A bill of sale for a gifted car documents the transfer from the giver to you, even though no money changes hands

When someone gives you a car as a gift, you still need a bill of sale — a written record that the vehicle has moved from one owner to another. The document protects both of you by creating proof of the transfer date, the vehicle's condition at handoff, and the fact that no payment occurred. Without it, the previous owner could face liability if you cause an accident, and you may have trouble proving you own the car when you register it with your state's DMV.

A bill of sale for a gift differs from a standard sale document in one key way: the purchase price line shows zero dollars or "gift" instead of a dollar amount. Everything else — vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, signatures, and date — remains the same. Most states do not require a specific form; a handwritten or typed document that includes the essential information will hold up.

Key Takeaways

  • A bill of sale for a gifted car must include the VIN, odometer reading, both signatures, and the date, even though the price is zero.
  • The document protects the giver from future liability and gives you proof of ownership when you register the vehicle.
  • Most states accept a straightforward typed or handwritten bill of sale; you do not need a state-specific form unless your DMV requires one.
  • Both the giver and receiver must sign the document in front of a witness or notary public in some states, so check your state's rules before signing.

What information must go on a bill of sale for a gifted car

Start with the vehicle details: the full VIN (found on the dashboard or registration), the year, make, model, and current odometer reading. These identify exactly which car is being transferred and prevent confusion if the giver owns multiple vehicles.

Next, list the names and addresses of both the giver (seller) and you (buyer). Even though this is a gift, the document still uses "seller" and "buyer" language — that is standard form terminology and does not change the fact that no money is involved. On the price line, write "zero dollars," "no consideration," or straightforward "gift." Some people write $0.00; all are acceptable.

Include the date the transfer occurs and a statement that the giver is transferring ownership to you. A straightforward sentence like "I hereby transfer ownership of the above vehicle to [your name]" is sufficient. Both of you must sign and print your names. Some states require a witness signature or notarization; check your state DMV website to confirm before you sign.

Whether your state requires a witness or notary

Most states do not require a witness or notary for a bill of sale, but some do. A few states — including Georgia, Louisiana, and Missouri — require notarization for the document to be valid. Others, like Texas, require a witness signature. Your state's DMV website will list the requirement under "bill of sale" or "title transfer documents."

If your state requires notarization, you can visit a bank, credit union, or notary public office. Bring both the giver and yourself, along with photo ID. The notary will watch you both sign and will add their seal and signature. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per signature. If a witness is required instead, any adult who is not related to either of you can serve as witness — a friend, coworker, or neighbor will do.

How to fill out a bill of sale form if your state provides one

Some state DMVs provide an official bill of sale form on their website. If yours does, read it and fill it out by hand or type the information directly into the PDF. The form will have blank spaces for the VIN, odometer reading, names, addresses, and signatures. Follow the instructions on the form exactly — some require information in a specific order or format.

If you cannot find an official form on your state DMV website, a generic bill of sale template from a legal document site or your state's Secretary of State office will work. The key is that the document includes all required information and is signed by both parties. Keep the original for your records and give a copy to the giver.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

Once both of you have signed, the bill of sale is complete. You now have proof of ownership, but the vehicle is not yet registered in your name. Take the signed bill of sale, the original title (which the giver must sign over to you), and your ID to your state's DMV or vehicle registration office. You will also need proof of insurance before you can register the car.

The DMV will process the title transfer and issue a new registration in your name. The timeline varies by state — some process transfers within a few days, others take two to three weeks. During this time, you can drive the car if the giver's insurance covers you, but check with their insurance company first. Once the new registration arrives, you are the official owner.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale for a gift

Do not leave the price line blank. Write "zero," "gift," or "$0.00" explicitly. A blank line can raise questions at the DMV and may delay registration. Do not skip the odometer reading — it is required by federal law and protects both of you by documenting the car's condition at transfer.

Do not forget to have the giver sign the title itself in addition to the bill of sale. The bill of sale documents the transfer, but the title is the legal ownership document. The giver must sign the back of the title (or the appropriate section) and release it to you. If the giver has lost the title, they will need to request a duplicate from the DMV before you can complete the transfer.

Do not assume the giver's signature is enough if your state requires notarization or a witness. Check the requirement before you sign, then have the document notarized or witnessed properly. Signing without the required witness or notary can make the bill of sale invalid and delay your registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bill of sale if the giver is a family member?

Yes. Family relationships do not exempt you from needing a bill of sale. The document protects both of you equally — it shows the giver is no longer responsible for the vehicle and proves you own it. The DMV will ask for it during registration.

What if the giver has already signed the title but we have not signed a bill of sale yet?

Sign the bill of sale as soon as possible. The title transfer and bill of sale are separate documents. The signed title shows the giver released ownership; the bill of sale documents when and under what conditions the transfer happened. Both are important for your records and the DMV.

Can I use a bill of sale from an online template, or does it have to match my state's form?

A generic template will work in most states as long as it includes the VIN, odometer reading, both signatures, the date, and a statement that the vehicle is being transferred as a gift. Check your state DMV website first to see if they provide an official form or have specific requirements. If they do, use their form.

What if the giver cannot sign the bill of sale in person?

Some states allow notarized signatures or electronic signatures on bills of sale, but rules vary. Contact your state DMV to ask whether remote or notarized signatures are acceptable. If they are, the giver can sign in front of a notary in their location, and you can proceed with registration.

Do I need to register the car in my name right away after signing the bill of sale?

You should register it within the timeframe your state requires — usually 10 to 30 days. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal, even if you have a signed bill of sale. Check your state's DMV website for the exact important date and what documents you need to bring.