Document your car sale in writing and notorize it: Notarized Car Bill of Sale
What is a Notarized Car Bill of Sale?
A Notarized Car Bill of Sale is a legal document that transfers ownership of a car from a seller to a buyer. Notarized Car Bills of Sale only represent the transfer of the right to ownership. The vehicle's Certificate of Title represents actual ownership. In some states, both a Notarized Car Bill of Sale and the Certificate of Title are needed to complete the transfer.
A Notarized Car Bill of Sale should be signed by both the buyer and seller in front of a notary public who will also sign it. The Notarized Car Bill of Sale becomes effective as of the date specified in the document. The buyer should also sign directly below the odometer statement in the Bill of Sale and is responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for the vehicle.
Be it a car or truck, commuter, or off-roader, an automobile may be one of your most valuable assets. Also known as a Notarized Automobile Bill of Sale, a Notarized Vehicle Bill of Sale allows you to record important vehicle information, such as odometer readings, condition, price, and any warranties, all in one place in case of any disputes – and it includes a place for a notary public to officially sign your document. Get started on yours now with Rocket Lawyer!
When to Use a Notarized Car Bill of Sale:
- You own a vehicle that you'd like to sell or transfer, and you need a Notarized Car Bill of Sale for your accounting records.
- You plan to buy a vehicle from another party, and you want to have a notarized record of the transaction.
- You live in Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, or Wyoming and your state requires Car Bills of Sale to be signed by a notary.
Have questions about your Notarized Car Bill of Sale?
Whether you're preparing your Notarized Car Bill of Sale, reviewing one someone sent you, or just want to understand it better, here's how to get help.
- Understand what it says or review it. Use our AI legal assistant to ask questions about your Notarized Car Bill of Sale, understand what it says, and spot anything that may need a closer look.
- Ask an attorney a question. Connect with an attorney for legal information, with a written answer within one business day or a live consultation.
- Get advice on what to do. For privileged, confidential advice about your specific circumstances and next steps, book a Legal Advice Session with an attorney.
Sample Notarized Car Bill of Sale
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| County of |
FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the sum of U.S. Dollars, plus any applicable sales tax, paid by , the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, (the "Seller"), presently of , , DOES HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN, AND TRANSFER to (the "Buyer"), presently of , , , the following described motor vehicle (the "Motor Vehicle"):
Make:
Model:
Year:
Body Type:
Color:
Odometer Reading:
Car's Title Number:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
License Plate Number:
ODOMETER DISCLOSURE
Federal and state law requires that the mileage of the Motor Vehicle be stated upon transfer of ownership. Failure to disclose the mileage or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment.
The Seller states that the odometer reading of the Motor Vehicle is miles. The Seller certifies that to the best of the Seller's knowledge, this reading
Both Buyer and Seller acknowledge the above odometer statements:
By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
The Buyer has been given the opportunity to inspect the Motor Vehicle, or alternatively, have the Motor Vehicle inspected. Additionally, the Buyer has accepted the Motor Vehicle in its existing condition.
The Seller certifies under penalty of perjury that the statements made in this Bill of Sale are true and correct to the best knowledge of the Seller.
By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
Notarized Car Bill of Sale FAQs
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How do I write my own Notarized Car Bill of Sale?
Making a Notarized Car Bill of Sale online is simple. Just answer a few questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. Consider these questions beforehand to make the process speedier:
- How much will the buyer pay for the vehicle?
- What form of payment will be used by the buyer?
- Is the odometer accurate? Has the car's odometer been altered?
- When will the vehicle be transferred?
If you don't have all of the details you need, you can skip questions and save your document for later.
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What is the purpose of a Notarized Car Bill of Sale?
A Notarized Car Bill of Sale is a legal document, signed by both the seller and buyer of an automobile, that contains the essential details of the vehicle being sold. For used vehicles, it may note that the vehicle is being sold "as is." A Notarized Car Bill of Sale requires the seller and buyer to sign it before a notary public, which is required in a handful of states.
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Am I required to notarize a Car Bill of Sale?
It depends. Some states require a Bill of Sale to be signed by a notary. Most, however, do not. The states that require a Notarized Car Bill of Sale are:
- Louisiana.
- Maryland.
- Nebraska.
- West Virginia.
- Wyoming.
However, even when notarization is not required, some buyers or sellers may opt to notarize to prevent disputes since notarization can also help the Car Bill of Sale be enforced in court. This is more common when purchasing or selling high-value, vintage, or rare vehicles. Notarization may also be a requirement for insurance or other purposes.
To notarize a Car Bill of Sale, you simply have all parties to the Car Bill of Sale sign it in the presence of a notary public.
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How do I handle disagreements or disputes with the buyer after the sale?
The Notarized Car Bill of Sale can go a long way in addressing how the parties handle disputes both during the contracting process and after the sale. For example, the Notarized Car Bill of Sale may require the parties to mediate any disputes before filing a lawsuit in court.
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At what point do I give the Notarized Car Bill of Sale to the buyer?
After the Notarized Car Bill of Sale is signed by both parties and notarized, legal ownership of the vehicle is transferred as of the date provided in the document, regardless of which party has possession of the car. The original copy of the Notarized Car Bill of Sale is then given to the buyer. The seller should retain a copy.
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Is a Notarized Car Bill of Sale the same as a receipt?
Often, courts interpret a Notarized Car Bill of Sale as more of a receipt for the property sale than a binding contract. To ensure that the Notarized Car Bill of Sale can be enforced in a court of law, you’ll need to include enough specific language in the Notarized Car Bill of Sale to ensure its legal enforceability.
