How to write a bill of sale for a car
Start with the parties
List each party's full legal name and current mailing address exactly as they appear on their driver's license. Both addresses matter — the DMV uses them to establish who's responsible for the vehicle before and after the sale date. If either party is a business, use the registered business name and address.
Describe the car precisely
Year, make, model, body style, exterior color, and the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — copy the VIN from the driver-side dashboard or the doorframe sticker, not from a listing. Add the license plate and title number if you have them. Precision here prevents disputes and speeds up DMV registration.
Odometer disclosure is federal law
For any vehicle under 20 model years old, 49 CFR 580 requires the seller to disclose the mileage in writing. Solda's template asks you to enter the current reading and mark it as actual, exceeds mechanical limits (rolled over), or not actual (broken). Older vehicles are exempt but including the reading is still good practice.
As-is clause and price
State the sale price in numbers and, on higher-value sales, in words. Include a standard as-is clause: "The vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranty of any kind, express or implied. Buyer accepts the vehicle in its present condition." If the car is a gift, mark it as a gift with the fair-market value stated.
Sign, date, and each keep a copy
Both parties sign and date. A few states (Louisiana, West Virginia, Nebraska, Montana, Kentucky) require notarization for the bill of sale; most don't. Print two copies, one for each party, and take the signed title plus the bill of sale to the DMV within your state's transfer window (usually 10–30 days).
General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by state; verify with your state's DMV or a qualified attorney for your situation.