Free Idaho Car Bill of Sale
In Idaho, a private car sale runs through the county, not a state office. The buyer takes the signed title to a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days and pays 6% sales tax on the price shown on the bill of sale. Idaho's own bill of sale is form ITD 3738. Until the car is titled, the seller's signed bill of sale also works as a short driving permit.
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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
Idaho Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
6%
Title Required
Yes
In a private sale, the buyer files at a county assessor's motor vehicle office within 30 days of delivery, or pays a $20 late penalty.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Idaho charges 6% sales tax on the full price of a private car sale. The county collects it when the buyer applies for title.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection is on ITD's title list, and Idaho repealed emissions testing effective July 1, 2023. A car from another state, or one never titled in Idaho, needs a VIN inspection.
Idaho Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Fill out ITD 3738 together: VIN, odometer, true selling price, sale date, and both full legal names. Check any title brand, such as rebuilt or salvage.
- Both sign the bill of sale. The buyer keeps the original as proof of price for the Idaho State Tax Commission.
- Seller signs the title over. For a 2011 or newer car under 16,000 lbs, record the odometer disclosure too.
- Buyer keeps the signed bill of sale in the car. It serves as a 72-hour permit (Idaho Code 49-504), not counting weekends and state holidays.
- Seller files a Release of Liability within 5 days, online at DMVonline.ITD.Idaho.gov or on form ITD 3858 ($3.50).
- Out-of-state car, or never titled in Idaho? Get a VIN inspection from a police officer, DMV employee, or licensed Idaho dealer.
- Within 30 days, the buyer files at the county assessor's motor vehicle office and pays 6% tax, the $14 state title fee, registration ($45 to $69 for a car, by age), and county fees.
Common Pitfalls
- Going to an ITD office. Private-party buyers file at a county assessor's motor vehicle office.
- Missing the 30-day deadline. The $20 late penalty applies even if the car is not registered.
- Writing a lower price to cut the tax. ITD 3738 warns that a false selling price, name, or address is a felony under Idaho Code 49-518(5).
- Seller skipping the Release of Liability. Filing it is what protects the seller from later tickets, towing, and storage charges (Idaho Code 49-526).
Pro Tip
Go to the county office early. The 72-hour bill of sale permit runs out long before the 30-day title deadline.
Idaho Car Bill of Sale — FAQs
Does Idaho require a bill of sale for a car?
For a private sale, yes in practice. The Idaho State Tax Commission says buyer and seller must both sign one, and the buyer shows the original as proof of price when titling. A canceled check will not do.
Can you register a car in Idaho with just a bill of sale?
Usually not. Idaho titles a car before it registers it, and a normal transfer needs the title signed over by the seller. If the seller cannot give you a released title, ITD allows a bill of sale through the Conditional Title process (form ITD 3405). It covers only vehicles 10 or more years old owned by an Idaho resident. You need a title record search, usually a certified letter to the owner of record, and a VIN inspection. The title carries a brand that expires after 3 years.
How do you do a private car sale in Idaho?
Sign ITD 3738 together and sign the title over. The seller files a Release of Liability within 5 days. The buyer has 30 days to title the car at the county assessor's motor vehicle office and pay the 6% tax there.
Can I drive the car home before it is registered in my name?
Yes, briefly. Under Idaho Code 49-504, the seller's bill of sale is a 72-hour permit to drive without plates. Weekends and state holidays do not count. The car must still be insured.
Where do I transfer a car title in Idaho?
At a county assessor's motor vehicle office, not a central ITD counter. Bring the signed title, the bill of sale, and payment. Bring the car if it needs a VIN inspection.
What is Idaho's car sales tax rate?
Idaho charges 6% sales tax on the full price of a private car sale, paid at the county when you apply for title. A private sale gets no trade-in credit.