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UK Vehicle Sale Agreement Generator

Generate a free vehicle sale agreement for private sales in the United Kingdom. Includes receipt of sale, buyer and seller details, and vehicle information. Download as PDF.

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Vehicle Sale Agreements in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the primary mechanism for transferring vehicle ownership is the V5C registration certificate (logbook). The seller signs section 6 of the V5C, gives the green "new keeper" slip to the buyer, and sends the rest to the DVLA.

While a bill of sale or vehicle sale agreement is not strictly required by law, it is strongly recommended as it provides written proof of the transaction, documents the agreed sale price, records the vehicle condition and mileage at the time of sale, and protects both buyer and seller if disputes arise.

Key Steps for a Private Vehicle Sale in the UK

  1. Agree on the price and payment method
  2. Complete and sign a vehicle sale agreement (bill of sale)
  3. Complete the V5C registration certificate — seller fills in section 6
  4. Give the buyer the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C
  5. The buyer must tax the vehicle before driving it
  6. The buyer must arrange insurance before driving
  7. The seller sends the V5C to the DVLA

What to Include in a UK Vehicle Sale Agreement

  • Full names and addresses of buyer and seller
  • Vehicle registration number, make, model, colour
  • Mileage at time of sale
  • MOT expiry date (if applicable)
  • Sale price and payment method
  • Date of sale
  • Whether sold "as seen" (as-is) or with any warranty
  • Signatures of both parties

Motorcycle Bill of Sale UK

Selling or buying a motorcycle privately in the UK follows the same V5C process as a car, but there are a few motorcycle-specific details worth capturing in your sale agreement:

  • Engine size (cc): Include this in the document — it affects insurance classification and is often used to verify the bike's identity alongside the VIN.
  • MOT status: Note the MOT expiry date and certificate number. A motorcycle must have a valid MOT to be used on public roads (unless it is SORN-declared).
  • SORN status: If the motorcycle is currently on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), state this clearly. The buyer must tax the bike before riding it.
  • Accessories and modifications: List any included accessories (panniers, top box, crash protection, tracker) and note any modifications relevant to insurance or roadworthiness.
  • Sold as seen: Most private motorcycle sales in the UK are sold as seen. Including this clause in your agreement means the buyer accepts the bike's condition at the time of handover — this protects you from claims about mechanical issues that existed before the sale.

When transferring a motorcycle, the seller completes the V5C in the same way as a car — fills in section 6, gives the green new-keeper slip to the buyer, and posts the remainder to the DVLA. The buyer must arrange insurance and tax (or apply for SORN) before riding away. An HPI check is especially valuable for motorcycles because outstanding finance and accident write-offs are common on performance bikes.

Van and Light Commercial Vehicle Sales in the UK

Vans and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) transfer ownership via the V5C just like cars and motorcycles. If selling a van used for business, note whether VAT applies — VAT-registered sellers may need to issue a VAT invoice separately. The sale agreement itself should record the vehicle's gross vehicle weight (GVW), particularly for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, as licensing and road tax rules differ.

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UK Vehicle Sale Agreement — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in the UK?
A written motorcycle sale agreement isn't legally required in the UK, but it is strongly recommended and widely used. The V5C logbook is the primary ownership document, but for a motorcycle, a signed bill of sale gives both buyer and seller written proof of the agreed price, mileage, MOT expiry date, and whether the bike is sold as seen. Without one, disputes about undisclosed damage or the sale price are very difficult to resolve. Our generator produces a UK-compliant motorcycle sale agreement you can download as a PDF and sign immediately.
What details should I include in a UK motorcycle bill of sale?
A UK motorcycle sale agreement should include: full legal names and addresses of both parties; registration number; make, model, and year; engine size (cc); VIN/frame number; mileage at time of sale; MOT expiry date; whether SORN applies; sale price and payment method; whether sold 'as seen'; any agreed accessories (helmets, panniers, etc.); date of sale; and signatures of both buyer and seller. Keep a copy — sellers should retain one for at least three years in case of tax or liability queries.
Is a vehicle sale agreement legally required in the UK?
A written vehicle sale agreement is not legally required for private car sales in the UK, but it is strongly recommended. The primary legal document for transferring ownership is the V5C registration certificate (logbook). However, a written sale agreement provides valuable protection for both parties — it documents the agreed price, vehicle condition, mileage, and any warranties or "sold as seen" disclaimers. Without a written record, disputes about what was agreed become very difficult to resolve.
What is the V5C and what do I do with it when selling a car?
The V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate, also called the logbook) is the official DVLA document recording who is responsible for a vehicle. When selling privately, the seller completes section 6 of the V5C, tears off and gives the green "new keeper" slip to the buyer as a temporary proof of purchase, and posts the remainder of the V5C to the DVLA at Swansea, SA99 1BA. The buyer then receives a new V5C in their name from the DVLA within about 6 weeks.
What does "sold as seen" mean on a UK vehicle sale agreement?
"Sold as seen" (also called "sold as inspected") means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and the seller makes no guarantees about its mechanical state beyond what was disclosed. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, this phrase is only fully effective in private sales — it does not override statutory rights when buying from a dealer. Including this clause in your vehicle sale agreement protects a private seller from future claims about pre-existing defects, provided no faults were concealed.
Do I need to inform the DVLA when I sell my car?
Yes — you must notify the DVLA immediately when you sell or transfer a vehicle. Complete the V5C section 6 and post it to the DVLA so they update their records. You will also receive an automatic Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) refund for any full remaining months. Failing to notify the DVLA means you may remain liable for road tax and any penalties the new owner incurs. You can also notify the DVLA online via the GOV.UK website.
What is an HPI check and should I get one before buying a used car in the UK?
An HPI (Hire Purchase Information) check is a vehicle history check that reveals whether a car has outstanding finance, has been written off, stolen, or has a mismatched number plate. Sellers are not legally required to disclose finance agreements to private buyers, so buyers should always run an HPI check before purchasing. If you buy a car with undisclosed outstanding finance, the lender can legally repossess it. HPI checks cost around £10–20 and take minutes online.