Buying or selling a car in Pennsylvania? A bill of sale is a simple document that records the sale of a vehicle. It helps protect both the buyer and seller by showing what was sold, the price, and the date.
At Taj Notary & Tags in Bethlehem, PA, we help customers with vehicle title transfers, registration, and notary services.
What Is a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a written record of a vehicle purchase. It usually includes:
- Buyer’s and seller’s full names and addresses
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Purchase price
- Date of sale
- Odometer reading, when applicable
- Signatures of the buyer and seller
Important: In Pennsylvania, a bill of sale does not replace the vehicle title. You must complete the required title-transfer paperwork.
Does a Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized in PA?
A separate bill of sale generally does not need to be notarized for an ordinary private vehicle sale in Pennsylvania.
However, Pennsylvania vehicle title transfers have separate notarization requirements. The required title signatures must be completed according to PennDOT rules.
Is a Bill of Sale Enough to Transfer a Car Title?
No. To transfer a Pennsylvania vehicle title, you generally need:
- Original vehicle title
- Valid identification
- Buyer and seller information
- Required title signatures
- Applicable PennDOT forms
- Payment of taxes and fees
- Proof of insurance if registering the vehicle
An authorized PennDOT agent can help you complete the process.
Free Printable Vehicle Bill of Sale (PDF)
Need a bill of sale for your vehicle?
Download our FREE Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale. Simply print the form, fill in the details, and keep a signed copy for your records.
Download Free Bill of Sale (PDF)
Important: A bill of sale does not replace the vehicle title required for a Pennsylvania title transfer.
Where to Get Help in Bethlehem, PA
If you are buying or selling a vehicle, Taj Notary & Tags can help with your Pennsylvania title transfer and registration.
We are an authorized PennDOT agent serving Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton, and surrounding Lehigh Valley communities.
Taj Notary & Tags
28 E Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: (484) 951-1565
Website: https://tajautotags.com
Call or visit our office for assistance with your vehicle paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a handwritten bill of sale legally valid?
In most states, a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it contains the required information: full legal names and addresses of both parties, the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN, the sale price, the sale date, the odometer reading, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Handwriting it yourself is acceptable, but print clearly and use the same spelling across every field. Some states require specific language or a state-issued form for title transfers, so check your state motor vehicle agency's requirements before you rely on a handwritten version.
What should I do if there is a mistake on a signed bill of sale?
Do not scribble over the error or use correction fluid. The cleanest fix is to create a new bill of sale with the correct information and have both parties sign and date it again. If a new form is not possible, both parties can initial and date a single-line strike-through next to the correction, though some agencies may reject altered documents. For errors that affect the VIN, price, or odometer reading, always redo the document. A mismatched VIN or price can stall your title transfer.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign a bill of sale?
Yes. A bill of sale is a two-party record, so both the buyer and the seller should sign and date it. Missing signatures are one of the most common reasons a bill of sale gets rejected during a title transfer. Each party should also keep a copy. Print two copies before signing so neither side has to chase the other later. If a notary is involved, both parties typically sign in front of the notary so the acknowledgment covers both signatures.
Can I sell a car with just a bill of sale in Pennsylvania?
A bill of sale alone generally cannot replace the properly assigned vehicle title.
Can I write my own bill of sale?
Yes. You can prepare your own document with the correct buyer, seller, vehicle, and sale information.
Do both parties need to sign?
Both parties should sign the bill of sale and keep copies for their records.
Where can I transfer a car title in Bethlehem?
Visit Taj Notary & Tags, an authorized PennDOT agent in Bethlehem, PA.
Conclusion
A bill of sale is useful when buying or selling a vehicle, but completing the title transfer correctly is just as important.
For help with auto tags, title transfers, vehicle registration, and notary services in Bethlehem, PA, contact Taj Notary & Tags.