Practical examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers

Real‑world examples of vehicle bill of sale language buyers and sellers actually use

Instead of starting with theory, let’s jump straight into how people really word these documents. These examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers are simplified, but they mirror what you’ll see in many state templates and attorney‑drafted forms.

To keep things readable, I’ll strip out some of the extra legal fluff and focus on the parts you actually need to recognize and understand.

Basic private sale example of a vehicle bill of sale (cash deal)

This is the classic scenario: one person sells a used car to another for cash. No financing, no trade‑in, no drama.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale
Date of Sale: March 15, 2025

Seller: Jordan Smith, 123 Oak Street, Denver, CO 80203
Buyer: Taylor Lee, 456 Pine Avenue, Denver, CO 80205

Vehicle: 2018 Toyota Camry SE, VIN 4T1B11HK2JU123456, 82,350 miles
Purchase Price: $13,500, paid in full on the date of sale

The Seller hereby sells the above‑described vehicle to the Buyer for the total purchase price stated above. The vehicle is sold as‑is, with no warranties, express or implied, except as may be required by law.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

This is one of the best examples to study because it shows the core building blocks: identities, vehicle details, price, and basic as‑is language. Most other examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers are just variations on this theme.

Example of a bill of sale with payment plan and late fee language

Sometimes the buyer doesn’t have the full amount on the spot. In that case, a bill of sale can double as a simple payment agreement.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale with Installment Payments
Date of Sale: July 1, 2025

Seller: Maria Gonzalez, 789 Lake Road, Austin, TX 78701
Buyer: Chris Walker, 210 Hilltop Drive, Austin, TX 78704

Vehicle: 2016 Ford F‑150 XLT, VIN 1FTEW1EF2GKD78901, 120,500 miles
Total Purchase Price: $18,000
Down Payment: $3,000 paid on July 1, 2025
Remaining Balance: $15,000
Payment Terms: Buyer agrees to pay Seller \(500 on the 1st of each month, beginning August 1, 2025, until the remaining balance is paid in full. Any payment received more than 10 days late will incur a \)25 late fee.

Title Transfer: Seller will retain title until the full purchase price is paid. Upon final payment, Seller agrees to sign and deliver the title to Buyer within 5 business days.

The vehicle is sold as‑is, with no warranties, express or implied, except as may be required by law.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

This example of a vehicle bill of sale shows how you can build simple financing terms right into the document. If you’re a private seller letting someone pay over time, you absolutely want something like this in writing.

As‑is bill of sale example for an older high‑mileage car

When the vehicle is older or has known issues, sellers usually want extra protection. That’s where stronger as‑is wording comes in.

Sample wording:

As‑Is Vehicle Bill of Sale
Date of Sale: January 10, 2024

Seller: Devon Carter, 55 Maple Lane, Columbus, OH 43215
Buyer: Jamie Nguyen, 900 Cedar Street, Columbus, OH 43214

Vehicle: 2008 Honda Civic LX, VIN 2HGFA16598H123789, 196,200 miles
Purchase Price: $3,000, paid in full on the date of sale

The Buyer acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as‑is, with all faults, known and unknown. The Seller makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the condition of the vehicle, including but not limited to the engine, transmission, brakes, or emissions systems. The Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle or have it inspected by a mechanic of their choice.

Buyer accepts full responsibility for any repairs after the date of sale.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

Among the best examples of vehicle bill of sale language for older cars, this one stands out because it clearly states that the buyer had a chance to inspect the vehicle. That line can matter if there’s a dispute later.

Gift or family transfer example of vehicle bill of sale

Gifts between family members are common, especially with older vehicles. Many states still want a bill of sale for tax and title purposes, even if the price is $0.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale – Gift Transfer
Date of Transfer: May 5, 2024

Donor (Seller): Patricia Johnson, 1010 Birch Road, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Recipient (Buyer): Michael Johnson, 2020 Palm Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Relationship: Parent to child

Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Outback, VIN 4S4BRBCC7C3256789, 145,000 miles
Purchase Price: $0.00 (gift)

The Donor hereby transfers ownership of the above‑described vehicle to the Recipient as a gift. No money or other value is being exchanged. The Recipient is responsible for any taxes, registration fees, and insurance required to title and operate the vehicle.

