Rhode Island Bill of Sale
Rhode Island requires a bill of sale in order to privately sell a car. It is a vital part of the transfer process.
Written by Michelle Ballestrasse
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
The state of Rhode Island requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales between an individual buyer and seller. It’s used as part of the registration and title transfer process.
Each state has its own requirements on whether or not a bill of sale is a necessary part of a private vehicle sale. Rhode Island is a state that does require a bill of sale.
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What is a bill of sale?
A bill of sale is very simply a receipt granted when a car is privately sold. But in specific terms, it is the record of the agreement terms reached by the buyer and seller when the transaction occurred. So while it’s similar to a receipt in most respects, it also contains more information.
A proper bill of sale should have information about both the vehicle and the parties involved in the transaction. That includes the buyer and the seller. The bill of sale provides legal protection for both parties if one decides to dispute the terms of the sale down the line.
The bill of sale should include facts about the car, including the odometer reading, year, make, model, and license plate number. It should also include identifying information about each party involved in the transaction.
Even though the state of Rhode Island requires a bill of sale when selling/purchasing a used vehicle privately, the bill of sale does not automatically or legally transfer ownership of the car from seller to buyer. So if you’ve purchased a used car, you must also submit a
title transfer
and all other official paperwork involved in making the transfer official.RECOMMENDED
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Is a bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does require a bill of sale as part of private vehicle sales. It’s particularly important for the buyer, as it’s required as part of the titling and registration process that transfers ownership of the vehicle. Regardless, both parties would benefit from keeping a copy of the bill of sale, even after the transaction is complete.
Having documented proof of the terms of sale can protect you from disputes over ownership down the line. Keep a copy in your records even after the sale is complete.
What is required in a Rhode Island bill of sale?
Although Rhode Island requires a bill of sale as part of the titling and registration process, the state does not offer a form or template. You can find templates online, but it’s just as easy to draft one on any blank piece of paper. Just be sure to include the following information:
- Information about the vehicle
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)Odometer readingMakeModelYearAgreed purchase price
- The buyer and seller's:
- NamesAddressesSignatures
- Date of sale
What should I do after I get a bill of sale?
Before you take on the transfer process, make sure you make a copy of your bill of sale to keep for your records. Both parties will need a copy as part of their end of the title transfer as well.
If you haven’t already looked into what forms are needed in order to begin the transfer process, be sure to check out the Rhode Island DMV. There are a number of forms that each party will have to fill out and a few fees to pay.
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