What is the bill of sale and do I need one?

A bill of sale is a document recording the sale, typically listing the buyer, seller, date, price and the vehicle's VIN, year, make and model. Dealers provide a buyer's order or bill of sale and a sales contract. In a private sale, some states require a bill of sale for registration, and it is good to have one anyway as proof of the transaction. Keep it with your title and registration records.