How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires this form for both dealer sales and private party sales. Follow these steps to draft a Rhode Island Vehicle Bill of Sale:

1. Identify the parties by their names, physical addresses, and driver’s license numbers;
2. Describe the car – indicate its make, year, model, color, and a vehicle identification number (VIN);
3. State the purchase price and the payment method;
4. Indicate the date and location of the deal;
5. Include warranty information. If the sale is considered “as is” – the vehicle is being sold in its current condition without guarantees – this must be mentioned;
6. Sign the document. Make two original copies of the Bill of Sale – one for each party.

Once the papers are signed, the document becomes legally binding – it does not require notarization. When selling a car in Rhode Island, the seller must provide the buyer with a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or original title, signed over on the back of the document (if the model year of the vehicle is 2001 or newer). A certificate of title must contain the vehicle’s current odometer reading. It is also necessary to give the purchaser warranty cards and maintenance records.

When buying a car from a private party, go to a local DMV office with proof of insurance, title, Bill of Sale, and the vehicle’s previous registration. You will fill out applications to register and title the car to finalize the transfer of ownership. If the vehicle is 2001 or newer and the title is from another state, a local police department must perform a VIN inspection. You must complete an Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1) and Use Tax Form (Form T-334-2).