Florida car — quick answer
In Florida, a car bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is HSMV 82050. Titling and registration are handled by the FLHSMV.
Is a car bill of sale required in Florida?
Recommended. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
Does a Florida car bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
What to include on a Florida car bill of sale
- Buyer and seller full legal names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and color of the car
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading at the time of sale
- Agreed price and how it was paid
- Date and both signatures
How to transfer a car in Florida
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) — file to remove liability to remove liability.
- 4Register with the FLHSMV.
The buyer titles and registers the car, bringing Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV 82050)
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the FLHSMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Florida Car Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a car bill of sale required in Florida?
A bill of sale is recommended in Florida. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Does a Florida car bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
How do I write a bill of sale for a car?
List the buyer and seller, describe the car (year, make, model, VIN, color), record the odometer and the price, add the date, and have both parties sign. Our generator builds all of this for you and checks for missing details.
Can I sell a car without a bill of sale?
In some states you can transfer with just the signed title, but a bill of sale is strongly recommended everywhere because it documents the price, the mileage, and the date you stopped being responsible for the car.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.