What a Georgia bill of sale is and why you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else, or that someone sold it to you. In Georgia, it is not required by law to transfer ownership — the title document itself does that — but a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by creating a paper trail of the transaction. It shows the date, the vehicle details, the price paid, and the names and signatures of both parties.

The main reason to use one is liability. Once you sign a bill of sale transferring the car, you have a dated document proving you no longer own it. If the new owner gets into an accident, racks up parking tickets, or the car is used in a crime, you have proof you sold it and when. Without that document, the previous owner on the title can still be contacted by police, debt collectors, or insurance companies. A bill of sale also protects the buyer by showing what condition the car was in and what price was actually paid, which matters if there is a dispute later.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale to transfer a car, but creating one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale date, price, and vehicle details.
  • The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, sale price, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
  • Georgia's Department of Revenue provides an official bill of sale form (Form T-7), though a handwritten or typed document with the required information is also valid.
  • The buyer must still submit the title and bill of sale to the Georgia Department of Revenue to officially register the vehicle in their name.
  • Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records even after the title transfer is complete.

What information to include on a Georgia bill of sale

A bill of sale must contain enough detail that someone reading it years later could identify the exact car and transaction. Start with the vehicle identification number (VIN) — this is the 17-character code on the dashboard and title that uniquely identifies that car. Include the year, make, model, and color. Write down the odometer reading at the time of sale; this is important because it shows the mileage the buyer is accepting and prevents disputes about wear and tear later.

Next, record the sale price in dollars. Write out the amount in both numbers and words to avoid confusion. Include the date of the sale. Then add the full names, addresses, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. Some sellers also note the condition of the car (for example, "sold as-is" or "with new tires") and whether any warranties are included, though these details are not required.

Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore, write "N/A" or draw a line through it. A blank space can be filled in later by someone else, which defeats the purpose of the document.

Using Georgia's official bill of sale form

The Georgia Department of Revenue publishes an official form called Form T-7, also known as the "Affidavit by Buyer of Motor Vehicle." This form is designed specifically for Georgia car sales and includes all the fields you need. You can read it from the Georgia Department of Revenue website or pick up a copy at any county tag office.

The form is straightforward: it has spaces for the seller's and buyer's information, the vehicle details, the sale price, and odometer reading. Both the buyer and seller sign it in front of a notary public. Notarization is not legally required in Georgia for a bill of sale, but the Form T-7 includes a notary section, and having it notarized adds an extra layer of proof that the signatures are genuine. The notary fee is usually five to ten dollars.

After both parties sign, make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. The buyer will need to bring the original or a certified copy to the tag office when registering the vehicle.

Creating your own bill of sale if you do not use the official form

Georgia law does not require you to use Form T-7. You can write your own bill of sale on plain paper, typed or handwritten, as long as it includes the essential information: seller name and address, buyer name and address, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, color, odometer reading, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties.

A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in Georgia. Type it if you can — it is easier to read — but handwritten is acceptable. Use clear language and avoid abbreviations that might be misread. For example, write out "Vehicle Identification Number" instead of just "VIN" the first time you use it.

Once both parties have signed, each should keep a copy. The buyer will bring their copy to the tag office along with the title when they register the car. You do not need a notary, though having one sign the document adds credibility if there is ever a question about whether the signatures are real.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

Signing a bill of sale does not automatically transfer the title. The buyer must take the signed bill of sale, the title document, and a completed registration process to their local county tag office (also called the Department of Revenue office or motor vehicle office). The tag office will process the title transfer and issue a new registration in the buyer's name.

As the seller, your job is done once you sign the bill of sale and hand over the title. However, do not sign the title itself until you are certain the buyer has the funds and is ready to complete the purchase. Some sellers make the mistake of signing the title before the sale is final, which can create confusion if the deal falls through.

Keep your copy of the signed bill of sale in your records indefinitely. If questions arise about the sale later — a debt collector calling about the car, an accident claim, or a title issue — you have proof of when you sold it and to whom.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

The most common mistake is leaving the sale price blank or writing "cash" instead of a dollar amount. Tax assessors and title offices need a specific price to process the registration. Write the actual amount paid, even if it was a gift or a trade-in; if it was a gift, you can write "$0" or "gift," but be consistent and clear.

Another mistake is not including the VIN or including it incorrectly. Copy it directly from the title or the dashboard — do not rely on memory. A wrong VIN makes the bill of sale useless for proving ownership transfer because it does not match the title.

Do not sign the bill of sale before both parties agree on all the terms. Once signed, it is a binding record of the transaction. If the buyer changes their mind about the price or condition after signing, the bill of sale is evidence of what was actually agreed to.

Finally, do not assume the buyer will handle the title transfer. As the seller, you should confirm that the buyer has taken the paperwork to the tag office and that the title has been transferred into their name. This protects you because once the title is in their name, you are no longer the registered owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, notarization is not required by Georgia law. However, having a notary public witness the signatures adds credibility to the document and can help if there is ever a dispute about whether the signatures are genuine. A notary costs five to ten dollars and takes a few minutes.

What if I lost the title to my car?

You cannot sell a car without the title in Georgia. If you have lost it, you must get a replacement from the Georgia Department of Revenue before you can transfer ownership. You will need to fill out an process and pay a fee. The replacement usually takes a few weeks.

Can I sell a car without a bill of sale?

Technically yes — Georgia does not legally require one — but it is a bad idea. Without a bill of sale, you have no proof you sold the car or when. If the new owner gets a ticket or is in an accident, you could still be contacted as the registered owner. A bill of sale costs nothing to create and protects you.

What if the buyer does not register the car in their name?

If the buyer does not take the title and bill of sale to the tag office, the car will still be registered in your name. You remain the legal owner and responsible for any violations or debts tied to the vehicle. Contact the buyer and ask them to complete the registration when ready. If they refuse, you may need to contact the Georgia Department of Revenue to report the sale.

Can I use a bill of sale to sell a car with a loan on it?

Not without the lender's permission. If you still owe money on the car, the lender holds the title as collateral. You cannot transfer ownership until the loan is paid off and the lender releases the title. Work with your lender to pay off the loan before you sell, or arrange for the buyer to pay off the loan directly as part of the sale.