Alberta Vehicle Bill of Sale
What it must include, what is worth adding, and what both sides should do after signing.
What the document does
Reviewed October 26, 2026 against the Government of Alberta standard bill-of-sale guidance.
In Alberta, a bill of sale records the transfer of a vehicle from one person to another. The buyer uses it as proof of ownership when registering the vehicle, and the seller keeps it as evidence of the sale.
This guide explains what the province requires for a standard private-sale bill of sale, what is useful to add, and links to Alberta's official form.
What It Must Include
- Full name and address of each seller
- Full name and address of each buyer
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle make, model or series, body style, colour and year
- The price paid
- Signatures of the buyer or buyers and seller or sellers
Worth Adding
- Date and time of the sale
- Odometer reading
- Phone numbers of buyer and seller
- ID numbers of buyer and seller
- Witness signatures
- Any liens or money owing on the vehicle
- Whether the vehicle is paid in full
- Payment method and terms
- Where the vehicle was last registered
- Special conditions, such as “sold as-is”
Make sure all three match
The 17-character VIN is usually visible through the windshield on the driver's side of the dashboard, on a sticker in the driver's door jamb, and on the registration. Check all three before signing.
Two short checklists
Seller checklist
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale and take a clear photo of it
- Remove your licence plates; in Alberta, plates stay with the person
- Cancel or transfer your insurance
- Hand over the keys and manuals, and remove garage openers and transponders
Buyer checklist
- Get insurance before driving the vehicle
- Take the bill of sale, proof of insurance and ID to an Alberta registry agent
- Check whether an out-of-province or salvage inspection is required
Every field in one place
Complete the provincial form, then save or print a copy for each party.
Open Official Form| Section | Fields |
|---|---|
| Seller | Full name, address, phone, ID number |
| Buyer | Full name, address, phone, ID number |
| Vehicle | Year, make, model or series, body style, colour, VIN, odometer |
| Sale | Date, price, payment method, liens, sold as-is |
| Signatures | Seller, buyer, optional witness, date |
We bring the paperwork
You don't need to prepare a bill of sale. We fill it out with you at pickup and leave you a copy. Have your registration and original photo ID ready.
Read about estates, liens and authorizationsBill of Sale FAQs
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Alberta?
The Government of Alberta's standard bill-of-sale requirements do not list notarization. Witness signatures are recommended but optional.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes, as long as it includes all required information and both parties sign.
What if I'm giving the car away for free?
Complete a bill of sale and note the price, such as $0 or “gift.” Ask a registry agent how gifts are handled for registration.
Do I need a bill of sale to scrap a car?
Keep a signed bill of sale or purchase record as proof that the vehicle has left your ownership.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check Alberta.ca or ask an Alberta registry agent for current guidance. The linked provincial form is intended for standard private sales and is not a substitute for any comprehensive bill of sale an automotive business may be required to use when selling a vehicle.