Puerto Rico Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Puerto Rico vehicle bill of sale serves as a formal written record of a transaction between a buyer and a seller. It outlines the specific details of the vehicle sale, including the purchase price, VIN, and contact information for both parties, protecting both the buyer and seller in the event of future disputes.
In Puerto Rico, while a generic bill of sale can be used for your personal records, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) strictly requires the official transfer document (Form DTOP-DIS-262) to be filled out and legally notarized by a licensed Puerto Rican attorney-notary (Abogado Notario) to successfully transfer the title. The notarization process is mandatory to officially transfer ownership at any CESCO location.
Puerto Rico Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Puerto Rico. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Puerto Rico (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Agree on the final purchase price and payment method for the vehicle. Gather the original Certificado de Titulo (title) and ensure the seller's registration (marbete) is current and free of outstanding fines (multas) using the CESCO Digital app.
Step 2: Complete the Puerto Rico vehicle bill of sale and the official DTOP transfer form (DTOP-DIS-262) with the buyer and seller's full legal names, addresses, purchase price, and an accurate odometer reading.
Step 3: Do not sign the transfer documents yet. Both the buyer and seller must appear in person before a licensed Puerto Rico attorney-notary (Abogado Notario) to sign the DTOP-DIS-262 and the back of the title, as notarization is strictly required under Puerto Rico law.
Step 4: Hand over the keys, the notarized title, and the transfer documents to the buyer. In Puerto Rico, standard license plates remain with the vehicle and transfer to the new owner, so do not remove them.
Step 5: The buyer must visit a CESCO office (Centro de Servicios al Conductor) within 10 days to submit the notarized documents, pay the required transfer fees using official Internal Revenue stamps (Sellos) and vouchers (Comprobantes), and complete the title transfer.
Puerto Rico Vehicle Bill of Sale & Title Transfer FAQs
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Puerto Rico?
Yes, a bill of sale acts as your primary receipt and proof of the transaction. However, to officially transfer the title, DTOP requires the completion of Form DTOP-DIS-262 (Notice of Transfer), which acts as the official, notarized transfer document.
Does a Puerto Rico vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. In Puerto Rico, the transfer of a motor vehicle is a formal legal act that strictly requires the signatures of both the buyer and seller to be authenticated by a licensed Puerto Rico attorney-notary (Abogado Notario) on the official title and transfer paperwork.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Puerto Rico?
You can draft your own bill of sale for personal record-keeping and a receipt of funds. However, CESCO will not accept a generic, handwritten bill of sale to transfer the title; you must use the official DTOP-DIS-262 form and have it notarized.
Are private vehicle sales in Puerto Rico considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Puerto Rico are generally considered 'as-is'. Puerto Rico's Lemon Law applies primarily to new or certified used vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships, not private party sales. Buyers should always inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Puerto Rico?
Private party vehicle transfers in Puerto Rico are generally not subject to standard sales tax (IVU). However, the buyer is required to pay specific title transfer fees using Hacienda Internal Revenue stamps (sellos) and vouchers (comprobantes) when processing the transfer at CESCO.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Puerto Rico DMV (CESCO)?
The buyer must bring the original, notarized Certificate of Title, the notarized DTOP-DIS-262 transfer form, a valid ID (Licencia de Conducir), proof of address, current vehicle registration (marbete), and the exact required Hacienda stamps (sellos) and vouchers (comprobantes) to cover the CESCO transfer fees.