I'm selling my truck. Any final bill of sale recommendations. I googled lots of templates but just asking for recommendations. Just want to confirm
everything is FINAL.
everything is FINAL.
Private Car Sale Receipts
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JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
That's how I used to do it too. Grab a template from online and print it out. Buyers were either impressed or scared a bit by this. Been a long time since I've sold one of my vehicles outright.
Wouldn't that depend a lot on your State?
Kestas
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I was always told to include "as is" in the receipt, so nobody can pin any problems on you that may come up when they take possession of the truck.
Originally Posted by Kestas
I was always told to include "as is" in the receipt, so nobody can pin any problems on you that may come up when they take possession of the truck.
Good idea. As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags. Also sellers should never fudge on the sale price so the buyer can save on sales tax. That can backfire. And be sure to copy down the buyer's drivers license information. If he balks at that, tell him to hit the road.
I was always told to include "as is" in the receipt, so nobody can pin any problems on you that may come up when they take possession of the truck.
Good idea. As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags. Also sellers should never fudge on the sale price so the buyer can save on sales tax. That can backfire. And be sure to copy down the buyer's drivers license information. If he balks at that, tell him to hit the road.
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
I'd google up what a bill of sale looks like in your state, and make sure it says as-is. Done.
Check on registration requirements. I think in NH the VIN has to be on the BoS... I bought a trailer and it didn't have something written on it for when I went to register, and so I had to modify the BoS after the fact (as I need the BoS for registering).
Check on registration requirements. I think in NH the VIN has to be on the BoS... I bought a trailer and it didn't have something written on it for when I went to register, and so I had to modify the BoS after the fact (as I need the BoS for registering).
Originally Posted by opus1
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
Might depend upon state. I've never heard of that, and have done several private transaction sales.
Might not hurt to do at the PD, assuming they allow it.
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
Might depend upon state. I've never heard of that, and have done several private transaction sales.
Might not hurt to do at the PD, assuming they allow it.
Make sure you keep a copy of the bill of sale or title where the new buyer has signed it. You want to make sure he legally owns it as soon as you are paid, even before he registers it. Should someone drive the vehicle before its registered and get into an accident.
I often drive the car to the new owners home and pull the plates. That way its at his house and you have the plates.
I often drive the car to the new owners home and pull the plates. That way its at his house and you have the plates.
Originally Posted by opus1
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
That's definitely one way to do it in Ohio but it's not always convenient if you and the seller have day jobs. As a seller, I might not be as willing to take time off of work to do that. Some people CAN'T unless they take a vacation day, half-day vacation, etc.
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
That's definitely one way to do it in Ohio but it's not always convenient if you and the seller have day jobs. As a seller, I might not be as willing to take time off of work to do that. Some people CAN'T unless they take a vacation day, half-day vacation, etc.
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Originally Posted by opus1
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
This is why you get the buyer's drivers license information, have a detailed and signed bill of sale, retrieve your license plates, cancel your insurance and notify your DMV of the vehicle sale. Then let the PD impound the moron's vehicle.
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
This is why you get the buyer's drivers license information, have a detailed and signed bill of sale, retrieve your license plates, cancel your insurance and notify your DMV of the vehicle sale. Then let the PD impound the moron's vehicle.
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags.
Where, in FL ? Maybe but otherwise your blanket comment is incorrect. In Ohio, for example, you definitely don't need a "bill of sale" to get the title. Maybe a dealer sale does this but the scenario the OP is discussing is a private sale. Again, speaking for Ohio, you sign the title over to the buyer in front of a notary (wink, wink) and take the title to the license office to get your plates. As long as the name on the title matches an acceptable piece of ID, you pay and you're done.
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
Also sellers should never fudge on the sale price so the buyer can save on sales tax. That can backfire. And be sure to copy down the buyer's drivers license information. If he balks at that, tell him to hit the road.
