What is an As-Is Bill of Sale?
An as-is bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of property from a seller to a buyer with an explicit statement that the item is sold in its current condition — no warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind is made by the seller. The 'as-is' clause protects the seller: once signed, the buyer accepts the property with all existing defects, known and unknown, and the seller is generally not liable for any problems discovered after the sale. An as-is bill of sale is most commonly used for private vehicle sales but can be used for any personal property — boats, motorcycles, electronics, equipment, and more.
What is an As-Is Bill of Sale used for?
An as-is bill of sale is used to:
- Document a private vehicle sale where the seller makes no warranty about the car's condition
- Protect the seller from claims about defects discovered after the transaction
- Establish the purchase price for DMV sales tax calculations
- Provide the buyer with written proof of ownership during a title transfer
- Record the VIN, odometer reading, and condition of a vehicle at the time of sale
- Sell any personal property 'as-is' — boats, motorcycles, farm equipment, electronics Most private-party vehicle sales use an as-is bill of sale. Dealer sales are governed by separate warranty disclosure rules.
How to Fill Out an As-Is Bill of Sale
- 1
Enter the seller's full legal name, address, and contact information.
- 2
Enter the buyer's full legal name, address, and contact information.
- 3
Describe the property in detail: for a vehicle, include the year, make, model, VIN, color, and current odometer reading.
- 4
Enter the sale price and method of payment (cash, check, bank transfer).
- 5
Include the as-is clause: state clearly that the property is sold in its current condition, with no warranty expressed or implied.
- 6
Add any known defects disclosure if your state requires it (some states require odometer disclosure or emissions disclosure for vehicles).
- 7
Enter the date of the sale.
- 8
Both the seller and buyer sign the document. If your state requires notarization for a vehicle bill of sale, have a notary certify it.
Signing Requirements for an As-Is Bill of Sale
Both the seller and buyer should sign the as-is bill of sale. Most states do not require notarization for a private-party personal property bill of sale, but some states require notarization for vehicle sales submitted to the DMV. An odometer disclosure statement is federally required for vehicles under 10 years old (49 U.S.C. § 32705) — this can be included within the bill of sale or on a separate form. Both parties should keep a signed copy of the completed bill of sale.
When is an As-Is Bill of Sale Not Sufficient?
An as-is clause does not protect a seller who knowingly concealed a material defect or committed fraud. If the seller was aware of a significant problem and deliberately hid it, a buyer may be able to rescind the sale or seek damages. For real estate transactions, a separate 'as-is' addendum to the purchase contract is used — a bill of sale is not appropriate for real property. For vehicle sales at a licensed dealership, different consumer protection rules apply, and an as-is waiver must comply with FTC Used Car Rule requirements.
When to Use an As-Is Bill of Sale
Use an as-is bill of sale any time you sell personal property in a private transaction and want to protect yourself from post-sale claims. The document should be completed and signed on the day of the transaction — before money changes hands and the property is transferred to the buyer. For vehicle sales, bring the completed as-is bill of sale and the signed title to the transaction. The buyer will need the bill of sale to register the vehicle and calculate the sales tax.
Where Can I Get an As-Is Bill of Sale Form?
PDF Guru provides a fillable, editable as-is bill of sale form preloaded in the online editor. Open the custom template, enter the vehicle or property details, add the as-is clause and both signatures, and download a printable PDF in minutes. No account required. You can also obtain as-is bill of sale forms from your state's DMV website, local auto dealers, or title companies.
How to Sign an As-Is Bill of Sale Online
Open the as-is bill of sale form in PDF Guru's online editor. Fill in all seller, buyer, and property details, then use the Sign tool to add your electronic signature. Click Done to download the completed document as a printable PDF. The buyer should also sign — you can print two copies so each party keeps an original. If your state requires notarization for a vehicle bill of sale, print the form and have both parties sign before a notary public.
Where to Submit an As-Is Bill of Sale
There is no government filing required for an as-is bill of sale for most personal property. Both the buyer and the seller keep a signed copy for their records. For vehicle sales, the buyer submits the bill of sale (along with the signed title) to the state DMV or motor vehicle agency when registering the vehicle in their name. The DMV uses the purchase price on the bill of sale to calculate the applicable sales tax.
