How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in Alabama
A step-by-step guide to every field on an Alabama vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.
Alabama routes its title work through an office most states don't use: the county license plate office (often under the probate judge or license commissioner). Alabama publishes no official statewide bill of sale form, and needs one only in some situations — for a vehicle not covered by its title law, or as proof of the price for the casual sales tax unless the buyer accepts the state's standard value. Fill in the eight essentials (parties, vehicle, VIN, odometer, price, date, both signatures — no notary required), and know the tax structure so nobody's surprised: Alabama's state automotive rate is just 2%, but county and city automotive taxes stack on top, commonly landing the total near 3.5–4.5% depending on the buyer's county. The buyer has 20 calendar days to register the vehicle — Alabama's clock is shorter than the 30 days many states allow, and a $15-plus-interest penalty applies after it (Alabama titles vehicles 35 model years old and newer).
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State rules change. We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.
Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained
Seller Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional but recommended)
Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional)
Vehicle Description
- Vehicle year (4-digit)
- Make (manufacturer — e.g., Ford, Toyota)
- Model (e.g., F-150, Camry)
- Body style (e.g., sedan, pickup, SUV)
- Color
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — 17 characters, found on the dashboard or door jamb
- Odometer reading at time of sale
Sale Details
- Sale price in US dollars (write out both numerals and words — e.g., "$8,500 — Eight thousand five hundred dollars")
- Payment method (cash, check, electronic transfer)
- Date of sale (month / day / year)
- Note: the buyer pays Alabama tax at registration (2% — State automotive rate (plus local tax))
Seller Signature
- Seller's signature (must match title)
- Printed name
- Date signed
Buyer Signature
- Buyer's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
Get a Pre-Filled Alabama Example
Use the generator above to create a filled-in Alabama bill of sale example in under 60 seconds. Fields are set up for Alabama — no notary section, AL vehicle tax at 2%, and 20-day title transfer deadline noted.
Other Forms Required in Alabama
Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for an Alabama vehicle transfer:
- Title application — processed by a Designated Agent (county license plate issuing official, licensed dealer, or Alabama bank/credit union)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does an Alabama title transfer actually happen?
What is Alabama's real vehicle tax rate?
Which vehicles need a title in Alabama?
Does Alabama require a notarized bill of sale?
Alabama Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, deadlines, and forms for Alabama.
View Alabama guide →Alabama Bill of Sale Form
Documents a private vehicle sale between buyer and seller; supports Alabama title transfer at the county license plate office.
Form guide →