How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in Texas
A step-by-step guide to every field on a Texas vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.
In Texas the bill of sale is the supporting actor, not the star: the document that actually moves the title is Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, filed at the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days ($25 late fee after that). So fill out your bill of sale knowing exactly what job it does — it is the price record. Texas calculates the 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on the HIGHER of the price you write and the Standard Presumptive Value (SPV), the state's book value for the vehicle. Writing $500 for a $9,000 truck doesn't lower the tax; the SPV catches it. Complete the parties, the vehicle description, the VIN as printed on the title, the odometer, the true price, and both signatures — then keep it with your copies of the signed-over title and the 130-U — the county office needs the title and the 130-U, and the bill of sale is your record of the deal.
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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 We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date.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 If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.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 Texas tax at registration (6.25% sales 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 Texas Example
Use the generator above to create a filled-in Texas bill of sale example in under 60 seconds. Fields are set up for Texas — no notary section, TX sales tax at 6.25%, and 30-day title transfer deadline noted.
Other Forms Required in Texas
Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for a Texas vehicle transfer:
- Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale legally required for a private car sale in Texas?
What is SPV and why does it matter when I fill in the price?
Where does the paperwork go after both parties sign?
Does Texas require the bill of sale to be notarized?
Texas Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, deadlines, and forms for Texas.
View Texas guide →Form 130-U
Serves as Texas's application for title and registration. Records the sale price for the 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax (or Standard Presumptive Value, whichever is higher).
Form 130-U guide →