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Table of Contents:A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of certain types of property. This creates an official certificate that describes the change in ownership and the nature of the sale of the item being sold.
There are different types of bills of sale, and these legal documents are used to show the terms of the deal that has been struck between the buyer and the seller. It also provides important information about the item being sold and its features and state at the time of purchase.
A valid bill of sale is often used to protect the buyer and the seller in the event of any future disputes. It also shows that both parties have formally consented to the sale under these agreements.
A bill of sale can be used during the buying and selling of:
Before starting your own printable bill of sale, it can help to see what a real sample of this transactional document looks like. Find out how a bill of sale should appear on paper with our example below.
Depending on the item you’re trying to sell, your bill of sale could vary. When creating your document, you may need to add special information for it to be valid.
This can often be to satisfy the necessities of a government agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or to conform to state law. Below, we’ve listed some specificities you’ll find on different kinds of bills of sale.
A car bill of sale and motorcycle bill of sale include a detailed description of the make, model, and registration of the car, along with a signature.
You will also need to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the odometer reading in the document to the DMV.
A livestock bill of sale facilitates the transfer of animals, such as:
It specifies the type and distinguishing features, including coloration and ownership markings.
Additionally, it confirms mandatory vaccinations by a veterinarian and outlines the transfer process.
A horse bill of sale has many similarities with a livestock bill of sale although with some significant differences. The biggest differences are that veterinarian checks are optional, and the document also allows you to transfer or maintain breeding rights over the horse.
A firearm bill of sale records private gun sales, including details about the:
Depending on your state, it may be legally required to provide a transaction record, and finalize the sale.
States vary in gun sale regulations, so always check local requirements for proper documentation.
A boat bill of sale has many similarities to other types of vehicle bills of sale. However, in this case, you will need to indicate the hull length, the type of motor the craft has (if any), as well as the Hull Identification Number (HIN) and registration.
A trailer bill of sale requires buyer and seller details, sale date, and trailer info (make, model, year, VIN). Notarization may be needed in some cases. If used, the title transfer is essential before registration.
In most states, trailers must be registered within 5 to 30 days to be road-legal.
An ATV Bill of Sale is vital for officially transferring all-terrain vehicle ownership at the DMV. Without it, ownership transfer becomes complex. This document serves as a purchase receipt, confirming the deal.
Some states need notarization or a witness. Accurate and clear documentation is essential to prevent future ownership disputes.
A Dirt Bike Bill of Sale serves as proof of a transaction, similar to other Bill of Sale documents. It also clarifies ownership and liability for damages, easing registration and, title transfer.
In certain states, dirt bike registration is mandatory, and this document simplifies the process.
A Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bill of Sale confirms ownership transfer, containing crucial info like VIN and price. It's a binding legal agreement, not just a receipt, offering protection helping to resolve disputes without arbitration. It's often needed for RV registration, establishing ownership, insurance, and addressing legal matters.
A Mobile Home Bill of Sale is a vital document for transferring ownership of a mobile home. This legal form includes essential details like the mobile home's identification information and the sale price.
It can also be helpful or even necessary when registering a mobile home in your state.
A Bicycle Bill of Sale is very similar to other vehicle bills of sale. It details the bicycle's identification specifics, such as make, model, year, and serial number, along with the agreed sale price. This form is often necessary for legal purposes, including the formal transfer of ownership.
A Dog Bill of Sale is particularly important for breeders or individuals selling dogs. It acts as a formal record of the transaction, specifying the dog's details, such as breed, color, age, and health status, along with the sale price. This is an agreement that provides legal protection to both parties.
An as-is bill of sale is for selling personal property with no warranties, like cars or boats. It offers a "what you see is what you get" deal, with no promises of durability or functionality.
It's useful when selling used items needing repairs privately, often resulting in a lower price.
Writing a bill of sale is a focused yet undemanding task to complete. A printable Bill of Sale template can help you make this job much easier.
When you start building your own document to sell an item of property, you will need to complete the following steps. You can then have it reviewed by a legal professional to make sure it’s correctly written.
