Fillable Form Georgia Vehicle or Automobile Bill of Sale (Sold w/ Warranty)

What is the Georgia Vehicle or Automobile Bill of Sale?

A Georgia Vehicle or Automobile Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from a seller to a buyer. It serves as proof of the transaction and includes essential details about the vehicle, such as the make, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the agreed-upon purchase price.

Though not required for every sale, using a Bill of Sale is highly recommended to avoid future disputes regarding ownership or the condition of the vehicle. It is particularly useful for the buyer in obtaining registration and insurance and for the seller to prove that the vehicle has been sold, relieving them of liability or responsibility for the vehicle after the transaction is complete.

In order to ensure a seamless transaction and legal compliance, both the seller and the buyer should fill out the Bill of Sale accurately, ensuring that all details match any accompanying sale forms. For instance, the buyer must present a valid Georgia driver's license to confirm identity and residency when completing the vehicle registration forms. Properly executed sale forms serve not only to document the sale of personal property but also to safeguard against potential disputes by making clear the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved. It's important to note that reliance on such third party materials does not exempt either party from their legal obligations associated with the transaction. Therefore, carefully drafted documents can significantly aid both parties in fulfilling future requirements like tax declarations or title transfers.

How do I fill out the Georgia Vehicle or Automobile Bill of Sale?

A fillable Georgia Bill of Sale template can be found here.

Seller’s Information

Enter the seller’s full name and the county of Georgia they reside in.

Buyer’s Information

Enter the buyer’s full name and the county of Georgia that they reside or operate in.

Vehicle Details

Enter the following details about the vehicle:

• Make
• Model
• Body Type
• Year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Warranty of Ownership

This section contains information about the warranty/ies associated with this transaction.

Additional Terms

Enter any additional terms of sale, or any additional details that need to be kept clear, such as emissions test results or any particular details about the vehicle manufacturer's certificate.

Signatures

Have the seller and the buyer sign the form and enter their names in the spaces provided.

County - Notary

Enter the county in which this form is being notarized.

Date Sworn

Enter the date that the form was sworn before the notary.

Notary Public

Enter the name of the notary, and have them stamp or sign the form in the space provided. Then enter the date that the notary’s commission expires.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

Name of Seller

Enter the name of the seller.

Odometer Reading

Enter the odometer reading of the vehicle. Then mark the line that indicates whether or not the odometer reading is the actual mileage of the vehicle.

Odometer Discrepancy

Enter the following details about the vehicle, if there are any discrepancies between them and the odometer:

• Make
• Model
• Body Type
• Year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Buyer and Seller’s Details

Enter the following details about the buyer and the seller in the spaces provided:

• Full Name
• Address
• City
• State
• ZIP Code
• Signature

Acknowledgment

County

Enter the county that this form is being acknowledged in.

Date Sworn

Enter the date that the form was sworn and subscribed before the notary.

Notary Public

Enter the name of the notary, and have them stamp or sign the form in the space provided. Then enter the date that the notary’s commission expires.

Promissory Installment Note

County

Enter the county that this note is being made in.

Recitations

Enter the following information for the recitations:

• Date
• Borrower/Buyer’s Name
• Borrower/Buyer’s Address
• Payee/Seller’s Name
• Place for Payment
• Principal Amount
• Term
• Monthly Payments

Vehicle Details

Enter the following details about the vehicle:

• Make
• Model
• Body Type
• Year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Transfer of Title

Mark the relevant line to indicate if the title to the vehicle will be retained by the seller, or if it will be transferred to the buyer. If the title will be transferred to the buyer, the security agreement form must be signed by the buyer.

Interest Rate

Mark the relevant line to indicate if the annual interest rate will be the maximum amount permitted by the laws of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, or if it will be set at a particular rate and will not be accrued on matured and unpaid amounts. If the latter is marked, enter the specific rate of interest.

Payment Terms

Enter the amount in equal monthly payments that must be made, as well as the principal amount that must be paid. Then enter the month and year that the first payment will be due.

Borrower’s Prepayment Right

This section contains details on the borrower's right to prepay this note in whole or in part.

Place for Payment

This section states that the borrower promises to pay the order of the payee at the designated place for payment and according to the terms for payment.

Default and Acceleration Clause

This section contains details on the default and acceleration clauses of the agreement.

Interest on Past Due Installments and Charges

This section contains details on all past due installments and charges.

Interest

This section contains details on the interest that will be applied to this form.

Form of Payment

This section provides details on the acceptable forms of payment.

Attorney’s Fees

This section states that in the event that this note is given to the military or law enforcement, the borrower will be the one to pay for all costs of collection and investment.

Severability

This section states that if any part of this agreement becomes unenforceable or invalid, it will not affect the validity of any other part of this agreement.