The vehicle is transferred as‑is, with no warranties, except as may be required by law.

Donor Signature: ___________________
Recipient Signature: ___________________

This is one of the clearest examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers who are really just transferring within a family. Check your state’s rules, though—some states require you to mark “gift” on the title or a separate form as well.

For reference, many U.S. states provide their own guidance on private vehicle sales and titles; for example, the USA.gov vehicle services page links to state motor vehicle agencies where you can confirm local requirements.

Trade‑in plus cash difference example

Sometimes a buyer gives the seller a vehicle plus cash. This can get confusing if you don’t spell it out clearly in the bill of sale.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale – Trade‑In with Cash
Date of Sale: September 2, 2025

Seller: Horizon Auto LLC, 500 Market Street, Portland, OR 97205
Buyer: Alex Rivera, 321 Riverbend Court, Portland, OR 97209

Vehicle Sold to Buyer: 2020 Mazda CX‑5 Touring, VIN JM3KFBCM0L0812345, 42,000 miles

Trade‑In Vehicle from Buyer: 2014 Nissan Rogue SV, VIN JN8AS5MV3EW123456, 135,000 miles

Agreed Value of Trade‑In: $6,000
Cash Paid by Buyer: $12,000
Total Purchase Price of Mazda CX‑5: $18,000

Seller accepts the trade‑in vehicle and cash payment as full payment for the Mazda CX‑5. Both vehicles are transferred as‑is, with no warranties, except as may be required by law or separately provided in writing.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

This is a good example of a vehicle bill of sale where two vehicles change hands at once. For buyers and sellers, it shows how to clearly state the trade‑in value and the final effective price.

Out‑of‑state sale example with delivery terms

With online marketplaces and 2024–2025 trends toward cross‑state used car buying, more people are purchasing vehicles from sellers in other states. In those cases, it helps to spell out delivery and risk.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale – Out‑of‑State Sale
Date of Sale: November 20, 2024

Seller: Riley Thompson, 88 Harbor Way, Tampa, FL 33602
Buyer: Morgan Patel, 1500 Westview Lane, Charlotte, NC 28202

Vehicle: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, VIN 5YJ3E1EB3KF123456, 51,200 miles
Purchase Price: $27,500, paid via bank wire on November 20, 2024

Delivery Terms: Seller agrees to deliver the vehicle to Buyer at 1500 Westview Lane, Charlotte, NC, on or before December 1, 2024. Risk of loss passes to Buyer upon delivery and acceptance of the vehicle. Until delivery, the vehicle remains at Seller’s risk.

Buyer is responsible for registering and titling the vehicle in North Carolina and for any applicable taxes and inspection requirements.

The vehicle is sold as‑is, with no warranties, except as may be required by law.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

Among the best examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers who live in different states, this one shows how to handle delivery, timing, and who carries the risk before the car actually arrives.

If you’re buying across state lines, it’s smart to review your state’s title and registration rules. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) links to safety and ownership resources that can help you check recalls and safety history before you finalize a deal.

Example of vehicle bill of sale with odometer and lien disclosure

Modern bills of sale often include extra statements about the odometer reading and any liens. This is especially common in the U.S., where federal law requires certain odometer disclosures.

Sample wording:

Vehicle Bill of Sale with Odometer and Lien Disclosure
Date of Sale: April 3, 2025

Seller: Casey Brown, 600 Elm Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Buyer: Dana Flores, 890 Willow Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604

Vehicle: 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL, VIN 5NPLM4AG2MH123456, 32,450 miles
Purchase Price: $19,200, paid in full

Odometer Disclosure: Seller certifies that the odometer reading of 32,450 miles is, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, the actual mileage of the vehicle.

Lien Disclosure: Seller certifies that there are no outstanding liens or security interests on the vehicle, and that the vehicle is being transferred free and clear of all encumbrances.

The vehicle is sold as‑is, with no warranties, except as may be required by law or separately provided in writing.

Seller Signature: ___________________
Buyer Signature: ___________________

This is one of the more modern examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers because it reflects current concerns: accurate mileage, clean title, and no hidden lenders.

For more on odometer rules in the U.S., you can review guidance from the Federal Trade Commission and related consumer auto resources.

