Updated March 20,2020
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If you ever tried to purchase your car or even sell it to a private owner, you’ve probably heard the term ‘Bill of Sale’ before. When you’re dealing with vehicle transactions, there’s usually some paperwork involved. One of the documents is the ‘Bill of Sale,’ also referred to as a ‘Notice of Sale’.
Although not legally needed in Florida since it doesn’t actually replace the title transfer, it does provide extra protection both for the vehicle buyer and seller, and makes for an excellent personal record. It especially comes in handy when you’ve lost a car title or perhaps have never gotten one from the original seller.
Did you know you can draw up a “Bill of Sale” in minutes? There are plenty of websites dedicated to legally-binding forms you can download as templates, so you can fill up the necessary and personal details of the vehicle in question. Some companies offer these templates for free, while other require a fee for use. Eforms, FormSwift, and LegalContracts are just some of the few online.
Extra Proof of Sale
A Florida ‘Bill of Sale’ delivers added proof that a vehicle was, in fact, sold. That the seller abandons ownership of the vehicle and gives it to another person (the buyer). It also frees the seller from all liabilities attached to the vehicle. So if the buyer gets a into an accident and has to pay damages for example, the seller is not responsible anymore. The new buyer can then use the ‘Bill of Sale’ for transferring title to his or her name and then register the car in Florida.
How to Complete a ‘Bill of Sale’ in Florida
First the seller fills out the Notice of Sale form and signs it. Then, the buyer reviews the form and signs it. There are many fields on the Florida ‘Bill of Sale’: Make, model and year, certificate of title number that’s found on the vehicle title, odometer details, names, dates, price and signatures. In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers a ‘Notice of Sale’ in a document called Form 82050. You can use it to finalize your vehicle transaction.
Notarizing The ‘Bill of Sale’ And Submitting to DHSMV
Once completed and signed, make sure you notarize the ‘Notice of Sale.’ Then it’s the seller’s responsibility to go to the Tax Collector’s office and submit the ‘Bill of Sale. At that point, the DHSMV will cancel the Florida registration of the vehicle, stopping it from being driven on the road, unless the title has already been transferred and registered by the buyer. The buyer has 30 days to transfer title, register vehicle, provide proof of insurance. If this is not done in time, there will be penalties. Don’t forget you can transfer title in Florida and register vehicle all online with eTags.
76 comments
I purchased a 1970s vehicle online so seller signed the title but entered my wife’s name on buyer side.
My wife and I want the new title in my name.
Can she in Florida reassign the sellers out of state title, currently showing her as the buyer, to me (her husband) for a Florida title and avoid paying value tax twice or any transfer or other fee?
Florida titles do not support re-assignment between individuals (only between licensed dealerships). What you can do is have your wife complete the transfer to have the FL title issued in her name. Then do a transfer to your name and write “$0” or “Gift” for the sales price which will exempt you from paying sales taxes since no money or other item of value would be exchanged with the second transfer. You will, though, have to pay the title fee ($75 to $95) twice. Best of luck.
1) I want to sell my Florida license plate car. If I sell privately, I need to fill out the bill of sale (preferably authenticated by a notary) and the Title. These two forms are all I need for a safe sale, right?
2) If I sell to a dealer, like Carvana, they will probably want me to sign everything with the buyer’s name without filling it out, is that it?
3) Form 82050 has “notice of sale” and “bill of sale”. For a simple sale, which is the correct option?
4) To solve my life as a seller, just take the notarized bill of sale to the Tax Collector and hand in my license plate (if I no longer want to have a car), is that it?
Congratulations on the excellent blog.
That is correct. BOS and title are needed to complete a sale. It is recommended to keep a copy of both for their records just in case the transfer is not done as intended.
Sign the seller’s portion only
Bill of sale is the option
Sign the title to someone and surrender the license plate to the tax collector’s office
Hello, hoping for some clarification on the Bill of Sale process in FL. My friend (seller) has left the country and is gifting me his car. The lien was paid off after he left, so he is not in possession of title. He is mailing me the signed Bill of Sale to take to DMV. Does this effectively transfer the title to me (the buyer)? Or are there other forms I (the buyer) must complete?
