The Basics

Purchasing a vehicle from an individual can sometimes save you money, but it can also seem a bit more complicated because you don't have a dealer taking care of everything for you. Along with all the other paperwork, you should complete a bill of sale and have it notarized.

A notarized bill of sale is a legal document that shows a transfer in ownership of a vehicle and helps both the seller and purchaser avoid any confusion when trying to obtain a clear title and registration. A bill of sale includes:

• The name, address, and signature of the previous owner

• The name and address of the new owner

• The year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle

• The date of sale

• The signature of a notary public

Forms You Need

When you purchase a vehicle outright, it's important that the seller provides you with a notarized bill of sale.

If he or she doesn't, you should request one. You may want to download one to take with you when you purchase the vehicle.

If you are the seller of the vehicle, make sure you include a notarized bill of sale in the buying and selling process. To protect yourself, you might also want to keep a copy of the bill of sale.

Generic Bill of Sale

If you have trouble downloading the West Virginia Bill of Sale form, we provide links to generic forms from our sponsors.

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