Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale Form (2026)
A Vermont vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a receipt and formal record of a transaction between a buyer and a seller. It outlines the purchase price, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and the exact date of sale. This document is essential for both parties, as it protects the seller from liability after the transaction and provides the buyer with concrete proof of ownership to begin the title transfer process.
Vermont Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Vermont. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell and Transfer a Vehicle in Vermont
Step 1: Negotiate the final purchase price and ensure the buyer has secured the necessary funds. It is recommended to use a secure payment method such as a cashier's check or bank transfer to protect both parties.
Step 2: Complete the Vermont Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005). Both the buyer and seller must fill out their personal details, the vehicle's identifying information, the purchase price, and the exact odometer reading.
Step 3: Sign and date the bill of sale. Vermont law does not require you to notarize a vehicle bill of sale, so the signatures of the buyer and seller are legally sufficient to execute the document.
Step 4: The seller must sign the back of the Vermont Certificate of Title to release ownership to the buyer. The seller must also remove their license plates from the vehicle, as license plates stay with the owner in Vermont and can be transferred to a new vehicle.
Step 5: The buyer must take the signed title, Bill of Sale (VT-005), Registration Application (VD-119), proof of insurance, and payment for the 6% Purchase and Use Tax to a local VT DMV office. The buyer then has 15 days after registration to pass a mandatory state safety and emissions inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Vermont?
Yes. The Vermont DMV requires a bill of sale to officially transfer ownership, register the vehicle, and accurately calculate the state's Purchase and Use Tax.
Does a Vermont vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, Vermont does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The signatures of the buyer and seller are completely sufficient to make the document legally binding.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Vermont?
While you can legally draft your own, the Vermont DMV highly recommends using their official Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) to avoid processing delays. If you write your own, it must include the VIN, make, year, purchase price, date, both signatures, and an odometer disclosure.
Are private vehicle sales in Vermont considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Vermont are generally considered 'as-is'. Vermont's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. Buyers should have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchase, as they assume all mechanical and financial risks once the sale is final.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Vermont?
Vermont charges a 6% Purchase and Use Tax on vehicles. For private sales, this tax is calculated based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) clean trade-in value, whichever amount is greater.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Vermont DMV?
To successfully transfer the title, the buyer must bring the properly assigned original Certificate of Title, the completed Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure (Form VT-005), a completed Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application (Form VD-119), valid proof of auto insurance, and payment for title fees, registration, and taxes.