Also does the Odometer Disclosure Statement portion of the Bill of Sale need to be notarized prior to taking to the DMV?
Hey there, the bill of sale is not the title transfer. You need the title assigned to you, (friend signs it over to you) then you must apply for a title transfer so you could become the new owner of the car. At the same time of TT, you can register the vehicle for license plate. The Bill of Sale is just there to protect you and prove a sale took place. It’s enforced in case there’s an error on title.
I live in FL and want to purchase a vehicle from an auction site. Car is registered and being sold in another state. I have purchased cars previously but never without a title. The vehicle was abandoned and a BOS will be issued as proof of purchase. Will I be able to register and title the vehicle in FL?
Not recommended to buy without a title, try having the seller request a duplicate title so they can sign it over to you and you can transfer the title plus register under your name. There’s also the case of a bonded title: are surety bonds that allow a vehicle owner to claim ownership and register the vehicle with the state of Florida when a title has been lost, stolen or is missing
i want to buy a 1960 truck that is a road tractor, it does not have a modern vin and does not have a title at all, how could i get a title? the seller bought it i the 90’s at an aucton and had no previous info and no title 30 years ago. also no info on where it was last registered
eTags requires titles for transferring ownership. Have you tried contacting the FL DMV? Or research TL-72 Ancient or Antique Motor Vehicles or Antique Vessels for more details that may help.
If I sell me car to a company such as Carmax or carguru, do I need to fill out the HSMV 82050? I have title and license on the vehicle.
Companies like Carmax and others will have you sign the title over to them and they may have you sign HSMV 82050 – Notice of SaleHSMV 82053 – Power of Attorney, allowing them to sign documents for that vehicle on your behalf. Florida, unlike other states, does not have as many requirements for the seller although you do want to make sure to either transfer the FL plates on that car to another one you own or notify the DMV that plates are no longer on the car you sold. This will avoid insurance suspensions that can affect your license.
Owner passed away after moving to Tennessee. Daughter has camper that was still titled in Florida. How can she get a copy of the title for the camper so she can register or sale it in Tennessee?
Hi there, she will need a title replacement also called a duplicate title. She can order one online or via app with eTags
Owner passed away after moving to Tennessee. Daughter has camper that was still titled in Florida. How can she get the title for the camper so she can register it in Tennessee?
In florida, you can order a duplicate title, also called a title replacement. You can order one online with eTags.
Motor vehicle service centers work with appointment. How can I and buyer go to complete title transfer, submit license plate and HSMV 82050 Form?
In which process we fill the form HSMV 82050? After complete the transfer of title at motor vehicle service center or during the transfer process? Because on the FLHSMW website says that I need to keep the copy of notarized Form HSMV 82050 and title. How is this process run? Please inform me
Thank you so much
Hey there, we’re completely online and you (or buyer) can transfer you title and provide registration online. Just go to etags online to complete your order.
This is my first time selling the car in Florida. As I understand, I will fill out the Bill of Sale document and give it to buyer. Buyer will review and sign it. Buyer will give the document back to me. Then I will submit it to Tax Collector Office.
My question is, when do I complete the selling process of the car? After I received the Bill of Sale document signed by buyer? or when?
If you can answer my question, I will be appreciated so much.
Best Regards
Love from Orlando
When the title is signed over to your buyer. He or she will then do a title transfer and become owner.
My husband is out of state temporarily and I am selling our car. It is in his name only. What do I need to transfer the title to the new buyer since my husband cannot be there. Do I need power of attorney?
You would need Power of Attorney form 82053 and a copy of the husbands driver’s license.
I cannot find the title to a car I gifted to my mom for $11’s (really gifted). I created a BOS and signed it to her. Can she go get the title? I am extremely busy and don’t have time to take off. She lives in Florida and I am in Tennessee.
You can try to request a duplicate title online with eTags, depending on where title was originally…as we don’t operate in all 50 states.
