Why you need one when selling a car privately
The moment cash changes hands, the seller wants proof the car is no longer theirs (tolls, tickets, and accidents now belong to the buyer), and the buyer wants proof of purchase for the DMV. A dated, signed bill of sale with the VIN and odometer reading does both jobs on one page.
What a car bill of sale must capture
Year, make, model, color, VIN, and current odometer reading; both parties' legal names and addresses; the price, payment method, and date; and an as-is statement if you're selling without warranties (almost every private sale is). Our generator includes a federal-style odometer disclosure clause automatically.
Notarization and your state
A few states require a notarized bill of sale to transfer a vehicle. Check your state DMV before signing; if you need it, toggle the notary acknowledgment block on and sign in front of the notary.