Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Idaho? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Idaho transfers ownership through the assigned title, and the state's bill of sale (Form ITD 3738) is typically required unless the sale price is written on the title. A bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Idaho requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Idaho?
Usually, yes. Idaho's DMV requires a bill of sale — the state form is ITD 3738 — for most private sales unless the seller already wrote the sale price on the title. It must show the vehicle description, price, buyer's full legal name, and the seller's signature and date.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Idaho does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The DMV may request a notarized one only if the title is missing or unclear or there's an ownership discrepancy.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must file the title and bill of sale with a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days of the sale to avoid a $20 late-filing penalty.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Idaho charges 6% sales/use tax on the purchase price, paid by the buyer when the title is transferred. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount only when buying from a licensed dealer, not in a private-party 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 Idaho 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 title and Form ITD 3738 at the county DMV office within 30 days.
Ready to create your Idaho 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
Idaho bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Idahobuilder 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 assessor's motor vehicle office (Idaho DMV / ITD). Confirm the details with your county assessor's motor vehicle office (Idaho DMV / ITD).
Idaho bill of sale FAQ
Does an Idaho motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Idaho does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The DMV may ask for a notarized one only if the title is missing or unclear — otherwise the signed title and Form ITD 3738 are enough.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Idaho?
Usually yes. Idaho's DMV requires a bill of sale (Form ITD 3738) for most private sales unless the sale price is already written on the title. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Idaho?
At your county assessor's motor vehicle office, which handles Idaho DMV (ITD) titling — not a state counter. The buyer brings the assigned title, the bill of sale, proof of identity, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Idaho?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to file the title and bill of sale at the county DMV office. After 30 days, Idaho charges a $20 late-filing penalty, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Idaho?
6% of the purchase price, paid by the buyer at the county DMV office when transferring the title. A trade-in lowers the taxable amount only on dealer purchases, not private sales. This 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 Idaho?
Yes — a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details Idaho requires (vehicle description, price, buyer's name, and the seller's signature and date), though the state also offers Form ITD 3738. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this Idaho 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.