Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Alabama? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Alabama transfers ownership through the signed title and an Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT 5-1), and your county licensing official often wants the bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for tax. It protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
Alabama requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Alabama?
Often, yes. Ownership transfers through the signed title and the title application, but county licensing officials commonly require a bill of sale to verify the purchase price and calculate the tax due. Even where it isn't demanded, it's strongly recommended as proof of the price and sale date.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Alabama does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale to be notarized statewide, and the title assignment itself does not need notarization. A few counties may ask for a notarized form, so check with your local licensing office; notarizing is otherwise optional.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must title and register the vehicle within 20 calendar days of acquiring it. Applying late can add penalty and interest charges, so don't wait.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Alabama charges a 2% state automotive sales tax, plus county and city taxes that vary by location. The buyer pays it to the county licensing official when titling and registering, based on the purchase price shown on the bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Alabama county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT 5-1) at the county licensing office within 20 days.
Ready to create your Alabama bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Alabama bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Alabamabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than your county licensing official or probate office (Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division). Confirm the details with your county licensing official or probate office (Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division).
Alabama bill of sale FAQ
Does an Alabama motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Alabama does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized statewide, and the title assignment doesn't need it either. A handful of counties may request a notarized form, so check locally — otherwise notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Alabama?
Usually yes. County licensing officials often require a bill of sale to verify the price and calculate tax, and even where it isn't required it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Alabama?
At your county licensing official or probate office — not a state DMV counter. The buyer brings the signed title, a completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form MVT 5-1), the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Alabama?
The buyer has 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition to title and register the vehicle at the county licensing office. Applying late can add penalty and interest, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Alabama?
The state automotive sales tax is 2%, plus county and city taxes that vary by location. The buyer pays it to the county licensing official at registration, based on the purchase price — which is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Alabama?
Yes — Alabama doesn't mandate a single statewide form, so a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the licensing office.
Is this Alabama bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.