How to Get a Bill of Sale in Florida
A Florida bill of sale is a legal document that reports the transfer of a motor vehicle from one party to another. The vehicle bill of sale plays a very important role in the sale and purchase process because it contains details about the transaction between the two parties. For instance, the car bill of sale holds information about the vehicle, the sale price and the purchase date. It also includes personal details about the buyer and the seller.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) offers a template that must usually be completed by both sellers and buyers. The purpose of the form is to serve as a proof of transfer of ownership between two parties and as one of the documents that can be used before finalizing a car title transfer procedure. To learn where to get the auto bill of sale and find out why these documents are important, read the sections below.
When is a bill of sale necessary in Florida?
A Florida bill of sale form is needed when residents are buying or selling motor vehicles. Moreover, the document contains important ownership transfer details that are needed in order to finalize a sale and purchase procedure.
The DHSMV recommends that individuals complete a vehicle bill of sale in order to protect themselves during the vehicle transaction and in the future in case of potential disagreements. Vehicle buyers may use a bill of sale template when applying for a car registration or title transfer.
Who needs a Florida bill of sale?
Filing a Florida bill of sale agreement is recommended for vehicle sellers and buyers alike. A bill of sale template can help sellers avoid future legal issues by releasing them of liability in case the car they have sold is involved in a traffic violation or any other issue.
This is especially important if the buyer has not applied for a title change but has already taken ownership of the car. Thus, the form can provide vehicle sellers with proof of the sale the motor vehicle.
A printed out and completed bill of sale PDF can also be beneficial for buyers. This document helps protect them in case there are any disputes about ownership or vehicle sales price. Sellers should verify that the form contains accurate information before signing it in order to ensure that there are no mistakes in the important information.
How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Florida
A generic bill of sale in Florida can be completed with information about the seller, buyer and motor vehicle. When completing a simple bill of sale, applicants may choose which sections to complete, depending on whether they are the sellers or buyers of the motor vehicles.
The form has two parts. The first part, known as the notice of sale, must be completed only by the seller and must hold the buyer’s signature.
The second part, the DMV bill of sale, must be completed by both the seller and the buyer for cars not purchased from car dealerships.
When you receive a blank bill of sale, you will have to complete it with the following information:
- A motor vehicle description, including the year, make, body type, model, color, title number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The buyer’s personal details (name and address)
- The sale date and selling price
- An odometer disclosure statement
- The buyer’s and seller’s signatures, names and addresses
Once the seller and buyer complete the Florida bill of sale form, they need to submit the form to a local Tax Collector office within 30 days of the sale date. Submitting the completed car bill of sale to the Tax Collector or License Plate Agency will update the DMV records and will mark the vehicle as sold.
After the used car bill of sale is processed, the seller’s information will be erased from the record, thus operating the vehicle will be illegal until the buyer applies for a title registration. A significant part of the form is the odometer disclosure statement. Failing to complete this section may result in penalties.
Sources
- How do I title and register my vehicle? from FLHSMV.gov