Alberta paperwork

Alberta Bill of Sale for Junk and Scrap Cars

Every vehicle sale in Alberta needs a bill of sale, including a junk car worth a few hundred dollars. It's the document that moves ownership from you to the buyer, and it's your proof that the vehicle is no longer your responsibility. Here's how to fill one out correctly, field by field.

See the Required Fields

Field by field

Fields Alberta Requires

The Government of Alberta says a bill of sale must include the following.

Field	What to write	Tip
Seller name(s) and address	Full legal name and address of every registered owner	Match the name on the registration exactly
Buyer name(s) and address	Full legal name or business name and address	For a business buyer, use the registered business name
VIN	The 17-character vehicle identification number	Check the dash, the door jamb and the registration; all three should match
Make	For example, Ford, Toyota, Honda
Model or series	For example, F-150 XLT, Corolla LE	Include the trim if you know it
Body style	For example, sedan, pickup, SUV, minivan
Colour	Main exterior colour
Year	Model year	Shown on the registration
Price	The amount paid	Write the real price, even for a low-value junk car
Signatures	Every buyer and every seller	If two people are registered owners, both sign

Source: Government of Alberta's standard bill of sale guide. Automotive businesses may have additional requirements.

Extra protection

Recommended Extras for a Junk Car Sale

Date and time of the sale. Useful if a ticket or toll arrives later.
Odometer reading, or "not working" if the dash doesn't light up.
"Sold as-is, where-is." Makes it clear the buyer accepts the vehicle's condition.
Liens: "none" or details of any money owing.
Payment method, such as e-transfer.
Phone numbers and ID numbers of buyer and seller.
Where the vehicle was last registered.
Witness signature, optional.

Clear paperwork matters

A signed copy gives both sides a record of the vehicle, the price and the date of the sale.

Different ownership situations

Special Situations

The car is registered to two people

Both registered owners should sign, or the one who can't be there can give written authorization.

You're selling for a parent or family member

Attach a signed letter from the owner authorizing the sale with a copy of their ID, or use a power of attorney.

You're the executor of an estate

Sign as executor and keep copies of the estate documents, such as the death certificate and grant of probate or letters of administration, with your bill of sale.

The vehicle has no working odometer

Write "odometer not working" or "unknown" rather than guessing.

The VIN plate is damaged

Use the VIN from the registration and the door jamb sticker, and note which one you used.

After the signatures

After You Sign

Keep a copy, and take a photo of the signed page.
Take your licence plates off. In Alberta, plates belong to you, not the car.
Cancel or transfer your insurance. Your insurer may ask for the bill of sale.
Remove personal data from the car's infotainment system and unpair your phone.
File the bill of sale with your records.

Official Alberta Bill of Sale Form

Open the Government of Alberta form in a new tab. Once completed, use its print option to save or print a copy for both the buyer and seller.

Open Alberta Form

Selling to Cash For Junk Cars YEG?

You don't need to bring anything but your registration and original photo ID. Our driver fills out the bill of sale with you at pickup and leaves you a signed copy. See our cash for junk cars page for how the whole sale works.

General information only, not legal advice. Check alberta.ca or an Alberta registry agent for current requirements.

Common questions

Bill of Sale FAQs

Is a bill of sale required to scrap a car in Alberta?+

Yes. It's how ownership transfers and how you prove the car is no longer yours.

Does it need to be notarized?+

Alberta's listed requirements don't include notarization. A witness signature is optional.

Can I handwrite it?+

Yes, if it includes all the required fields and both parties sign.

What price do I write if I'm giving the car away?+

Write the actual amount, such as $0 or "gift." Ask a registry agent how gifted vehicles are handled for registration.

Ready when you are

Need Help With the Paperwork?

Call or text [PHONE]. We'll fill out the bill of sale with you at pickup.