What a Florida bill of sale is and when you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else. In Florida, it documents the sale price, the vehicle details, the seller's name and signature, and the buyer's name and signature. The state does not require a bill of sale to transfer a title — you can sell a car without one — but having one protects both you and the buyer by creating proof of the transaction.

You should use a bill of sale whenever you sell a vehicle privately (not through a dealer). It becomes especially important if the sale price is high, if you are selling to someone you do not know well, or if there is any chance of a dispute later about who owned the car on a particular date. If the buyer later gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket in the vehicle, a signed bill of sale proves you no longer owned it.

Florida does not have an official state bill of sale form, but the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recognizes bills of sale that include the required information. You can write one yourself, use a template, or have an attorney prepare one.

Key Takeaways

  • A bill of sale is not legally required in Florida but protects both seller and buyer by documenting the sale date, price, and vehicle details with both signatures.
  • The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both the seller and buyer.
  • You should keep a copy for your records and give the original to the buyer, who will need it when registering the vehicle with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
  • If you sell a vehicle without a bill of sale and the buyer later commits a crime or causes damage with the car, you may have difficulty proving you no longer owned it.

What information must go on a Florida bill of sale

Florida law does not specify an exact form, but the bill of sale must contain enough information to identify the vehicle and the transaction clearly. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model, the current odometer reading, and the sale price in dollars.

Both the seller and the buyer must print their full names and sign the document. Include the date of the sale. You should also add the seller's address and the buyer's address so there is no confusion about who the parties are. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), note that on the bill of sale as well.

Many people also include a statement that the vehicle is sold "as-is" with no warranty, which protects the seller from later claims that something was wrong with the car. You can add this language, but it is not required by Florida law.

How to write and sign a bill of sale

You can handwrite a bill of sale on plain paper or type it. There is no requirement to use a specific format or template. Start with a heading like "Bill of Sale" at the top. Then write out the information in paragraph form or as a list — either way works.

The bill of sale should state that the seller is selling the vehicle to the buyer for the stated price. Both parties should sign and date the document in front of each other if possible. If you cannot meet in person, you can sign separately, but having both signatures on the same physical document is stronger proof.

Make at least two copies — one for you and one for the buyer. Some people make three copies so the buyer has one to keep and one to submit with the title transfer paperwork. Keep your copy in a safe place for at least a few years in case questions arise later.

What happens to the bill of sale after the sale

After you sign the bill of sale, the buyer will use it when they register the vehicle and explore for a new title in their name. They will submit it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles along with the signed title certificate and their registration process. The bill of sale becomes part of the vehicle's record with the state.

You should not need to do anything with your copy unless there is a dispute or a question from law enforcement. If the buyer gets a ticket or is involved in an accident before they transfer the title, having your signed bill of sale proves you sold the vehicle before that event occurred. This protects you from liability.

If you sold the vehicle but the buyer never registered it in their name and something happens — an accident, a crime, an unpaid parking ticket — you could still be listed as the owner. This is why some sellers also file a notice of sale with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which officially removes them from the registration. This step is optional but adds extra protection.

Selling a vehicle with a lien or loan against it

If you still owe money on the vehicle, the title will show a lien holder (usually a bank or credit union). You cannot transfer a clear title to the buyer until that loan is paid off. The bill of sale should note that the vehicle is subject to a lien and state who holds it.

In most cases, you will pay off the loan at the time of sale using the money from the buyer. The lender will then release the lien and send you the title certificate. You then sign the title over to the buyer. The bill of sale documents the sale, but the title transfer cannot happen until the lien is cleared.

Make sure the buyer understands that they cannot register the vehicle until the lien is removed and you have signed over the title. This should all happen on the same day or within a few days of the sale.

Protecting yourself as a seller

A bill of sale protects you by creating a dated record of when you no longer owned the vehicle. Without it, if the buyer causes an accident or commits a crime with the car before registering it, you could be held responsible because the title still shows your name.

Beyond the bill of sale, consider taking photos of the vehicle's condition before the sale and noting any damage or mechanical issues. You can add a statement to the bill of sale saying the vehicle is sold "as-is" and that the buyer has inspected it and accepts it in its current condition. This limits claims that you misrepresented the vehicle.

After the sale, follow up with the buyer within a week or two to confirm they have started the title transfer process. If they do not transfer the title within a reasonable time, you can file a notice of sale with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to officially remove yourself from the registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a car in Florida without a bill of sale?

Yes, Florida does not require a bill of sale to transfer ownership. However, without one, you have no written proof of when you sold the vehicle or to whom. If the buyer causes an accident or gets a ticket before registering the car, you may have difficulty proving you no longer owned it. A bill of sale is inexpensive protection.

What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price later?

The bill of sale documents the price you both agreed to at the time of sale. If a dispute arises, the signed bill of sale is evidence of what was agreed. This is why it is important that both parties sign the same document and keep copies. If you did not put the price in writing, it becomes a he-said-she-said situation.

Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?

Florida does not require a notarized bill of sale. A notarized signature adds an extra layer of proof that you signed it, but it is not necessary for the bill of sale to be valid or for the buyer to register the vehicle. Many people notarize anyway for extra protection, especially in high-value sales.

What if I sold the car but the buyer never transferred the title?

If weeks or months pass and the buyer has not registered the vehicle in their name, you can file a notice of sale with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This officially removes you from the registration and protects you from liability for anything that happens with the vehicle after that date. You will need your bill of sale and the vehicle's VIN to file the notice.

Can I use a bill of sale template from online?

Yes. Many websites offer free or low-cost bill of sale templates for Florida. As long as the template includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties, it will work. You can also modify a template to fit your situation, such as adding language about the vehicle being sold as-is or noting a lien.