Free Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale (PDF)
An Alabama vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a formal receipt of a transaction between a private seller and a buyer. It outlines the specifics of the vehicle being sold, the purchase price, and the contact information of both parties. By keeping a signed copy of this document, both the buyer and the seller are protected from future disputes regarding the condition or ownership of the vehicle.
In Alabama, while the properly reassigned certificate of title is the primary document required to legally transfer ownership, local county license plate issuing officials strongly encourage—and often require—a bill of sale to calculate the appropriate casual sales tax. The state does not strictly require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized unless the vehicle is exempt from titling (e.g., 35 model years old or older). However, completing this form is an essential step for the buyer's registration process within their 20-day legal window.
Alabama Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Alabama. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Alabama: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Agree on the purchase price and payment method with the buyer. Ensure you have the clear title, as Alabama requires titles for all vehicles that are 34 model years old or newer.
Step 2: Complete the bill of sale and accurately fill out the odometer disclosure on the back of the title. Federal and Alabama laws require accurate mileage reporting for vehicles under 20 years old.
Step 3: Sign the bill of sale. While Alabama does not mandate notarization for a standard titled vehicle bill of sale, getting it notarized is recommended for added legal protection or if you are selling a title-exempt vintage vehicle.
Step 4: The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle before handing over the keys. In Alabama, license plates stay with the seller and do not transfer to the buyer.
Step 5: The buyer must take the signed title, bill of sale, and proof of Alabama liability insurance to their local county licensing office within 20 days to register the vehicle and pay the sales tax. Alabama does not require emissions or smog testing for vehicle registration.
Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQs
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Alabama?
Yes. While the title transfer is the most critical step, county licensing officials typically require a bill of sale to verify the purchase price and accurately calculate the casual sales tax.
Does a Alabama vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, Alabama law does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized for a standard private sale of a titled vehicle. However, notarization is required if the vehicle is old enough to be exempt from titling (35 model years or older) and the bill of sale acts as the primary proof of ownership.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Alabama?
Yes, you can write your own bill of sale. The Alabama Department of Revenue accepts generic bill of sale forms, provided they include the buyer and seller's information, vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), purchase price, date of sale, and the signatures of both parties.
Are private vehicle sales in Alabama considered 'as-is'?
Yes, all private vehicle sales in Alabama are considered 'as-is.' The state's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. Buyers are responsible for inspecting the vehicle thoroughly before finalizing the purchase, as there is no legal right to cancel the sale after the fact.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Alabama?
Alabama assesses a state automotive casual sales tax of 2%, plus any applicable county and municipal taxes. This tax is typically calculated based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale. However, if the stated price seems unreasonably low compared to the vehicle's fair market value, the county licensing official may calculate the tax based on the standard book value instead.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Alabama DMV?
To successfully transfer the title and register the vehicle, the buyer must bring the originally assigned Certificate of Title, a signed bill of sale, valid proof of Alabama liability insurance, and a valid driver's license or ID to their local county license plate issuing office within 20 days of purchase.