Binding Effect

This section states that this agreement will be binding for all parties involved as well as their heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

Descriptive Headings

This section states that the headings used in this form are for convenience of reference only.

Construction

This section states that all pronouns used in this form will include either or both genders, singular or plural.

Governing Law

This section states that this form will be governed by the state of Massachusetts.

Execution

Enter the date that this form was executed.

Signatures

Have the payee/seller and the borrower/buyer sign the form in the spaces provided and enter their names.

Buyer and Seller Details

Enter the following details about the buyer and the seller in the spaces provided:

• Full Name
• Address
• City
• State
• ZIP Code
• Signature

Security Agreement

Date and Names of Parties Involved

Enter the date that this security agreement was made, then enter the name of the debtor and the secured party.

Security Interest

Enter the following details about the vehicle that the security interest will be applied to:

• Make
• Model
• Body Type
• Year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Covenants

This section states that the debtor will retain and maintain insurance at all times with respect to all collateral damage.

Default

This section contains details on what would cause a bill to be considered to be in default.

Debtor’s Name and Signature

Enter the name and signature of the debtor in the spaces provided. Then enter the date that the form was signed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Bill of Sale need to be notarized in Georgia?

Notarization is not typically required for a Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale, but it is recommended for added legal protection. Having the document notarized can help prevent disputes in the future.

Can a Georgia Bill of Sale be handwritten?

Yes, a Georgia Bill of Sale can be handwritten as long as it includes all required information. However, it is advisable to use a template to ensure all details are captured accurately.

What is the purpose of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Bill of Sale?

The VIN uniquely identifies the vehicle being sold and is necessary for tracking its history, including ownership, recalls, and accident reports. Including the VIN ensures that the vehicle in question is clearly defined.

Is the Georgia Bill of Sale legally binding?

Yes, once signed by both parties, a Georgia Bill of Sale is legally binding and serves as evidence of the agreement. It can be used in legal settings if a dispute arises over the terms of the sale.

Does a Bill of Sale replace the vehicle title in Georgia?

No, the Bill of Sale does not replace the title but acts as a supplementary document. The title must still be transferred to the buyer to complete the legal transfer of ownership.

What happens if there is a mistake on the Bill of Sale?

If there is a mistake on the Bill of Sale, both parties should correct it immediately and re-sign the document. Incorrect information can cause delays in vehicle registration or create legal issues.

Who keeps the original Bill of Sale?

Typically, the buyer retains the original Bill of Sale as proof of purchase. The seller may keep a copy for their records, especially for tax or legal purposes.

Can a Bill of Sale be used to sell a vehicle "as-is"?

Yes, a Bill of Sale can include an "as-is" clause, which indicates that the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition without any warranties. This protects the seller from future liability for repairs.

Is the sale price required on a Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale?

Yes, the sale price must be listed on the Bill of Sale. This figure is important for tax purposes and vehicle registration.

Can the Bill of Sale be used to transfer ownership of a motorcycle in Georgia?

Yes, a Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale can be used to transfer ownership of motorcycles, cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles. It serves the same legal function across different vehicle types.

How is the date of sale important in the Bill of Sale?

The date of sale establishes when ownership of the vehicle officially transferred to the buyer. This is critical for legal, registration, and tax purposes.

Does a Georgia Vehicle Bill of Sale need to include the seller’s and buyer’s signatures?

Yes, both parties must sign the Bill of Sale for it to be legally valid. The signatures confirm that both parties agree to the terms of the sale.

Can a Bill of Sale be used for gifting a vehicle in Georgia?

Yes, a Bill of Sale can document the transfer of a vehicle as a gift. In this case, the sale price is often listed as $0, but the document still requires the same information as a standard sale.

What are the consequences of not having a Bill of Sale when selling a car in Georgia?

Without a Bill of Sale, there may be disputes about ownership or the terms of the sale. The seller might also remain liable for issues with the vehicle after the sale, such as tickets or accidents.

How does the Bill of Sale protect the buyer?

The Bill of Sale protects the buyer by serving as proof of ownership and outlining the details of the purchase, including any warranties or "as-is" conditions. It also provides documentation for registering the vehicle with the Georgia DMV.

What fees need to be paid for filing a Bill of Sale in Georgia?

There are no specific fees for filing a Bill of Sale GA, as it is not required to be filed with the state. However, when registering the vehicle with the Georgia Department of Revenue, you may need to pay vehicle-related fees and taxes, such as title and registration fees, and potentially sales tax based on the sale price listed in the Bill of Sale. It's important for both the buyer and the seller to check with their local county tag office for an accurate breakdown of fees applicable to your vehicle transaction.