I was gifted a boat by my cousin in 2020, he was unable to get a duplicate title from his state of residence due to COVID, he then passed away in 2021. I do have a bill of sale for the state of Florida signed by him in 2020 when I drove to Virginia and picked it up from him. How can I get a Florida title and registration for the boat?
A duplicate title must be applied for before the transfer can be completed. Assuming there is no will, following proper order on the chart of heirs, an heir must apply for the duplicate title and act as the seller. If a Will exists and was probated ( court approval), the Personal representative of the estate must apply for the duplicate title and act as the seller.
I am selling a mobile home. I plan to fill out a notice/bill of sale for both me and the buyer. If they don’t end up going to the DMV to get it in their name will this keep me from being responsible for any future costs associated with the mobile home?
Hey there, aside from the bill of sale you’ll need to sign over the title to him so he can complete a title transfer at the DMV or online with eTags. As long as the title is in your name, you are responsible for any parking tickets, accidents, and so on. A bill of sale doesn’t transfer ownership.
I’m privately selling my non-running vehicle, either for parts or repair, whichever the buyer wants. I’ve got a paper title (no lien) and will be removing my tag and turning it in (no new vehicle to transfer it to). If I submit a Notice of Sale HSMV 82050, do I need to pay sales tax?
You will not be required to pay taxes as the sales tax are paid by the buyer during the title transfer process.
I bought a car, the owner signed over title and deactivated her facebook. I have no way of contacting her since everything was done through facebook. The address on her title is not her correct address. And we met at apartment conplex to complete sales. Can I transfer the title without bill of sales?
As long as the seller signed the title and completed the sections necessary, you can transfer the title and register the vehicle. You do not need a bill of sale unless you or the seller made an error when completing the title. Visit eTags online to place an order to transfer the title.
What happens when vehicle owner dies and will leaves vehicle to deceased owner’s child who lives in another state. PRs have signed original certificate of title, provided it to child and vehicle is now re-titled in child’s name in his home state. Does a notice of sale form still need to be filed in Florida? If so, the sale price would be zero, but what would the sale date be?
Not necessarily, the notice of sale form is normally submitted to the state simply to mark the status of the Florida title as “SOLD”. Now, if that’s is what you desire,you should enter selling price as zero and enter the date the vehicle was transferred as the date of sale.
I bought a motorcycle frame online thru ebay with a bill of sale, how do I go about getting a new title under my name and registrations to get fl plates??
If you are (re)building a motorcycle with the frame you purchased, you will need to go to a DMV office to have the rebuilt motorcycle inspected. Bring all of the documents you have including the bill of sale and any other documents related to the purchase along with your ID and insurance for the motorcycle. Visit this page to find a DMV office in Florida near you. If the motorcycle is not a rebuild and you can obtain the last title from the seller, you can place an order to transfer the title and register the motorcycle with eTags
What if u bought a motorcycle from Washington state that only gives bill of sale on rebuild or salvage vehicles. Can u go to the dmv in Florida n register it n get a title with only the bill of sale ?
Hi Roy,
I apologize for the delay in response. There’s a possibility that DMV will work with you but they may require the vehicle to be inspected prior to registering. It’s certainly worth a visit to your local DMV office in Florida!
Before my boyfriend and I split we basically signed a bill of sale for the vehicle over to him. I am now regretting that I signed it but the car and title and the tag is still registered in my name. So my question is it legally his now or do I just have to get a new bill of sale written? Please help.
A bill os sale represents the sale itself with vehicle details and price. The title represents ownership. And registration is needed IF the vehicle is to be driven on public roads. For the vehicle to be given to him, there needs to be a title transfer where you sign over the title to him. Then he’ll have to register the vehicle so he can drive it. You can transfer online at https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog+question
I purchased a vintage vehicle (1968) with an older signed title. Georgia title and I live in Florida. I didn’t get a bill of sale, and was unable to contact the seller after purchase to draft one. How do I get the title transferred to me? I was told I need a bill of sale , but have been unsuccessful in getting one.
