Bill of Sale for Used Cars: Spanish Guide
When buying or selling a used car in Texas, having a bill of sale is highly recommended, even though itâs not legally required. It protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction and transferring ownership. For Spanish-language transactions, Texas has additional requirements, such as providing documents in Spanish and displaying a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
Key Points:
- What is a Bill of Sale?
A document that records the transfer of ownership, outlines sale terms, and shifts liability to the buyer. - Spanish-Language Requirements in Texas:
- Documents and contracts must be in Spanish.
- A Spanish-language Buyers Guide must be displayed.
- Follow Texas Finance Code Chapter 348 for compliance.
- What to Include in a Bill of Sale:
- Buyer and seller details (name, address, contact info).
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN, odometer reading).
- Sale terms (price, payment method, sale date, and conditions).
- Signatures from both parties (notarization is optional but recommended).
- Next Steps After the Sale:
- File Form 130-U for title transfer.
- Pay fees and sales tax (6.25% of the purchase price).
- Complete the title transfer within 30 days to avoid penalties.
For Spanish speakers, assistance is available at local tax offices, authorized dealers, and online resources. Proper documentation ensures a smooth and legally compliant transaction.
Texas Bill of Sale Form – GUIDE
Required Parts of a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale must include specific elements to be valid and legally binding. Below, we outline the key components you need to include. To ensure clarity, include all details in both English and Spanish.
Personal Details
Provide complete information for both the buyer and seller:
- Seller Information: Full legal name, current address, and phone number.
- Buyer Information: Full legal name, current address, and phone number.
If you’re completing Form VTR-346 (Texas Vehicle Transfer Notification), make sure the details match your official ID to avoid delays.
Car Details
Accurate vehicle details are crucial for the bill of sale. Be sure to include the following:
| Required Information | Example Format |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Make | Ford |
| Model | F-150 |
| Year | 2020 |
| VIN Number | 1HGCM82633A123456 |
| Current Odometer Reading | 45,678 miles |
| License Plate Number | ABC-1234 |
Sale Information
Clearly document the terms of the sale to prevent misunderstandings:
- Purchase Price: Write the amount in both numbers and words (e.g., $12,500 â Twelve thousand five hundred dollars).
- Payment Method: Specify how the payment was made (e.g., cash, check, money order).
- Sale Date: Use the full date in month/day/year format.
- Special Conditions: Note any warranties, ‘as-is’ terms, or if the vehicle is a gift. For gifted vehicles, include a note, and if money is exchanged, state the exact amount.
Signing the Agreement
Properly signing the document ensures its validity:
- Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names.
- Add the date of the agreement.
- While not mandatory, having a notary witness the signatures and initial each page can add extra assurance. Ensure both the English and Spanish versions are signed.
- Keep copies of the signed document for all parties involved.
For Spanish-language transactions, it’s important that all signatures appear on both the English and Spanish versions of the document to maintain legal validity.
How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale
Getting the Forms
If you’re in Texas, you can get official bill of sale forms from several places. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) provides Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration), which includes a bill of sale section. Here’s how to get them:
- Download the forms from the TxDMV website.
- Visit your local county tax office.
- Request them from authorized TxDMV offices.
You can also ask for the Spanish language Buyers Guide if needed [1]. These forms are designed to capture all the required details.
Mistakes to Watch For
Filling out a bill of sale incorrectly can cause headaches. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Missing Vehicle Details | Double-check the VIN, odometer reading, and other specs. |
| Missing Signatures | Make sure both parties sign in the correct spots. |
| Incorrect Price Entry | Write the exact price in both numbers and words. |
| Wrong Date Format | Always use MM/DD/YYYY (e.g., 03/03/2025). |
| Mismatched Information | Ensure everything matches the vehicle title. |
By avoiding these errors, you can prevent delays and complications.
