A Florida motor vehicle bill of sale is used when selling a vehicle (or vessel) to provide written evidence of the sale. It is completed by the seller before or at the time of the purchase and, once signed by both parties, serves as proof of the transfer of ownership between parties. The bill of sale contains information typically found in a sales receipt, such as the purchase price and sale date. It also includes the parties’ contact details and a description of the vehicle being sold. With a bill of sale, the seller can prove they are not liable for accidents or parking tickets incurred by the new owner. For the buyer, a bill of sale not only serves as a sales receipt, but it may also come in handy when trying to replace a lost title or registration document.

Florida Vehicle Registration/Titling

For the initial registration of a newly acquired vehicle, the seller must first complete the Transfer of Title by Seller section found on the front of the vehicle’s title certificate. Next, the buyer must do the following within thirty (30) days of the sale:

1. Fill out an Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration and attach the vehicle’s title.
2. Visit a local service center and provide the following:
   • Proof of identity;
   • Proof of valid insurance in Florida;
   • Bill of sale;
   • Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration with the title attached.
3. Pay the $225 fee to complete the registration. Additional fees may apply depending on the vehicle type (see registration fees).