Learn About Vermont DMV Bill of Sale Requirements

What Is a Bill of Sale and Why Vermont Requires One

A bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from one person to another. In Vermont, this document serves as proof that a vehicle has been sold and ownership has changed hands. The bill of sale becomes an important part of your vehicle registration and title records with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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Vermont law requires a bill of sale for most vehicle transactions. This requirement exists to protect both the buyer and the seller. For the buyer, the bill of sale proves they purchased the vehicle and establishes when ownership transferred. For the seller, it documents that they no longer own the vehicle and are no longer responsible for it. The bill of sale also helps prevent fraud and theft by creating an official record of the transaction.

The bill of sale is distinct from the vehicle title, which is the legal document showing ownership. While the title proves who owns the vehicle, the bill of sale proves how ownership changed. Both documents work together in the registration process. When you buy a vehicle in Vermont, you will need both the bill of sale and the title to complete your registration with the DMV.

Vermont requires the bill of sale for most vehicle types, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. However, certain transactions may have different rules. For example, gifts between family members and fleet transfers may have different documentation requirements. Understanding whether your specific transaction requires a bill of sale is important before you buy or sell a vehicle.

Practical Takeaway: Before buying or selling a vehicle in Vermont, understand that you will likely need a bill of sale document. This written record protects both parties and is required by Vermont DMV regulations for most vehicle transactions.

Required Information on Vermont Bill of Sale Forms

Vermont's bill of sale must contain specific information about the vehicle, the buyer, and the seller. The Vermont DMV does not provide an official state form, but the document you use must include all required details. Many sellers and buyers use forms from title companies, online legal document services, or forms created by banks and credit unions. Regardless of which form you use, it must contain certain key pieces of information.

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The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a 17-character code unique to each vehicle. You can find the VIN on the vehicle's title, registration certificate, or dashboard on the driver's side. The bill of sale must also list the vehicle's year, make, and model. These details help ensure that both parties are talking about the same vehicle and prevent confusion or disputes later.

The document must include the names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. If either party is a business, the business name and address should be listed. The bill of sale must also show the sale price or trade value of the vehicle. This is the amount the buyer is paying for the vehicle, whether in cash or through financing. Some people worry that listing the actual price on the bill of sale affects taxes, but Vermont requires the actual price to be reported. The bill of sale should also include the date of the sale and the signatures of both the buyer and the seller.

Additionally, the bill of sale should note the condition of the vehicle at the time of sale. This might include whether the vehicle is being sold "as-is" or with any implied warranties. Some forms ask about the odometer reading at the time of sale, which helps establish the vehicle's mileage history. If there are any liens on the vehicle (such as an outstanding loan), this information should also be noted on the bill of sale.

Practical Takeaway: Your bill of sale must include the VIN, vehicle year/make/model, buyer and seller names and addresses, sale price, sale date, and both signatures. Having all this information on the document prevents problems when you submit it to the Vermont DMV.

Where to Find Vermont Bill of Sale Forms

Since Vermont does not provide an official DMV bill of sale form, you have several options for obtaining one. One common source is your bank or credit union if you are financing the vehicle purchase. Many financial institutions provide their own bill of sale forms designed to meet Vermont requirements. If you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will typically provide a bill of sale or similar sales agreement that may fulfill this requirement.

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Online legal document services offer bill of sale templates that you can customize for your specific transaction. These services often provide forms that comply with Vermont law and can be downloaded and printed. Title companies that handle vehicle registration also often have bill of sale forms available. If you are buying from a private seller, you might ask if they have a form, or you can obtain one through any of these sources and complete it together.

Many Vermont residents use forms created by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or other automotive organizations. These forms are generally designed to meet state requirements and include spaces for all necessary information. You can also find bill of sale samples through Vermont legal resource websites, though you should verify that any form you use includes all required information for Vermont.

When choosing a form, look for one that includes spaces for the VIN, vehicle details, buyer and seller information, sale price, date, and signatures. The form should be clear and easy to complete. Avoid overly complicated forms that include unnecessary information. A simple, straightforward bill of sale that contains all required elements is sufficient. Make sure any form you use does not include language that contradicts Vermont law or creates confusion about the terms of the sale.

Practical Takeaway: You can obtain a bill of sale form from your bank, a dealership, online legal document services, or title companies. Choose a form that clearly includes space for the VIN, vehicle details, buyer and seller information, sale price, date, and both signatures.

How to Complete and Sign Your Bill of Sale

Completing a bill of sale correctly is important to ensure it is accepted by the Vermont DMV. Start by gathering all the necessary information before you sit down to fill out the form. Have the vehicle's VIN available—this is the most critical piece of information. Obtain the VIN from the vehicle's title document, current registration, or by looking at the dashboard. You will also need the vehicle's year, make, and model, which you can find in the same places or by looking at the vehicle itself.

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Write the full names and complete addresses of both the buyer and the seller exactly as they appear on identification documents. If either party is a business entity, use the official business name. Fill in the sale price as the actual amount being paid for the vehicle. If the vehicle is being traded in as part of the transaction, note the trade-in value. The bill of sale should reflect the actual economic value exchanged, not an inflated or reduced amount.

Enter the date of the sale. This is typically the date when the buyer and seller complete the transaction and exchange money and keys. Both the buyer and the seller must sign the document. The signatures should be made in person if possible, though some situations may allow for electronic or notarized signatures depending on how you plan to use the document. Make sure both parties sign the original document, not just copies. Some people choose to have their signatures notarized by a notary public, which adds an extra layer of verification.

Complete the section about the vehicle's condition. Indicate whether the vehicle is being sold "as-is" without any guarantees, or whether certain repairs or warranties are included. Note the odometer reading if that section is included on your form. Review the entire document before signing to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Any errors or missing information could cause delays when you submit it to the Vermont DMV.

Practical Takeaway: Carefully complete all sections of the bill of sale with accurate information, including VIN, vehicle details, names and addresses, sale price, and date. Both the buyer and seller must sign the original document. Review it for accuracy before signing to avoid delays with the DMV.

Submitting Your Bill of Sale to the Vermont DMV

Once the bill of sale is completed and signed, the buyer will submit it to the Vermont DMV as part of the vehicle registration process. The bill of sale is typically submitted along with the original title document, proof of insurance, and any other required registration documents. The buyer has a certain timeframe to register the vehicle in Vermont after purchase; registering promptly helps avoid potential issues with vehicle ownership records.

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The bill of sale can be submitted in person at a Vermont DMV office, by mail, or through other methods depending on your situation and the DMV's current procedures. If you submit by mail, you should send the original signed bill of sale along with other required documents. Make copies