Because Georgia titles do not contain a section to write-in the selling price, a Bill of Sale is required to confirm the amount you paid for the vintage vehicle. The Bill of Sale can be as simple as a written statement from the seller. Once you’re obtain a Bill of Sale, you can complete a transfer of ownership by visiting etags online To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the title, your driver license, the Bill of Sale, and proof of Florida insurance (if you want to register the vehicle with a Florida license plate. You won’t be able to transfer without a bill of sale.
Bought a car from an extended family member. Car title is under their mother whom is older and has dementia, living in nursing home. How can I transfer title?
If the current owner (your extended family’s mother) was not able to sign the title over to you herself, whomever is named as her Power of Attorney would either transfer the title to their name and then sign the title over to you or they can need to sign the title currently in the mother’s name over to you on her behalf. If the second option is done, they would need to provide you a copy of the Power of Attorney. You would take the signed title, Power of Attorney, your ID, and Florida insurance to complete the transfer of title. You may also complete the title transfer online with eTags. If your extended family does not have the title, they need to order a duplicate title which can be done online here.
I am buying a car from a guy that owes 10k on the car. He can’t afford to make the payments on the car and just wants me to pay off the car and then the car would be mine. Since he doesn’t own the car he doesn’t have the title once I give him the money to pay it off, he will receive the title in the mail. So will a bill of sale protect me in this instance. Please let me know. Don’t want to get swindled. Thanks
Prior to transferring the title to your name, you will need to contact the financial institution in possession of the original loan. The loan will have to be transferred to you. After completing all payments on the vehicle, you will receive the vehicle title. Once you have the original title in your possession, we will be happy to assist with a title transfer
Someone is selling me a motorcycle but she still own 5000 she tell me she can write me a bill of sale and notarized give her the money she is paying what she owns and the when the title arrives she call me . Doing that with the bill of sale is right?
Unless you can trust that this person will do the right thing and pay off the motorcycle, then provide you with the title, please be aware that the notarized bill of sale will be considered as invalid as long as the lien is attached to the motorcycle.
If the lien gets paid off and the previous owner provides you with the title, then you can submit an order to transfer the title in your name by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question To begin the reviewing process, we require and image of the original title and your driver’s license or passport.
I bought a car from my roommate who moved to another state. The title is in her name but I have signed the bottom of the title. Unfortunately the car broke down so I need to take it to the junk yard. But since I signed the bottom I need to transfer the title officially. How would I do this?
You can submit an order to transfer the title in your name by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
to begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title and your driver’s license or passport.
What if I bought a truck but he previous owner lost the title. He gave me a written bill of sale and one of his old registration papers.
From what I read all I need is proof that the vehicle was his and in his name, and proof of the sale. I have both of those.
if you’re looking to transfer a title in Fl you can go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
I gave my car to my mom who is temporarily in TX with the car for a few months, but she lives in CA, which I also live in CA now, but the care registration is in Florida. How do I transfer the title to her and where should she register the vehicle?
You would need the original title for the vehicle to sign it over to your mother. If you do not have the title, then you can submit an order for a duplicate Florida title by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question
Once you receive the original title, you can submit another order to complete a title transfer and register the vehicle in your mother’s name in California by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/ca/transfer?utm_source=blog_question For the reviewing process, we require and image of the title and your mother’s driver license. Thank you.
I bought a Jon boat in Florida without a title but had a previous registration that expired 2 years ago. I have the old registration and a Bill of sale completed and filled out by owner and buyer. What do I have to do to obtain a new title to register the boat so I can start fishing?
