Selling or buying a car in Texas? Fill in the free bill of sale below, then follow Texas’s title transfer rules. A bill of sale records the price, date, VIN and as-is terms; in Texas, as in most states, the signed title is what actually transfers ownership.
Free Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale template
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Vehicle Bill of Sale
Seller: ____, ____ Buyer: ____, ____
Vehicle
| Year | Make | Model | VIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Odometer reading: ____ miles. To the best of Seller’s knowledge this reflects the actual mileage, unless noted here: __.
Sale
On ____, Seller sold the vehicle to Buyer for $____, receipt of which Seller acknowledges.
As-is
The vehicle is sold as-is, where-is, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, except that Seller states they are the legal owner and the vehicle is free of liens and encumbrances unless listed here: __.
Title
Seller will sign over the certificate of title to Buyer. Buyer is responsible for registration, taxes and fees required by ____.
Seller: __ Date: __
Buyer: __ Date: __
This free template is general information, not legal advice, and may not suit your state or situation. Some documents must be signed before witnesses or a notary. For anything important, have a lawyer review it.
Texas rules to know
- Buyer: title within 30 days. TxDMV: vehicles “are required to be titled in the buyer’s name within 30 days from the date of sale.” Late titling “may result in delinquent transfer penalties.”
- Forms: the seller signs the title and gives the buyer an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) showing the sales price.
- Seller: file a Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days. TxDMV says that if you file it within 30 days of the sale, you cannot be held responsible for the buyer’s parking tickets and toll violations.
- Sales tax of 6.25 percent, plus title, registration and local fees, is paid when the buyer titles the vehicle.
- Bill of sale: TxDMV does not list one as required, but tells sellers to keep detailed written records and buyers to keep the seller’s name and address, the sale date and the VIN. This bill of sale does that.
What else you need
The certificate of title is what legally transfers ownership. Most states also require an odometer disclosure on the title for newer vehicles, and some require a state-specific bill of sale form or notarization. Check your DMV’s website.
Tips for sellers
- Remove your license plates if your state requires it.
- Notify the DMV and your insurer that you sold the car.
- Accept payment you can verify (cash or a cashier’s check confirmed with the bank).
Sources
Texas rules checked October 14, 2026. Laws and agency rules change; confirm with the state agency linked above. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a bill of sale in Texas?
TxDMV does not list a bill of sale as required for a private sale; the signed title and Form 130-U transfer ownership. A bill of sale is still a good record of the price, date and VIN.
How long do you have to transfer a title in Texas?
30 days from the date of sale, or delinquent transfer penalties may apply (TxDMV).
Does a car bill of sale need to be notarized?
Only in some states. Check your state DMV’s requirements.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title transfers legal ownership; the bill of sale records the transaction.
Questions from readers
Question about the Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice.
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