An as-is bill of sale explicitly states that the item is sold "as-is" — without any warranty, guarantee, or representation about its condition, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose. The buyer acknowledges accepting the item in its current condition. While as-is language is standard in most private vehicle sales, a dedicated as-is form makes the disclaimer unambiguous and harder to dispute.
When to Use This Form
Use an as-is bill of sale when selling any vehicle or personal property in its current condition without making any warranty. This is particularly important when selling vehicles with known mechanical issues, high mileage, prior accidents, or other factors that a buyer might later complain about.
Legal Tip
An as-is clause does not protect a seller who fraudulently conceals a material defect. "Buyer beware" only applies to defects the buyer could have discovered through reasonable inspection. Hidden defects the seller knew about remain a source of liability.
Fields Included in This Form
Year (required)
Make (required)
Model (required)
VIN (required)
Color (required)
Mileage (required)
License Plate (optional)
Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge (optional)
Lien Holder (if applicable) (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "as-is" mean on a bill of sale?
"As-is" means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with no warranty or guarantee from the seller about mechanical quality, safety, or fitness for use. The buyer has the opportunity to inspect the vehicle before the sale and takes it as found. Most private vehicle sales in the United States are sold as-is.
Is an as-is sale always enforceable?
As-is clauses are generally enforceable in private sales. However, they will not protect a seller who committed fraud — knowingly misrepresenting or concealing defects. Courts have consistently voided as-is clauses in cases of active concealment. The clause covers defects a buyer could discover through reasonable inspection; it does not cover defects the seller deliberately hid.
What defects should I disclose even when selling as-is?
Disclose any material defects — issues that significantly affect the vehicle's value or safety that a buyer might not discover through a normal inspection. For vehicles, this includes: known engine or transmission problems, flood or fire damage history, frame damage from a collision, rebuilt or salvage title status, odometer rollback, and any safety issues that failed inspection. Disclosing these in writing on the bill of sale is your best protection.
Does "as-is" mean I have no recourse as a buyer?
In a private sale, "as-is" generally means you accept the vehicle's condition as-seen. However, you still have recourse if the seller committed fraud — for example, rolling back the odometer, concealing known flood damage, or making specific false statements about the vehicle. The as-is clause limits but does not eliminate a seller's legal exposure.
Do I need a separate as-is clause, or is it enough to write "sold as-is"?
Writing "sold as-is" on the bill of sale creates a valid as-is clause in most states. For stronger protection, include a more complete statement: "The vehicle is sold AS-IS, in its present condition, with no express or implied warranty. Buyer has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle and accepts it in its current condition." Our as-is template includes this language by default.
Can an as-is bill of sale be used for vehicles with a salvage title?
Yes, and it should be. An as-is bill of sale is especially important for salvage or rebuilt-title vehicles. Additionally, in most states the title itself is permanently branded as "salvage" or "rebuilt" — selling a salvage-title vehicle without disclosing that fact to the buyer is fraud and voids the as-is protection entirely. Always disclose salvage or rebuilt title status in writing on the bill of sale.
What states require specific as-is disclosures?
Most states do not mandate specific as-is language beyond what's in a standard bill of sale, but several have lemon law or consumer protection rules that affect private sales. In states like California, dealers (but not private sellers) are required to provide specific disclosures. Louisiana requires a written acknowledgment of as-is status. Our state-specific generator includes the appropriate as-is language for your state automatically.