Is a bill of sale required in Texas?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 09, 2026
Even though it is not a legal requirement in Texas, you have every reason to complete a bill of sale when selling your car. A bill of sale provides solid proof that a transfer was made, and therefore all liability now rests with the new owner. It also acts as a receipt for your own personal records.
How do you write a bill for selling a car?
A bill of sale for a car should include:
- The date of the sale.
- A description of the car, including its: Year, make and model.
- The selling price of the car. If the car is a gift or partial gift, you should still create a bill of sale.
- Warranty information.
- The full names, addresses and signatures of the buyer and seller.
What is a Texas bill of sale?
A Texas motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal document used to demonstrate that a motor vehicle has been legally sold in the state of Texas. The bill of sale will contain information about the buyer and the seller, a description of the vehicle being sold, and information about the transaction, such as price.
Is the bill of sale for the buyer or seller?
Create your bill of sale. The seller is responsible for drafting the bill of sale. Even if it’s not required by your state, as a seller you’ll want to put one together.
How do you get a title for a car with a bill of sale in Texas?
How to get a Texas Bonded Title in 5 Steps
- Step 1: Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Step 2: Complete Necessary Documents.
- Step 3: Wait for Approval.
- Step 4: Purchase a Surety Bond.
- Step 5: Apply for a Bonded Title.
How do you write a bill of sale for a car in Texas?
– Name and address of the seller. – Vehicle description, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year. – The purchase price. – Signature of the seller.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
While a bill of sale certifies a transfer of ownership between two parties, a title certifies the buyer’s legal ownership. It’s the final step in the process and proves that the buyer is the legal owner.
Can I sell my car for $1 in Texas?
Yes, it is totally possible. Just make sure you have a Bill of Sale for legal reasons to protect both of you. The DMV will want their fair share of taxes based on the car make, model, and year. If you do somehow get it registered at the DMV, you will likely get a bill a few months later for a fair value of taxes.
Why did I never get a bill of sale when I Sold my Car?
I never got a bill of sale when I sold the car- now it’s in police custody, and I’m liable for fees and possibly implicated in whatever this car’s been into. TL,DNR: Never got a bill of sale when I sold my car 2 years ago.
How to get a title on a car with only a bill of sale?
How to Get a Title on a Car With Only a Bill of Sale. Buying a vehicle with a bill of sale but no title is a bit tricky when it comes to registering the vehicle, but it can be done. You just need to complete a few steps, including obtaining a bonded title, and then you can claim the car as your own.
Can you still buy a car from last year?
For example, in fall of 2018, many car manufactures are already releasing their 2019 lineup. That means you can find 2018, and even remaining 2017 model year cars, for steep discounts if you shop around.
What happens when you sell a 2011 car?
At the time, both cars were brand-new vehicles sitting on the dealer lot. But when it comes time to sell, buyers will view your 2011 model as a year older than a 2012 vehicle — and you’ll have to price it accordingly. The result is that depreciation may take away some of the money you saved when you were buying the car in the first place.