A Pennsylvania DMV bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership rights over a motor vehicle between two legal entities. A PA bill of sale form should be completed by both parties involved in a vehicle transfer in front of a notary on the same date when the vehicle is being sold. Although a vehicle bill of sale is not a mandatory requirement when performing a car title transfer through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), both parties are highly encouraged to complete it for their personal records.

A bill of sale can protect both the seller and the buyer of the motor vehicle from future legal inconveniences. As such, the two legal entities are expected to fill in the bill of sale template with their personal information and signatures, as well as with details about the motor vehicle in question.

Note that this document may serve as a record for the car title transfer process, but it is not considered proof of the ownership of the vehicle. If you want to learn more information about how to write a bill of sale and where to find samples, continue reading the sections below.

When is a bill of sale necessary in Pennsylvania?

An auto bill of sale in Pennsylvania is needed in situations when two different legal parties are transferring the ownership of a motor vehicle between themselves. A seller can furnish a bill of sale PDF as well as a hard copy, and both may be valid depending on the situation. Both legal entities should complete this credential during the process of buying a car, because the document contains valuable that proves the transfer of ownership.

Overall, this credential includes details about the motor vehicle, its selling price and the date of sale, as well as information about both the seller and the purchaser. Moreover, a bill of sell must be used so that both participants can protect themselves from future legal issues.

For instance, a DMV bill of sale may be needed when buyers are required to provide a document that shows the selling price of the motor vehicle they had bought, as well as particularities about the exchange. As such, a bill of sale form can protect an individual’s ownership rights over a vehicle.

Who needs a Pennsylvania bill of sale?

A Pennsylvania bill of sale contract is usually completed by both vehicle sellers and purchasers who participate in the transfer of a motor vehicle. Even though filing this document is not a requirement of the PennDOT when applying for a vehicle title, both participants are recommended to complete it for their own personal records.

A simple bill of sale contract can provide the seller with a record of the ownership transfer, preventing him or her from facing any potential legal complications. Moreover, once completed, this credential may be vital for a buyer after the process of buying a car. Thus, both parties should not only complete a bill of sale template, but also save copies of this document in order to protect themselves from future inconveniences.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Pennsylvania

Since a Pennsylvania DOT bill of sale is supposed to be signed by the two legal entities that participate in a sale and purchase process, both the seller and the buyer are encouraged to learn how to complete this document. When completing a bill of sale form, both parties are expected to provide their personal details and signatures, as well as the necessary information about the motor vehicle and its selling price.

After obtaining a blank bill of sale in Pennsylvania, both the seller and the buyer are expected to provide the following:

  • Information about the motor vehicle.
  • Selling price and date of sale.
  • Personal details about the seller.
  • Personal details about the buyer.
  • Signature of both the buyer and seller.

Once all of the involved parties fill out a bill of sale template with the above mentioned information, they are encouraged to keep a copy in their possession for future personal needs. An auto bill of sale copy may prove the ownership transfer and the selling price of the motor vehicle, whenever needed.

Therefore, make sure to complete this credential thoroughly, regardless of whether you need such form for the car title transfer procedure. To find out more detailed explanation about how to complete this important form, contact PennDOT for more information.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.