Title transfer and bill of sale: selling a truck the right way

Updated October 2026

Clean paperwork protects both sides of a sale.

What you'll need

The title, signed over to the buyer as your state requires. A bill of sale with the date, price, VIN, year, make, model, mileage, and both parties' names and signatures. A lien release if there was a loan.

Protect yourself

Don't hand over the title or keys until payment has fully cleared. Take your plates if your state requires it, cancel your insurance only after the sale, and notify your state if it has a release-of-liability form.

Rules vary by state. Check with your state's motor vehicle agency.