You specified Jon boat, which according to a google search is “flat-bottomed boat constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, or wood with one, two, or three bench seats” which average between 2 and 6 feet long. According to the FL DMV “Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length” are not required to be registered or titled. Here’s more info: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/vessel-titling-registrations/
Have a scooter with no title but the original bill of sale . From 2005 how do I go about getting a new title under my name
If the scooter was purchased at a dealership, they would typically complete the transfer and you should contact that dealership to confirm how to proceed. If you purchased it in a private sale, how you complete the transfer depends on a few variables. If the engine is less than 50ccs, there is no title needed and none would be issued when you complete the transfer. You can visit https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog_question
to place an order to Transfer Title/Reg and we can complete that for you if you can provide that bill of sale. If the engine is 50 ccs or more, Florida requires the title signed over from the previous owner, the bill of sale alone cannot typically be used. If have contact with the previous owner, you can advise them to place a duplicate title order on https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog_question and they would choose the Lost Title option. They can then sign the title over to you and you can place a Transfer Title/Reg order. You may also visit your local DMV to confirm your options to use just a Bill of Sale.
If I buy a car from the auction with bill of sale
Can I register the car in state of Florida
The car in state of Washington
f you also have the original title for the car, then you can submit an order to transfer the title and register the vehicle by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl#utm_source=blog_question To begin the process, we will require an image of the original title, your driver’s license and proof of Florida liability insurance. If you only have the Bill of Sale, then you would need to complete the transfer in person at your local motor vehicle service centers.
HI,
I have sold my Florida registered vehicle to other state, Now what are the next steps I need to follow?
1. What documents I need to submit , and where to submit?
2. Do I need to send my Plates back to DMV? If yes where can I submit?
3. DO I need to submit HSMV 82050(Bill of sale)?
4. As currently I am not in Florida, is there a option to send mail?
Any help on this very much appreciated, Thanks in advance.
You’ll need to surrender your license plate to your local dmv, and provide a bill of sale to the buyer. Keep a copy of the bill of sale for yourself for proof that vehicle was sold.
I SOLD A CAR TO A PERSON WHO STILL DID NOT REGISTER THE CAR, AND DURING PURCHASE I DID NOT TAKE HER PERSONAL INFORMATION, NOW I WAS TRYING TO FILE A SALE OF NOTICE BUT SHE IS REFUSING TO GIVE HER NAME AND OTHER INFORMATION, AND I ALREADY SURRENDER THE LICENCE TAG OF THE CAR TO DMV. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? PLEASE HELP….
Since you are unable to file a Notice of Sale, we recommend seeking professional legal advice on what you should do regarding the new owner’s failure to complete the transfer.
We are in FL. My husband passed away and I have his car that is paid off. Can I sell it without transferring title to myself? Can I put my name as seller on the bill of sale even if his name is on the title?
A surviving spouse can sign the title as long as their name shows on the death certificate as the surviving spouse, and they can give a copy of the death certificate to the buyer with the title to transfer.
Does the bill of sale need to be notarized for tag and registration in the state of Florida?
The FL Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dept, FLHSMV, recommends having it notarized.https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/selling-vehicle-florida/
I have the title to my car and the bill of sales could I use the bill of sales for the transfer of seller by title section of title
Hey there, I’m not sure I understand your question. If you have the title of the car and trying to sell it, then that’s all you need. It’s great to have the bill of sale too. For FL title transfer, you can go to https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question
Got a bill of sell from authority liquidator for a motorcycle The owner was decided Have police report on vin and need assistance in obtaining a Florida title
If you don’t have the original title, contact the FL DMV for information on how tp proceed. https://www.flhsmv.gov/
If I buy a vehicle from a person that doesn’t have a title.
That person gives me a BILL OF SALE.
WILL I RECEIVE A TITLE IN THE MAIK AFTER REGUSTERING MY VEHICLE?
You will not receive a title in the mail and unfortunately you will not be able to register the vehicle in your name without transferring ownership.The first service required would be a lost title/ replacement title thru http://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blogquestion. Please keep in mind since a transfer was not yet completed the application and required documents will have to be from the previous owner (seller).
What happens if the original owner has passed away and the brother has the car. The title can not be found. How can I get it registered
If the deceased owner is not married, and if the brother of the deceased owner is listed on their death certificate as an INFORMANT, then the brother can obtain a duplicate title by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl#utm_source=blogquestion
To mail the title, we require an image of the brother’s driver license and the deceased owner’s death certificate.