How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Vehicle and Sign It Online with eSignature

Selling a vehicle involves more than handing over the keys and collecting payment. One of the most important steps in the process is creating a bill of sale for a vehicle. This document serves as a legal record of the transaction and helps protect both the buyer and the seller.

A vehicle bill of sale confirms key details such as the purchase price, vehicle identification, and date of transfer. It also provides proof that ownership has changed hands, which can be critical for registration, tax, and liability purposes.

Today, document signing no longer requires printing and meeting in person. With esignature technology, buyers and sellers can complete a car sale agreement online quickly and securely. Platforms like Blueink allow you to prepare, sign, and store documents digitally while remaining compliant with U.S. electronic signature laws.

This guide explains how to write a bill of sale for a vehicle, what information it must include, how to use a bill of sale template, and how to sign the document online using esignature.

What Is a Bill of Sale for a Vehicle?

A bill of sale for a vehicle is a legal document that records the sale of a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle from one party to another. It outlines the terms of the transaction and serves as written proof that the sale took place.

This document typically includes information about the buyer and seller, the vehicle being sold, the agreed purchase price, the date of sale, and signatures from both parties. A properly completed vehicle bill of sale helps clarify responsibilities and reduces the risk of disputes after the transaction is complete.

Why a Vehicle Bill of Sale Is Important

A vehicle bill of sale plays a central role in protecting both the buyer and the seller throughout and after the transaction. It creates a clear written record that confirms what was sold, when it was sold, and under what terms. This clarity is especially important for private vehicle sales, where there may be no dealership paperwork or third-party oversight.

From a legal perspective, the bill of sale serves as evidence that ownership has changed hands. If a dispute arises over payment, condition of the vehicle, or responsibility for repairs, the signed document can be used to support the agreed terms. It also helps establish the exact date of sale, which can be critical for determining liability, insurance coverage, and tax obligations.

Many state motor vehicle agencies also rely on the bill of sale during title transfer and registration. Without it, buyers may face delays when registering the vehicle, and sellers may remain exposed to liability longer than intended. For these reasons, a properly completed vehicle bill of sale is a foundational document in any car sale agreement.

Common Misconceptions About Bills of Sale

One common misconception is that a bill of sale is only necessary for expensive or newer vehicles. In reality, even low-value or older vehicle transactions benefit from written documentation. Regardless of price, the bill of sale confirms that the transaction occurred and protects both parties if questions arise later.

Another misunderstanding is that a verbal agreement is sufficient. While verbal agreements may feel simpler, they are difficult to prove and enforce. A written and signed bill of sale provides clarity and accountability, reducing the likelihood of disputes. Because it carries legal weight, a bill of sale should always be treated with the same care as any other binding contract.

Essential Information to Include in a Vehicle Bill of Sale

A complete and accurate bill of sale template should include the following elements.

Buyer and Seller Information

List the full legal names, addresses, and contact information of both parties. This identifies who is involved in the transaction and ensures accountability.

Vehicle Details

Include detailed information about the vehicle, including the make, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and current mileage. Accurate vehicle details help prevent confusion and confirm that the correct vehicle is being sold.

Sale Price

Clearly state the purchase price agreed upon by both parties. Transparency around payment terms reduces the risk of disputes.

Date of Sale

The date indicates when ownership officially transfers. This information is important for registration, insurance, and liability purposes.

Signatures

Both the buyer and the seller must sign the document. Without signatures, the bill of sale is not legally binding.

Including all of these elements ensures the document is complete and enforceable.

How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Vehicle Using a Template

Using a bill of sale template is one of the most effective ways to ensure your document is complete and compliant. Templates are designed to include all required sections while allowing flexibility to adapt to the specific details of your transaction.

Before filling out the template, gather all relevant information about the buyer, seller, and vehicle. Taking the time to verify details such as the VIN and mileage upfront can help prevent errors that might delay title transfer or create confusion later.

Once you select a reliable bill of sale template, carefully enter each piece of information. Make sure the purchase price, vehicle description, and sale date are clearly stated and agreed upon by both parties. After completing the document, review it together to confirm accuracy and understanding. A thorough review ensures that the bill of sale accurately reflects the transaction and is ready for signing.

Signing a Vehicle Bill of Sale Online with eSignature

Signing a vehicle bill of sale no longer requires printing documents or meeting in person. Esignature technology allows buyers and sellers to complete document signing securely online, making the process more efficient and accessible.

With esignature, both parties can review and sign the bill of sale from any location. This is especially helpful when schedules do not align or when the buyer and seller are in different cities or states. Digital signing also reduces delays associated with mailing paperwork and helps keep the transaction moving forward.

Modern esignature platforms are designed with security and compliance in mind. Documents are protected through encryption and authentication measures, and electronic signatures are legally recognized in the United States when executed correctly. Using a trusted platform like Blueink ensures that your vehicle bill of sale is signed, stored, and retrievable whenever it is needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple documents can cause problems if mistakes are made. Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure a smooth transaction:

Missing Information

Leaving out required details can invalidate the bill of sale. Ensure all sections are complete.

Inaccurate Vehicle Details

Errors in the VIN or mileage can lead to serious disputes. Always verify information before signing.

Missing Signatures

Both parties must sign the document. An unsigned bill of sale is not enforceable.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Vehicle Sale

Clear communication throughout the process helps ensure both parties understand the terms of the sale. Each party should keep a copy of the signed vehicle bill of sale for future reference. It is also important to confirm that the title transfer and vehicle registration are completed promptly. Using a digital document signing platform makes it easier to store and retrieve records when needed.

Complete Your Vehicle Sale with Confidence

A well-written bill of sale for a vehicle helps protect both buyers and sellers by clearly documenting the terms of the transaction. It confirms the transfer of ownership, reduces legal risk, and supports a smooth title and registration process. Using a bill of sale template ensures that all essential details are included, while esignature technology simplifies document signing and record keeping.

By following this guide and using secure digital tools like Blueink, you can complete your car sale agreement efficiently and with confidence.

‍Ready to simplify vehicle document signing?Start a free trial with Blueink to create, sign, and store vehicle bills of sale securely online, or schedule a demo to see how it works.