Again, in Ohio, it really doesn't "backfire" but the title office can dispute the value if it's out of line. All they will do is look up a "fair market value" and charge you that for the sales tax. No idea what their threshold is and it may even depend on the mood that the clerk is in that day !
As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags.
Where, in FL ? Maybe but otherwise your blanket comment is incorrect. In Ohio, for example, you definitely don't need a "bill of sale" to get the title. Maybe a dealer sale does this but the scenario the OP is discussing is a private sale. Again, speaking for Ohio, you sign the title over to the buyer in front of a notary (wink, wink) and take the title to the license office to get your plates. As long as the name on the title matches an acceptable piece of ID, you pay and you're done.
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
Also sellers should never fudge on the sale price so the buyer can save on sales tax. That can backfire. And be sure to copy down the buyer's drivers license information. If he balks at that, tell him to hit the road.
Again, in Ohio, it really doesn't "backfire" but the title office can dispute the value if it's out of line. All they will do is look up a "fair market value" and charge you that for the sales tax. No idea what their threshold is and it may even depend on the mood that the clerk is in that day !
Originally Posted by Kestas
I was always told to include "as is" in the receipt, so nobody can pin any problems on you that may come up when they take possession of the truck.
Just taking the OMVIC course for Ontario car sales. If you want the full legalese for "as is", use the following statement in the bill of sale.
"This vehicle is being sold "as is", unfit, not e-tested and not represented as being road-worthy condition, mechanically sound or maintained at any guaranteed level of quality. The vehicle may not be fit for use as a means of transportation and may require substantial repairs at the purchaser's expense. It may not be possible to register the vehicle to be driven in its current condition."
I was always told to include "as is" in the receipt, so nobody can pin any problems on you that may come up when they take possession of the truck.
Just taking the OMVIC course for Ontario car sales. If you want the full legalese for "as is", use the following statement in the bill of sale.
"This vehicle is being sold "as is", unfit, not e-tested and not represented as being road-worthy condition, mechanically sound or maintained at any guaranteed level of quality. The vehicle may not be fit for use as a means of transportation and may require substantial repairs at the purchaser's expense. It may not be possible to register the vehicle to be driven in its current condition."
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted by opus1
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
Have a relative that sold his old beater daily driver to a co-worker of his. He forgot to scrape the registration sticker off the w/s. Co-worker got into a light accident days later, but you can guess who was being pursued for it.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
Have a relative that sold his old beater daily driver to a co-worker of his. He forgot to scrape the registration sticker off the w/s. Co-worker got into a light accident days later, but you can guess who was being pursued for it.
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Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
Originally Posted by opus1
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
This is why you get the buyer's drivers license information, have a detailed and signed bill of sale, retrieve your license plates, cancel your insurance and notify your DMV of the vehicle sale. Then let the PD impound the moron's vehicle.
He did all that. In Indiana the plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle so the PD had to have tracked him down via the VIN.
Dad referred them to the new owner and after some additional questions that was the end of it, but it was still a hassle we didn't need.
Originally Posted by opus1
I've also heard that you want to do the transaction at the DMV/BMV and make sure that the new owner applies for a new title then and there. Until that's done, as far as the state is concerned, the car is still yours.
Personal experience: Dad sold a car private party and 2 weeks later got a call from a neighboring town's PD warning him that if he didn't remove "his" car from a parking lot at one of the businesses there, they'd impound it as an abandoned vehicle.
This is why you get the buyer's drivers license information, have a detailed and signed bill of sale, retrieve your license plates, cancel your insurance and notify your DMV of the vehicle sale. Then let the PD impound the moron's vehicle.
He did all that. In Indiana the plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle so the PD had to have tracked him down via the VIN.
Dad referred them to the new owner and after some additional questions that was the end of it, but it was still a hassle we didn't need.
Originally Posted by opus1
In Indiana the plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle so the PD had to have tracked him down via the VIN.
