District of Columbia Bill of Sale

What District of Columbia requires for a vehicle sale

• The DC DMV titles page lists the current title, a car bill of sale, proof of DC insurance, and an odometer statement for a private purchase.
• The buying page says for private sales you should also obtain a bill of sale, and that all owners must sign over the back of the title.
• DC DMV says a vehicle not properly titled cannot be registered, and the seller should provide the properly signed title.
• Sellers should remove tags and, if not transferring them, surrender them to DC DMV. Tags left on may leave you liable for violations.
• The excise tax is paid separately if you title the vehicle yourself, so it should not be in the sales price. The page gives no rate.
• The title is mailed within 10 business days after all documents are presented.
• Odometer reading goes on the back of the title or reassignment sheet. Disclosure statements should be available for vehicles under 10 years old.

District of Columbia bill of sale: what to include

Whatever District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia.

Seller checklist (District of Columbia)

• Sign over the back of the title, with all owners signing.
• Record the odometer reading on the title.
• Provide a bill of sale.
• Remove tags and surrender them if not transferring them.
• Keep insurance active until the tags are surrendered.

Buyer checklist (District of Columbia)

• Confirm the seller has the title in their name.
• Collect the signed title, bill of sale, and odometer statement.
• Get DC insurance and a DC DMV credential for the primary owner.
• Visit a DC DMV service center for title and temporary registration.
• Pay fees and excise tax unless exempt.

Things to watch in District of Columbia

• The pages we read do not address notarization or a filing deadline.
• They give no official bill of sale form number or required contents. Call DC DMV at (202) 737-4404.

About this page

We checked this page against the DC DMV 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 DC DMV before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.