A bill of sale is the simple but important document that records a private vehicle sale. It’s proof of what changed hands, between whom, for how much, and in what condition — and it’s part of what the buyer needs to register the vehicle. Whether you’re buying or selling, getting it right protects both sides and prevents disputes later. Here’s what a good one contains.
Why a bill of sale matters
For the buyer, it’s evidence of ownership and the price paid, and it’s needed to register the vehicle. For the seller, it’s a record that the vehicle was sold on a particular date, at a particular price, in a stated condition — valuable protection if any question arises after the sale. In short, it turns a handshake into a documented transaction that both parties can rely on.
What to include
A clear vehicle bill of sale should contain:
- Date of the sale.
- Buyer and seller details — full names and addresses of both parties.
- Vehicle details — year, make, model, and the 17-character VIN.
- Odometer reading at the time of sale.
- Sale price, clearly stated.
- Condition statement — private sales are commonly “as is,” which is worth stating explicitly.
- Signatures of both the buyer and the seller.
Prepare two copies so each party keeps one.
A note on Alberta’s no-PST advantage
Because Alberta has no provincial sales tax, a private used-vehicle purchase isn’t subject to PST the way it is in many other provinces — so the price on the bill of sale is closer to what you actually pay. The document still matters regardless of tax, since it records the transfer.
Where it fits in the sale
The bill of sale is signed at the point of sale, after the buyer has done their due diligence and payment is arranged. For buyers, that means confirming the VIN, running a lien search, and inspecting the vehicle first; for sellers, it means clearing any lien beforehand. Then the buyer takes the signed bill of sale and transfer documents to register the vehicle. See the full buying checklist for the complete sequence.
Last reviewed: January 2026