Free Vehicle Sale Agreement Template
A UK vehicle sale agreement is a written contract between a private seller and buyer for the sale of a car, van, motorcycle, or other vehicle under English law. It records the key details of the transaction and protects both British parties in the event of a dispute.
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Focus 1.5 TDCi Titanium |
| Year of Manufacture | 2018 |
| Colour | Magnetic Grey Metallic |
| Registration Mark | AB18 XYZ |
| VIN / Chassis No. | WF0AXXGBDAHY12345 |
| Engine No. / Capacity | 1,499 cc diesel, 120 bhp |
| Fuel / Transmission | Diesel / 6-speed Manual |
| Mileage at sale | 45,200 miles |
| Previous keepers | 2 |
(a) the Seller has the right to sell the Vehicle and will have that right at the time title passes;
(b) the Vehicle is, and at the time title passes will remain, free from any undisclosed charge, lien, hire-purchase, personal-contract-purchase (PCP), logbook loan under the Bills of Sale Acts 1878 and 1882, or other encumbrance;
(c) the Buyer will enjoy quiet possession of the Vehicle, save for any charge or encumbrance disclosed to the Buyer before this Agreement is made;
(d) the Vehicle is not recorded as stolen, a write-off (Cat A/B/S/N), or an insurance total-loss.
Additional seller warranty: The Seller warrants the Vehicle for a period of 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first from the date of sale in respect of: Engine, gearbox and cooling system (excluding wear items). This additional warranty operates without prejudice to, and in addition to, the Buyer's statutory rights.
Disclosed defects and faults (fully known to the Buyer at the time of sale): Minor scratch on near-side rear bumper; air-conditioning compressor requires regassing; one alloy wheel has kerb damage (rear offside). The Buyer acknowledges that, to the extent these defects are so disclosed, the Buyer cannot rely on them to bring any subsequent claim for breach of description, quality or fitness.
Items included with the Vehicle: Two keys (one master, one valet), complete V5C logbook, original service book stamped by Ford main dealer, handbook pack, Ford mats, first-aid kit, spare wheel.
The Seller shall deliver the complete V5C logbook (Registration Certificate) to the Buyer at handover. The Buyer must immediately submit the new-keeper section online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle or by post to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
(b) No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by or on behalf of both parties.
(c) If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court or other competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the validity of the other provisions and the remainder of the affected provision shall not be affected.
(d) A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of its terms.
(e) Any simple-contract claim arising under this Agreement is subject to the six-year limitation period in section 5 of the Limitation Act 1980.
What Is a Vehicle Sale Agreement?
A vehicle sale agreement (sometimes called a bill of sale) is a written record of a private vehicle sale. It identifies the buyer, the seller, the vehicle, the price, and the terms of the sale. In England and Wales, there is no legal requirement to use a written agreement for a private vehicle sale, but having one provides valuable evidence if problems arise.
The agreement confirms that ownership has transferred from the seller to the buyer, records the sale price, and typically includes declarations about the vehicle's condition, mileage, and history. This protects the seller from future claims and gives the buyer documented proof of purchase.
For private sales in the United Kingdom (as opposed to sales by a dealer), the buyer's statutory rights are more limited. The UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 does not apply to private sales in England and Wales. Instead, the sale is governed by general British contract law principles, making a clear written agreement all the more important.
What's Covered in This Template
Our vehicle sale agreement template covers all the essential elements of a private sale:
Seller Details
Full name, address, and contact details of the seller.
Buyer Details
Full name, address, and contact details of the buyer.
Vehicle Description
Make, model, year, colour, registration number, and VIN.
Mileage Declaration
The odometer reading at the time of sale.
Sale Price
The agreed purchase price and method of payment.
Condition Statement
Declaration of the vehicle's condition — sold as seen or with specific representations.
Ownership Confirmation
Seller's declaration that they are the legal owner and have the right to sell.
Outstanding Finance
Confirmation of whether there is any outstanding finance, HP, or other encumbrance on the vehicle.
MOT and Tax Status
Current MOT expiry date and vehicle tax status.
Signatures
Dated signatures of both buyer and seller confirming the agreement.
How to Create a Vehicle Sale Agreement
Follow these steps to document a private vehicle sale properly:
- 1
Verify the Vehicle
Check the V5C registration certificate, MOT history (online at GOV.UK), and run an HPI check to confirm there is no outstanding finance, insurance write-off, or stolen marker.
- 2
Agree the Terms
Settle on the sale price, payment method, and any conditions (e.g. subject to test drive, sold as seen).
- 3
Complete the Agreement
Fill in both parties' details, the vehicle information, price, mileage, and condition declarations.
- 4
Sign the Agreement
Both the buyer and seller sign and date the agreement. Each party keeps a copy.
- 5
Transfer Ownership
Complete the V5C registration certificate (log book) and send the relevant section to the DVLA. The buyer should receive a receipt and the green "new keeper" slip.
Legal Considerations
Private vehicle sales in England and Wales are governed by general contract law rather than consumer protection legislation.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Reviewed for England & Wales law
Private vs Trade Sales
The UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to sales by traders (dealers, businesses). Private sales in England and Wales are not covered by this Act. In a British private sale, the vehicle must match its description and the seller must have the legal right to sell, but there is no implied condition that the vehicle is of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.
Misrepresentation
If the seller makes a false statement about the vehicle (e.g. about its mileage, accident history, or condition) that the British buyer relies on, the buyer may have a claim for misrepresentation under the UK Misrepresentation Act 1967. This is why honest declarations in the UK agreement are essential.
Outstanding Finance
If a UK vehicle is subject to outstanding hire purchase (HP) or conditional sale finance, the British finance company — not the registered keeper — owns the vehicle. Selling a vehicle with outstanding finance without disclosure may be a criminal offence in England and Wales. Buyers should always run an HPI or similar check.
DVLA Registration
The seller must notify the DVLA of the sale using the V5C registration certificate under British law. The buyer should receive the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C immediately and the full V5C from the UK DVLA within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Document Your Vehicle Sale Properly
Use our free template to create a clear vehicle sale agreement. Protect yourself as buyer or seller in just a few minutes.
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