Bill of Sale

Automobile “As Is”

This Packet Includes:

1. General Instructions and Checklist

2. Information

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

4. Automobile vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale

5. Odometer Disclosure Statement

Instructions & Checklist

Automobile Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale

 This package contains (1) Instructions & Checklist for Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale; (2) Information for Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale; (3) Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale; and (4) Odometer Disclosure Statement

 The Seller should sign the Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale (where indicated) and the Odometer Disclosure Statement.

 The Buyer should sign the Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale (where indicated) and the Odometer Disclosure Statement.

 Buyer(s) keeps original Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement.

 Seller(s) should keep a copy of Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement.

 Buyer should make sure that there are no liens (by lenders, lien holders etc…) on the vehicle.

 The Automobile/Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement are not sufficient alone to complete the sale of a vehicle. The vehicle’s Certificate of Title (known as “pink slip” in some states) should also be signed over by the Seller.

 These forms are not intended and are not a substitute for legal advice. These forms should only be a starting point for you and should not be used without consulting with an attorney first.

 The purchase and use of these forms, is subject to the Disclaimers and Terms of Use found at findlegalforms.com

Information

Automobile / Vehicle “As Is” Bill of Sale

Whenever you sell an Automobile or other Vehicle, it is a good idea to document the transaction in writing. An Automobile Vehicle Bill of Sale can be used for that purpose by anyone selling a car, van, car, truck, trailer or motorcycle to another person. It can help both the Seller and Buyer to protect their rights and is useful to both for tax and other accounting purposes. Selling the vehicle “As-Is” helps to protect the Seller against any future claims that may arise regarding the condition of the vehicle. An Automobile Vehicle Bill of Sale can also help the Buyer prove that he/she owns the vehicle.

However, an Automobile Vehicle Bill of Sale is not sufficient, by itself, to complete the sale and transfer of a vehicle. The vehicle’s Certificate of Title (know as a “pink slip” in some states) should also be signed over by the Seller. In some states, you might not be able to get a new Certificate of Title from the Motor Vehicle Department, unless you show them a Bill of Sale for the vehicle. Some jurisdictions also use the Bill of Sale to determine the sales tax. When the Certificate of Title is signed over, it must be filed with Department of Motor Vehicles by the new owner.

Also it is important to note that in many states when you transfer title to a car it is necessary to produce proof of smog certification. There are many exceptions to this rule however. Hybrids, cars older than 1975, and diesel powered cars, for instance, may not need a smog certification. Check with your own state rules. It is the Seller’s responsibility to have the vehicle smog certified prior to the sale.

With this form, the vehicle is sold “As Is,” without any type of express or implied warranty. To avoid any problems with the Buyer, the Seller can give them the VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) and encourage them to run a check on the vehicle and obtain a vehicle history report. This way the buyer can be assured there are no hidden problems with the car.

Under Federal Law, the seller must supply the buyer of a car or other motorized vehicle with a mileage statement. This kit includes an Odometer Disclosure Statement, which is a formal statement of the vehicle’s mileage whereby the Seller certifies that the mileage on the odometer is either correct or incorrect.

When you are selling your car it is important to limit your liability. When finalizing the transaction it’s a good idea to request a cashier’s check or cash. Once the money is exchanged and the documents are signed (Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement), be sure to contact your insurance company immediately to let them know that title has transferred.

You can use a simpler General Bill of Sale for the sale of personal property other than vehicles.

Please note that this information is not intended as legal advice, nor is it a substitute for legal advice.

Steps by Step Instructions

Automobile/Vehicle “As-Is” Bill of Sale

The following instructions will walk you through each provision to help you fully understand the terms of your document.

 Fill in the amount that the car is being sold for where it says “consideration.” Consideration is something of value that is exchanged by both parties and it necessary for the formation of a legal contract.

 Fill in the name of the Seller of the vehicle and their current address.

 Fill in the name of the Buyer and their current address.

 Fill in the make, model, year, mileage and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the vehicle being sold. The VIN number can be found on the registration, or on the front right dashboard of the car. It’s always a good idea to verify that the number on the registration matches the number on the car itself.

 The verbiage that follows explains that the Buyer is now the legal owner of the car, and owns the car completely for purposes of the buyer’s executors, administrators and assigns.

 The Seller verifies that they are the true legal owner and they have a right to sell the car. This should also be verified by the parties with the car’s Certificate of Title. The sale is not complete until the Seller signs over the Certificate of Title or “pink slip” to the buyer.

 The vehicle is being sold “as is.” Selling the vehicle “as-is” means that it is being sold in its current condition, and no repairs will be made to satisfy the buyer. It also means that the Seller is making no warranty, express or implied, for the vehicle. Any description the Seller has given about the vehicle for is considered to be for identification purposes only, and is not a warranty of any type. It is then the responsibility of the buyer to do their homework and to satisfy themselves as to the condition and value of the vehicle.

Signature Block:  Both Seller and Buyer sign the document. The Buyer should retain the signed original document and the Seller should retain a copy for his records.

Odometer Disclosure Statement: State and Federal law require that the Seller of a vehicle state the mileage upon transfer of ownership. Failure to complete these statements or providing an inaccurate reading may result in fines or imprisonment.

 The Seller fills in their name and the numerical mileage number in the space provided. The Seller needs to verify that the mileage is accurate to their knowledge unless one of the two situations applies:

• The first option states the mileage may not be accurate because the odometer has rolled over. Most odometers only go to 100,000, and then begin again. In this case, you could have a car with a lot of miles (and potentially considerable wear) that reads a very small amount of mileage because the odometer has rolled over.

• The second option is to be checked if the Seller knows that the odometer is inaccurate. There could be many reasons why the odometer is not accurate (it’s been disconnected, new engine parts have been added like a transmission, etc.). Checking this box makes it clear to the Buyer that the mileage is incorrect.

 Fill in the vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage and VIN number.

 Fill in the date of transfer, which should match the date on the Bill of Sale.

Signature Block:  Both parties sign the agreement in duplicate so each has a copy for their records. The Buyer should keep the original signed document, and the Seller should retain a copy for his records.

DISCLAIMER:

FindLegalForms, Inc. (“FLF”) is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.  The use of these materials is not a substitute for legal advice. Only an attorney can provide legal advice.  An attorney should be consulted for all serious legal matters.  No Attorney-Client relationship is created by use of these materials.  

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