Section-by-Section Guide
Here’s how to complete each part of your bill of sale:
- Vehicle Information Section
Enter the vehicle details exactly as they appear on the title:- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Odometer reading (in miles)
- Make, model, and year
- License plate number
- Any liens or encumbrances
- Seller’s Declaration
The seller must provide the following:- Full legal name
- Address
- Contact information
- Texas driver’s license number
- Buyer’s Information
The buyer needs to fill in:- Full legal name
- Address
- Phone number
- Texas driver’s license or ID number
- Price and Payment Details
This section confirms the transaction specifics:- Purchase price (in both numbers and words)
- Payment method
- Sale date
- Any special conditions or warranties
In Texas, the buyer must title the vehicle in their name within 30 days of the sale [2]. The seller should go with the buyer to the county tax office to ensure the title is transferred correctly. This also helps the seller keep detailed records of the transaction [2]. Donât forget to keep copies of all documents – failing to transfer the title properly could leave the seller liable for the vehicle [2]. Completing everything carefully will make the title transfer and registration process much smoother.
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Next Steps After the Sale
Getting Your Title and Registration
After buying a vehicle, youâll need to handle the title transfer and registration. Hereâs what youâll need:
- Signed vehicle title
- Completed and signed Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- Proof of liability insurance
- Valid photo ID
- Payment for any applicable fees
You can use the TxT digital assistant to access registration services in Spanish through its mobile app or website under “RenovaciĂłn del registro de vehĂculos de Texas” [3].
If the license plates have been removed, youâll need to get a $5 Vehicle Transit Permit. This permit is valid for five calendar days and allows you to legally drive the vehicle [2].
For residents of 17 counties, including Dallas, Harris, and Travis, an emissions inspection is required before registration. While a safety inspection isnât needed in these counties, the emissions test is mandatory [2].
Make sure to review the deadlines and fees to complete the transfer process smoothly.
Time Limits and Costs
Here are the key deadlines to keep in mind:
- Title the vehicle within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties [2].
- Title processing takes at least 20 business days [2].
- You can operate the vehicle up to five working days after your registration expires without penalty [3].
Below is a breakdown of the costs involved:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $33 [4] |
| Current Registration Transfer | $2.50 [4] |
| Base Registration (Cars/Light Trucks) | $50.75 [3] |
| Electric Vehicle Registration | $200 annually [3] |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% of purchase price [2] |
If youâre registering an electric vehicle for two years, the fee increases to $400 instead of the annual $200 [3]. Additionally, if youâre gifting the vehicle to a qualifying relative or a 501(c)(3) organization, youâll only pay a $10 gift tax instead of the usual sales tax [2].
Help for Spanish Speakers
Document Help Services
If you need assistance with paperwork, here are some helpful resources and tips:
- FindLegalForms.com provides Spanish-language Bill of Sale forms (Contrato de Compraventa) that are accepted in Texas [7].
- Visit your local county tax office for help filing your title application correctly [2].
- Many county tax offices offer guidance on title applications and registration processes, and some even provide support in Spanish.
Translation Support:
- Ask for translation help at your county tax office or bring along a bilingual friend or family member.
- To add an extra layer of security, consider having the bill of sale notarized by a Spanish-speaking notary.
Spanish-Speaking Dealers
If you need more personalized assistance, working with Spanish-speaking dealerships can make the process smoother.
Fort Worth Area:
Speedway Motors in Fort Worth has a Spanish-speaking team that can help with document translation, financing, and title transfer procedures [5].
When choosing a Spanish-speaking dealership, check their expertise in:
- Providing bilingual documents
- Offering Spanish translation services
- Managing title transfers and registration
- Explaining financing terms in Spanish
Always ensure that all documents are clearly explained in Spanish before signing anything.
Summary
Key Points to Keep in Mind
A thorough bill of sale ensures a smooth and legally compliant vehicle transaction in Texas. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sign and transfer the vehicle title, including the sale date and odometer reading [2].
- Complete and sign Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration) [2].
- Pay the 6.25% sales tax when transferring the title [2].
- File a Vehicle Transfer Notification to protect yourself from future liability [2].
- Provide proof of liability insurance for vehicle registration [2].
These steps help establish a clear legal framework for the transaction. For Spanish speakers, additional support is available:
- Visit your local county tax office for assistance.
- Work with Spanish-speaking staff at authorized dealerships.
- Request bilingual documentation if necessary.
Tip for Sellers: Keep detailed records, including the buyer’s contact information, sale date, VIN, and a copy of the bill of sale [2].
For more help, reach out to your county tax office or an authorized Spanish-speaking dealership.