Free Texas Bill of Sale Form — Fillable PDF
Last updated: June 2026
What's included in the Texas Bill of Sale
Texas Bill of Sale Requirements
In Texas, a bill of sale is required when transferring ownership of a vehicle between private parties. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) accepts the Vehicle Transfer Notification form (VTR-41-A) to document the sale. Texas does not require notarization for a standard vehicle bill of sale, but both buyer and seller signatures are required. The buyer must register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase at their county tax assessor-collector office. Texas requires the odometer reading for all vehicles under 10 years old. For sales in counties like Harris (Houston), Bexar (San Antonio), or Travis (Austin), the county is a required field on the bill of sale. A Texas bill of sale should include the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, mileage, and agreed sale price.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Bill of Sale
Does Texas require a bill of sale for a vehicle?
Texas law does not legally require a separate bill of sale when a title is transferred, but having one protects both buyer and seller. It documents the sale price, odometer reading, and the date of sale, and can be used to limit liability after the vehicle changes hands.
Does a Texas bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Texas does not require notarization for a vehicle bill of sale. Both parties simply sign and date the document. The seller should also complete a Vehicle Transfer Notification with TxDMV within 30 days to release liability.
Where do I register a vehicle after buying it in Texas?
Take the signed title, proof of insurance, and bill of sale to your county tax assessor-collector office. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to register. Counties include Harris County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Bexar County, and Travis County.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Texas?
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in Texas as long as it includes the vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both buyer and seller. A printed form is strongly recommended for clarity.
What is the TxDMV Vehicle Transfer Notification?
The Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-41-A) is a form filed by the seller with TxDMV to release liability after a vehicle sale. It can be submitted online at txdmv.gov and is free. InvoDraft's Texas bill of sale includes all required fields.
See also:
Ready to create your Texas bill of sale?
Fill it out online in under 2 minutes. No account required.
Create Free Bill of Sale