I bought my sister's car a year ago. They live out of town and my brother-in-law said the BMV offices around there are always slow. He had to get back to work and I wanted to get home (we 'finalized' the sale at my credit union which luckily has locations where they live). Everything was "in order" except it wasn't registered in my name yet through the state (and new plates). He said drive it home and just give him back the plates next time we get together. I drove on his plates for almost a week before I got to the license agency.... The lady noticed the sale date and asked "the vehicle has been parked since (??) ?" and winked. I said, "uhhh, yeap" and she finished everything up.
In Indiana the plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle so the PD had to have tracked him down via the VIN.
I bought my sister's car a year ago. They live out of town and my brother-in-law said the BMV offices around there are always slow. He had to get back to work and I wanted to get home (we 'finalized' the sale at my credit union which luckily has locations where they live). Everything was "in order" except it wasn't registered in my name yet through the state (and new plates). He said drive it home and just give him back the plates next time we get together. I drove on his plates for almost a week before I got to the license agency.... The lady noticed the sale date and asked "the vehicle has been parked since (??) ?" and winked. I said, "uhhh, yeap" and she finished everything up.
I date it, the vin#, the person's name who bought it, the price, and "sold as is for repair." Then I have them sign a copy of it, which I keep. I make sure the registration sticker is not on the window, the NYS inspection sticker is supposed to be removed as well. I've sold a lot of cars privately over the years, and no one has questioned signing a copy of the receipt written that way for me to keep on file.
Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags.
Where, in FL ? Maybe but otherwise your blanket comment is incorrect. In Ohio, for example, you definitely don't need a "bill of sale" to get the title. Maybe a dealer sale does this but the scenario the OP is discussing is a private sale. Again, speaking for Ohio, you sign the title over to the buyer in front of a notary (wink, wink) and take the title to the license office to get your plates. As long as the name on the title matches an acceptable piece of ID, you pay and you're done.
So in Ohio, you would buy a used vehicle let's say for $10,000 to $20,000, and all you'd want to walk out the door is the keys and the executed title. That wouldn't fly in the states I've lived in: PA, VA, NC and FL. And what if it's an altered or counterfeit title?
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
As for buyers not liking a detailed bill of sale, that's plain stupid. They need it to get title and tags.
Where, in FL ? Maybe but otherwise your blanket comment is incorrect. In Ohio, for example, you definitely don't need a "bill of sale" to get the title. Maybe a dealer sale does this but the scenario the OP is discussing is a private sale. Again, speaking for Ohio, you sign the title over to the buyer in front of a notary (wink, wink) and take the title to the license office to get your plates. As long as the name on the title matches an acceptable piece of ID, you pay and you're done.
So in Ohio, you would buy a used vehicle let's say for $10,000 to $20,000, and all you'd want to walk out the door is the keys and the executed title. That wouldn't fly in the states I've lived in: PA, VA, NC and FL. And what if it's an altered or counterfeit title?
Originally Posted by NormanBuntz
So in Ohio, you would buy a used vehicle let's say for $10,000 to $20,000, and all you'd want to walk out the door is the keys and the executed title. That wouldn't fly in the states I've lived in: PA, VA, NC and FL.
Yes and it happens every day. Smoothly executed private sales of used cars I mean.
"Doesn't fly" in other states ? Who cares ? In Ohio, it works and is acceptable to the agencies that are involved.
So in Ohio, you would buy a used vehicle let's say for $10,000 to $20,000, and all you'd want to walk out the door is the keys and the executed title. That wouldn't fly in the states I've lived in: PA, VA, NC and FL.
Yes and it happens every day. Smoothly executed private sales of used cars I mean.
"Doesn't fly" in other states ? Who cares ? In Ohio, it works and is acceptable to the agencies that are involved.
You can put "AS IS" on the bill of sale if you want, but it's redundant and unnecessary. If you sell a car privately and the engine blows up 5 minutes after the sale, there's nothing the buyer can do regardless of whether anything said "as is" or not. Listen to what this lawyer has to say about "as is."
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