What an Alabama bill of sale is and why you need one

An Alabama bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of a vehicle. It shows who owned the vehicle, who owns it now, when the transfer happened, and how much was paid. Alabama does not legally require a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title, but the state does require the title itself to be signed over at the county probate office or through an online title transfer service.

Even though it is not mandatory, a bill of sale protects both you and the other person. If you are selling, it proves you no longer own the vehicle and received payment. If you are buying, it proves you paid for the vehicle and have a record of the sale terms. Without one, disputes about ownership, condition, or payment can become difficult to resolve.

Alabama accepts handwritten or typed bills of sale. There is no state-mandated form, though the probate office in your county can provide a template, and many online sources offer free versions. The key is that both parties sign it, and you keep a copy for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama does not require a bill of sale by law, but having one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale terms and payment.
  • A bill of sale can be handwritten or typed and must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both parties.
  • The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer—you will still need to sign over the title at your county probate office or through the online title system.
  • Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records, and give the other party a copy as well.

What information to include on an Alabama bill of sale

Your bill of sale should contain the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on the title and on the dashboard of the car. Include the year, make, model, and color. Write down the exact sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion—for example, "One thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00)".

Add the date of the sale, the seller's full name and address, and the buyer's full name and address. If either party is a business, use the business name and the owner's name. Include a line for both parties to sign and print their names. Some people also add a line for the odometer reading, which can be useful if the vehicle is relatively new or if mileage is relevant to the sale.

You may also note the vehicle's condition (for example, "sold as-is") or any known issues. This is optional but can prevent later disagreements. Do not leave blank spaces on the form—cross out any unused lines or write "N/A" so someone cannot add information later.

Where to get an Alabama bill of sale form

Your county probate office keeps bill of sale templates and can give you one in person or sometimes by mail or email. Call your probate office to ask if they have a standard form and how to get it. The probate office is also where you will go to transfer the title, so you can pick up the form at the same time.

Many free templates are available online through the Alabama Department of Revenue or through general bill of sale websites. Search for "Alabama bill of sale" and read a PDF or Word document. Make sure any template you use includes space for the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties.

You do not have to use an official form. A handwritten bill of sale on plain paper is legally valid in Alabama as long as it contains the essential information and both parties sign it. Some people write one out by hand at the time of sale and both parties sign it on the spot.

How to complete and sign the bill of sale

Fill in all the blanks clearly in black or blue ink. Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the title. Use the full legal names of both the seller and buyer—nicknames or initials are not sufficient. Write the sale price in both numbers and words.

Both the seller and the buyer must sign the form in front of each other if possible. Some people have the signatures notarized, though Alabama does not require notarization for a bill of sale. If you choose to have it notarized, take the form to a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or county offices) and both parties must be present.

Make at least two copies—one for the seller and one for the buyer. If you are trading in the vehicle to a dealer, the dealer will usually provide their own bill of sale form and handle the paperwork. Keep your copy in a safe place, such as a file with your other vehicle documents.

The bill of sale and the title transfer process

The bill of sale and the title transfer are two separate steps. The bill of sale documents the private sale between you and the other person. The title transfer is the official process that changes the ownership record with the state of Alabama.

After you sign the bill of sale, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate and give it to the buyer. The buyer then takes the signed title and the bill of sale to the county probate office to register the new ownership. Some counties allow online title transfers through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, which can be faster than going in person.

The probate office will charge a fee to transfer the title—this varies by county but is typically between $20 and $50. The buyer may also owe sales tax on the vehicle, depending on Alabama's current tax rules and whether the sale is between private parties or a dealer. The bill of sale helps the probate office confirm the sale price for tax purposes.

What to do if you lose the bill of sale

If you have already transferred the title and later lose your copy of the bill of sale, you can request a copy from the other party. If they no longer have it, you can contact your county probate office to see if they kept a copy on file, though this is not may provide.

For future reference, take a photo of the signed bill of sale with your phone and store it in cloud storage or email it to yourself. This way you have a backup even if the paper copy is lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notarize a bill of sale in Alabama?

No, notarization is not required by Alabama law. Both parties straightforward need to sign the form. However, having it notarized adds an extra layer of proof that the signatures are genuine, which can be useful if a dispute arises later.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

Yes, as long as it contains all the required information (VIN, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties). However, using an Alabama-specific form is simpler because your probate office will be familiar with it and it will match Alabama's requirements.

What if the buyer does not show up to sign the bill of sale?

You cannot complete a bill of sale without both parties present and signing. If the buyer backs out, the sale does not happen. If you have already handed over the keys or money, contact the other party in writing to resolve the issue, and consider consulting a local attorney if the dispute involves a significant amount of money.

Does the bill of sale need to be witnessed?

No, a witness is not required in Alabama. Only the signatures of the buyer and seller are needed. A notary public can serve as a witness if you choose to have the form notarized, but this is optional.

Can I sell a vehicle without a bill of sale?

Technically yes, because Alabama does not legally require one. However, it is not recommended. Without a bill of sale, you have no written proof that you sold the vehicle or received payment, which can lead to problems if the buyer later claims you still own it or if a dispute arises over the sale price or condition.