongoing relationship rides on it, a professionally drafted version — or a quick attorney review of what you've filled in — costs little and removes the guesswork.

Ask any local attorney for a fixed-fee document review — most offer one.

How to use this template

Run a lien/encumbrance check (PPSR in Australia, title check in the US) before money moves — clause 5 only helps if it's true.
The odometer line isn't bureaucracy: odometer fraud is the most common used-car scam, and this creates a paper trail.
Note the exact handover time in clause 6 — parking fines and tolls between sale and re-registration land on whoever the record says.

These templates are general forms for informational purposes, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by using them. Laws vary by state and country — have a licensed attorney review any document before you rely on it.

Common questions

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