Key parts you’ll see repeated in the best examples

When you compare all these examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers side by side, some patterns jump out. No matter how fancy or simple the document looks, strong bills of sale tend to include:

• Clear identification of buyer and seller – Full names and addresses, sometimes phone or email. This makes it easier to prove who was involved.
• Detailed vehicle description – Year, make, model, VIN, and mileage at a minimum. Some people also list color or license plate number.
• Exact purchase price and payment method – Whether it’s cash, wire, check, gift, or trade‑in plus cash, the total value should be obvious.
• As‑is or warranty language – Most private sales are as‑is. If any warranty is promised (for example, a short dealer warranty), it should be written down.
• Date of sale and sometimes time of day – This can matter for insurance and liability if something happens the same day.
• Signatures from both sides – In many states, this is what turns a piece of paper into a real agreement.

When you’re reading other examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers online, use this list as a quick mental checklist. If something big is missing—like the VIN or the price—that’s a red flag.

2024–2025 trends affecting vehicle bills of sale

Vehicle paperwork hasn’t changed overnight, but a few trends are shaping how people write and use bills of sale:

• More online and out‑of‑state purchases. Marketplaces and social media make it easy to buy from another city or state. That’s why examples now often include delivery terms, inspection rights, and clearer risk language.
• Increased focus on fraud prevention. With more title fraud and odometer rollbacks reported, buyers are paying closer attention to VINs, odometer statements, and lien disclosures. Good examples of vehicle bill of sale language now routinely address these points.
• Digital signatures and e‑documents. Some states and online platforms accept electronic signatures and digital bills of sale. Always verify with your state DMV or equivalent agency before assuming an e‑signed document is acceptable.
• Higher used‑car prices. Since the pandemic, used‑vehicle prices have stayed elevated in many segments. That makes the bill of sale more important, because the stakes are higher if something goes wrong.

For updated information on vehicle safety and ownership topics, the NHTSA and USA.gov vehicle services pages are solid starting points.

How buyers and sellers can use these examples the smart way

Seeing real examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers is helpful, but copying them blindly isn’t the goal. The smart move is to:

• Start with your state’s official template if available. Many U.S. states publish a basic bill of sale form, and then you can add extra clauses inspired by the best examples above.
• Adjust the language to match your deal. If there’s a payment plan, write it out. If it’s a gift, say so. If there’s a known issue—like “check engine light on” or “needs new tires”—put that in plain language.
• Keep it honest and specific. Vague language helps nobody. If the buyer is accepting a salvage title vehicle, or a car with a branded title, that should be clearly stated.
• Pair the bill of sale with other documents. In most places, you still need the signed title to actually transfer ownership. Some states also require separate odometer or emissions forms.

If the transaction is high‑value or complicated—say, a luxury vehicle, a dispute over condition, or international shipping—talking to a local attorney can be money well spent.

FAQ: Common questions about vehicle bill of sale examples

Do I really need a bill of sale for a private vehicle sale?
In many U.S. states, yes, especially for private party sales. Even where it’s not legally required, it’s smart to have one. It protects both buyer and seller by documenting the deal, the price, and the condition at the time of sale.

Can I use online examples of a vehicle bill of sale from another state?
You can use them as inspiration, but you should always check your own state’s requirements. Some states have mandatory forms or specific disclosures. Use out‑of‑state examples as a guide, then adapt to your local rules.

What are some good examples of extra clauses I might add?
People often add clauses about payment plans, delivery terms, who pays taxes and registration fees, inspection rights, or agreement that the buyer accepts known defects. The earlier examples of vehicle bill of sale examples for buyers and sellers in this guide give you ready‑made wording you can adapt.

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?
Often, yes—if it includes the key information (parties, vehicle description, price, date, signatures) and meets your local legal requirements. That said, a typed document based on solid examples is usually clearer and easier to read.

Does a bill of sale prove ownership by itself?
Not usually. The title is still the main proof of ownership in most jurisdictions. A bill of sale supports the story of the transaction and is often required to register the vehicle, but you generally need a properly signed title as well.

Where can I learn more about my state’s vehicle sale rules?
The USA.gov vehicle services page links to each state’s motor vehicle agency. From there, you can find official bill of sale forms, title transfer instructions, and any special rules that apply where you live.