[GA] Why do I need to provide a bill of sale for the car I donated to a nonprofit?
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Here’s how it typically works in Georgia:
- The title is the most important document when transferring ownership.
- A properly completed title—signed by the seller with the sale price and odometer reading—can usually be enough.
- However, some counties in Georgia require more than just the title, especially when:
- The vehicle was donated.
- A non-profit or third party is involved.
- The title is in a company name rather than an individual’s name.
Why the County Needs the Bill of Sale:
- Although you signed the title to the non-profit, the vehicle was still titled in your company’s name at the time of donation.
- The non-profit then sold it for $4,500.
- The County needs a paper trail showing how the vehicle went:
-
- From your company to the non-profit.
- From the non-profit to the buyer.
Since the company was the last official owner on record, the County needs a bill of sale from the company.
Recommended Steps:
1. Draft a Bill of Sale from Your Company to the Non-Profit:
- Even if the sale amount was $0, specify that the vehicle was donated.
- Include:
- Company name
- Non-profit name
- VIN
- Date of transfer
- Both signatures
- This provides the County the document needed to show that the non-profit had the legal right to sell the vehicle.
2. Non-Profit to Buyer:
- The non-profit should draft a separate bill of sale from them to the buyer.
- This completes the chain of ownership.
Important Note:
- You do not need to draft a bill of sale directly to the buyer—just from your company to the non-profit.
- The non-profit should handle the sale documents for the buyer.
- The title cannot skip steps; every owner along the way must be documented.
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I gave a vehicle to a non-profit organization for free.
Now, they want to sell the vehicle for $4,500.
The County requires a bill of sale from the donor. What should I do?
I understand your situation.
Have you already provided the non-profit organization with a bill of sale for the vehicle?
No, I just gave them the title to transfer over.
Have you discussed this issue with the non-profit organization to see if they can provide you with the necessary documentation for the County?
Yes, they need a bill of sale because the non-profit sold the vehicle to cover expenses.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Rest assured, they'll be able to help with your bill of sale.
Nothing else, thank you.
We donated a vehicle in Georgia.
The vehicle was titled in the company name (not an individual).
The non-profit sold the vehicle to a person for $4,500.
The purchaser tried to get it titled in their name, but the County needs a bill of sale from the company, not the non-profit.
I thought the title with the sale amount would be enough.
Here’s how it typically works in Georgia:
- The title is the most important document when transferring ownership.
- A properly completed title—signed by the seller with the sale price and odometer reading—can usually be enough.
- However, some counties in Georgia require more than just the title, especially when:
- The vehicle was donated.
- A non-profit or third party is involved.
- The title is in a company name rather than an individual’s name.
Why the County Needs the Bill of Sale:
- Although you signed the title to the non-profit, the vehicle was still titled in your company’s name at the time of donation.
- The non-profit then sold it for $4,500.
- The County needs a paper trail showing how the vehicle went:
-
- From your company to the non-profit.
- From the non-profit to the buyer.
Since the company was the last official owner on record, the County needs a bill of sale from the company.
Recommended Steps:
1. Draft a Bill of Sale from Your Company to the Non-Profit:
- Even if the sale amount was $0, specify that the vehicle was donated.
- Include:
- Company name
- Non-profit name
- VIN
- Date of transfer
- Both signatures
- This provides the County the document needed to show that the non-profit had the legal right to sell the vehicle.
2. Non-Profit to Buyer:
- The non-profit should draft a separate bill of sale from them to the buyer.
- This completes the chain of ownership.
Important Note:
- You do not need to draft a bill of sale directly to the buyer—just from your company to the non-profit.
- The non-profit should handle the sale documents for the buyer.
- The title cannot skip steps; every owner along the way must be documented.
Thanks, do you have a draft document I can edit?
Here is a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form you can fill out easily.
