What do I need to write on a vehicle bill of sale?

Factual Questions
1

I moved across the country. My car was in my father’s name in New York. I am now registering it in Texas in my own name. My father has told me to write up the bill of sale myself (we’ve agreed upon the sum of $200, which has already been paid) in order to get the title transfered from NY in his name to TX in mine. What do I need to write?

I was thinking “I, racindad, sell to racinchikki this ModelYear Make Model, Color Odometer VIN, for the sum of $200.
His sig
My sig”

Is this correct?

2

That’d work. Or you could write it as a receipt:

Received from: racinchikki of 15 Credibility Street, Across Country
The sum of: $200
Being for: Full payment on ModelYear Make Model, Color Odometer VIN
Signed: racindad.

3

I’ve done it the way you propose, and it flew in Missouri. Other states might have different requirements.

Here’s a site that offers one: http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/business/pages/sale_of_motor_vehicle.php

Apparently copied but easier to follow here: http://www.usaezhost.com/free_info/pages/sale_of_motor_vehicle.php

4

If you’ve got Excel 97 or newer, you can also use the link to a spreadsheet-based bill of sale at this site. The “carbuyingtips” website (here) is a goldmine of information about buying new cars, and buying or selling used cars. Highly recommended reading!