Alabama Bill of Sale

What Alabama requires for a vehicle sale

• Alabama Admin. Code 810-5-1-.246 sets bill of sale contents for self-propelled vehicles not subject to the Alabama title act. The page we read does not say it applies to titled cars.
• That rule lists: buyer name and physical address, sale date, VIN, make, year, model and body type, seller name and address, purchase price, and signatures of seller and buyer.
• The Department's titles FAQ says Alabama does not require notarization of the assignment of a title or MSO.
• The buyer has 20 calendar days from the date of purchase to register and get a plate. A titled vehicle must first get an Alabama certificate of title through a designated agent.
• The title application fee is $15 per the Department FAQ. Designated agents may add a $1.50 commission, and some counties may add local fees.
• The Department FAQ says the registrant removes the license plate upon sale or disposal of the vehicle.
• The odometer reading is not required on an MSO assignment. For other transfers, the application mileage must match the title assignment exactly.

Alabama bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Alabama requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Alabama.

Seller checklist (Alabama)

• Complete the assignment on the title. If owners are joined by AND, both sign; if OR, one signature is enough.
• Make sure the odometer reading you write matches what the buyer will put on the application.
• Remove your license plate when you sell the vehicle.
• Ask the Department or a license plate issuing office whether a seller notice of sale is available, because the pages we read do not say.

Buyer checklist (Alabama)

• Apply for the Alabama certificate of title through a designated agent, such as a county license plate issuing official.
• Register the vehicle within 20 calendar days of the purchase date and show Alabama liability insurance.
• Bring the assigned title, with the title application mileage matching the title assignment.
• Expect to pay the $15 title fee, registration fees and ad valorem taxes. Check the amount of any sales tax with the Department.

Things to watch in Alabama

• The pages we read do not say whether a bill of sale is required for a titled private sale. Check with your county license plate issuing office.
• The pages we read do not give a seller deadline for notifying the state of the sale or a bill of sale form number for titled cars.

About this page

We checked this page against the Alabama Department of Revenue sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with Alabama Department of Revenue before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.