Florida vehicle — quick answer
In Florida, a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Year, make, model, color, and body style
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — 17 characters
- Exact odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price (or "gift") and payment method
- Date of sale and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a vehicle 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 vehicle, 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 Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a vehicle 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 vehicle 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.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car?
It depends on your state. Many states accept the signed-over title alone, while others require a bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax. Our state pages tell you exactly what your DMV expects.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. A handful of states require the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale: Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A few others require notarization only in specific tax situations.
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.