If you have ever sold a vehicle or bought one from an individual in Alberta, Canada, then you must have heard about the Alberta bill of sale.
There are numerous things that you must-do if you want to sell your vehicle privately in Alberta, Canada. As a first step, you’ll need to buy a Used Vehicle Information Package that you will eventually provide to the buyer.
There are also other things you need to do like making sure that the VIN matches the number on your own document and getting your Bill of Sale. To find out other requirements, including how to acquire your Alberta bill of sale, stick around.
What is the Alberta Bill of Sale?
The Alberta bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from one person to another in exchange for money in Alberta
A standard bill of sale is used when buying/selling a vehicle in a private sale. It has details about the buyer, seller, automobile, and has to be used in order to transfer ownership of the automobile.
In Alberta, it is necessary to fill out a bill of sale before you can transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person. This bill will contain important information about the buyer and the seller (name, address, etc.) and relevant information about the vehicle being sold.
The Alberta bill of sale can be used for a variety of automobiles including trailers and RVs. For equipment, you’ll need an equipment bill of sale.
You will need to put down the following information about your vehicle on the bill of sale:
- Make/model
- Year
- Style
- Body Color
- VIN Number
- Odometer reading
You will also have to include the amount that the vehicle was sold for and any special conditions of the sale (how it’s being paid for, any liens, etcetera). Buyer and seller will have to sign the Bill of Sale in order for it to be seen as final.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Alberta?
Yes, it is. If you plan to purchase a vehicle, you must produce the original bill of sale in order to register a vehicle in Alberta.
Why Do I Need a Bill of Sale in Alberta?
Your bill of sale is a legally binding document that serves a double role. First of all, it certifies that the vehicle’s ownership has been moved from one person to another person..
You can think of it as something that serves as a binding contract between the two parties involved. If there is ever a future disagreement between the two, the Bill of Sale can act as evidence in court.
Bills of Sale are also commonly used for official purposes. For example, you may need one to register a boat or other vehicle.
Do I Need an Alberta Bill of Sale If I Own an Automotive Business?
If you own an Automotive sales business in Alberta, you still need to fill out a Bill of Sale. But in this case, it will be more comprehensive than a regular Bill of Sale. This kind is known as a “Comprehensive Bill of Sale.”
In addition to the standard buyer and seller information, you will also have to include additional information regarding the vehicle.
What to Include in a Standard Alberta Bill of Sale
A car bill of sale in Alberta must include the following:
- full name of the seller(s) and buyer(s) with their addresses
- vehicle identification number (VIN)
- make, model/series, style, color and year of the vehicle
- cost of the vehicle
- signature from both the buyer(s) and the seller(s)
Other information a standard Alberta bill of sale should include are:
- odometer reading
- phone numbers of all people involved
- personal identification of all people involved
- signatures of witnesses
- any liens or encumbrances against the vehicle
- if the vehicle was paid for in full or not
- vehicle payment terms (if any)
- where the vehicle was last registered
- special conditions of the sale
- Date the bill of sale was signed for delivery
- Payment date of fees that apply and are relevant (like logistics fees, licensing costs, etcetera).
- A list of all extra equipment being sold with the vehicle (if any)
- Odometer level, assessment of road fitness, history of practical use, and the general state of the vehicle should all be included
Keep in mind that if the buyer of the vehicle is selling an entirely different vehicle to purchase a new vehicle, some extra details will have to be provided.
What If I Want to Get a Bill of Sale in Alberta?
Getting a Bill of Sale in Alberta is pretty easy. You can basically download one online (there’s also the option of printing). These Bills of Sale are quick, easy to use, and are very direct in what needs to be included.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to have a professional Bill of Sale in your hands to draft one up. Like most legal documents, a handwritten bill of sale is just as legally binding as a professional one.
As long as your document contains all of the necessary information, you can create your own Bill of Sale too.
How to Write an Alberta Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to fill an Alberta Bill of Sale:
- You’ll need to fill in your full name and address of the seller(s) and the buyer(s) too.
- Fill in the right vehicle identification number (VIN). Be sure to cross-check the numbers. If you’re a buyer, verify its authenticity.
- Next, you’ll have to write the Make, Model/Series, Style, Color and the year of the vehicle
- Include the cost of the vehicle
- Both the buyer(s) and the seller(s) will need to sign the document
These next steps are not necessary but recommended:
- Verify and include the odometer reading
- Include the phone numbers and personal identification of all people involved in the sale
- Include the signature of witnesses to the sale
- Clearly state any liens or burden against the vehicle
- Indicate whether or not the vehicle was fully paid
- Indicate the payment method (cash, direct payment, cheque, money order, etc.)
- State the payment terms (if any)
- Indicate where the vehicle was last registered
- Specify any special conditions of the vehicle sale
Next Steps After Filling Alberta Bill of Sale
The moment your Alberta bill of sale is properly filled out, you may have other things left to do:
- Cancel, purchase or transfer vehicle registration
- Add or remove a vehicle on your car insurance policy
Whichever of these next steps you need to take, remember to keep the original bill of sale safe. Faxed or photocopies cannot be accepted.
Can I Back Out of an Alberta Bill of Sale Deal?
Unless you have an additional policy that states that you can back out of the deal, then a Bill of Sale is final, and you may not back out. The only scenario in which a bill of sale can be voided is if both parties (the buyer and the seller) agree to dispose of it.
It is also worth mentioning that even if both parties are under agreement to cancel the sale, the seller can still keep any deposits that have been made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are buying or selling any type of vehicle in Alberta or other parts of Canada, you will definitely need to fill out a Bill of Sale. This Bill of Sale is designed to protect you and the other party should a dispute occur in the future.
Getting a Bill of Sale is not a complex procedure. Just download it off the internet and fill it out. It is also important to not omit important information when filling out this form.
If you happen to have an automotive sales business in Alberta, you still need to fill out a Bill of Sale. This kind of Bill of Sale is comprehensive and broader than a regular Bill of Sale. It is called a “Comprehensive Bill of Sale.”
Apart from the standard buyer and seller information, you will also have to include additional information regarding the vehicle. So, cross your Is and dot your Ts when it comes to vehicle sales in Alberta, so you won’t run into trouble with the government.
FAQs
What Is a Used Vehicle Information Package?
Used Vehicle Information Package is a report that has a detailed description of the history of a vehicle.
This package can help to give buyers a sense of peace when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle.
When you sell a pre-owned vehicle in Alberta, you need to provide the buyer with a UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package). Information found within the package includes:
- A detailed description of the vehicle, including make, model, year, colour, power, body type, and so forth.
- An odometer reading with the previous owner’s record should be clearly indicated on the registration history of the vehicle in question.
- Liens are also important factors to be put into record and consideration
- The average wholesale value of the vehicle in its current condition
- RST information
- The current condition of the vehicle and whether or not it has met safety standards
