District of Columbia Bill of Sale

Vehicle, boat, trailer or general bill of sale with odometer statement, as-is clause and your state's notary and DMV requirements.

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District of Columbia rules that this document follows

Notarization (vehicle)Not required for the bill of saleSource: No statutory notarization requirement for a vehicle bill of sale
Odometer disclosureRequired for vehicles under 20 model years oldSource: 49 U.S.C. § 32705; 49 C.F.R. Part 580 (odometer statement required for vehicles less than 20 model years old)
General propertyNo notarization; no witnesses requiredSource: No statutory notarization or witness requirement for a general bill of sale of personal property (UCC Article 2 governs sales of goods)
Sales taxBuyer pays a DC excise tax at titling (6%–8% of fair market value, adjusted by vehicle weight and fuel efficiency) rather than sales tax (D.C. Code § 50-2201.03).

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Bill of Sale in District of Columbia

Fill in the VIN exactly as it appears on the title, record the odometer without tenths, and have both parties sign two originals — one each. If District of Columbia requires notarization, sign in front of the notary, not before.

Sellers: remove your plates if your state requires it and file a release of liability with the DMV. Buyers: apply for title and registration promptly and insure the vehicle before driving it.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in District of Columbia?

No statute requires notarizing a bill of sale in District of Columbia (No statutory notarization requirement for a vehicle bill of sale). Notarizing is optional but adds proof of signatures.

Is a bill of sale enough to transfer a car?

No — ownership passes with the assigned certificate of title. The bill of sale documents the price, date, odometer and as-is terms. The buyer must apply for a new title.

What does 'as is' mean?

The buyer accepts the property in its current condition with no implied warranties. Sellers should still disclose known defects; fraud is never protected by an as-is clause.

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FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.