Depending on whether you’re selling a car, motorcycle, trailer, or animal, you will need to adjust your document to reflect the nature of the item for sale.
If you’re creating your own document either with an online template or by yourself, make sure to either use the correct form for your needs or to add the necessary sections required.
Your document must include the details of both, the buyer and seller. To do so you will need to include the names and addresses of both parties. If necessary you can add the information of any additional buyers and sellers if the item is or will be jointly owned.
The type of bill of sale for your item will normally require a description of its various features to be provided.
For example, if you’re selling a horse, you will need to provide its age, sex, breeding association certification (if any), and information on its coloration.
If you sell a car, you will need to provide the mileage, color, etc.
When you have described the item being sold, you will then need to explain the key details about the transaction. You must provide the method of payment, explain whether taxes apply to the final price, and if the amount will be paid at once or in installments.
You have the option to make warranties on your bill of sale. The property can either be sold “as is” with no warranties.
If, however, you do make a warranty on the item you can make a sworn statement that the item being sold is as described, is in full working order, and that it has no liens or claims against it.
A bill of sale will normally require the writer to detail where the item is being held prior to sale and where it can be collected from or how it can be transferred. In some cases, however such as horses or livestock, you may need to provide the exact details of transportation.
When the form is completed and both the buyer and seller are satisfied with the terms of the agreement, the bill of sale can be signed. In some states, this will need to be notarized or witnessed for the document to be fully valid.
From this moment on, it becomes legally binding.
While notarizing your Bill of Sale is not legally required in most states, there are some exceptions. The following states require a bill of sale be notarized to be considered valid:
Regardless of state requirements, having a notary public confirm the authenticity of your Bill of Sale will add more protection to the transaction and will help you keep away from legal conflict.
Beware that to transfer ownership of a car you will need to go to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.
Less than half of the states in the U.S. demand a Bill of Sale to change the title. In the following table, you can find a comprehensive list clarifying which states do and which do not:
| State | Bill of Sale | Department of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | County Title & Registration Office |
| Alaska | No | Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Arizona | No | Motor Vehicle Division |
| Arkansas | Yes | Department of Finance and Administration |
| California | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Colorado | No | Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Connecticut | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Delaware | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Florida | No | Motor Vehicle Service Centers |
| Georgia | Yes | Motor Vehicle Division - County Tag Office |
| Hawaii | Yes | Department of Transportation |
| Idaho | No | Idaho Transportation Department |
| Illinois | Yes | Facility Locations - Illinois Secretary of State |
| Indiana | No | Indiana Branch Locations |
| Iowa | Yes | Iowa Motor Vehicle Division |
| Kansas | Yes | Kansas Department of Revenue |
| Kentucky | No | Driver Licensing Services |
| Louisiana | No | Office of Motor Vehicles |
| Maine | Yes | Bureau of Motor Vehicles |
| Maryland | Yes | Motor Vehicle Administration |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Registry of Motor Vehicles |
| Michigan | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Minnesota | No | Driver and Vehicle Services |
| Mississippi | Yes | Tax Collector’s Office |
| Missouri | Yes | License Office Locations |
| Montana | Yes | Motor Vehicle Division |
| Nebraska | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Nevada | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Division of Motor Vehicles |
| New Jersey | No | Motor Vehicle Commission |
| New Mexico | Yes | Motor Vehicle Division |
| New York | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| North Carolina | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| North Dakota | No | Motor Vehicle Site Locations |
| Ohio | Yes | Bureau of Motor Vehicles |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Department of Public Safety |
| Oregon | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Pennsylvania | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| South Carolina | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| South Dakota | Yes | Motor Vehicles Division |
| Tennessee | No | Driver Services |
| Texas | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Utah | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Vermont | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Virginia | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Washington | Yes | Department of Licensing |
| West Virginia | Yes | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Wisconsin | No | Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Wyoming | Yes | County Treasurer’s Office |
In addition to Bills of Sale, there are similar documents that can be useful for those selling personal property.
Examine the forms below to safeguard your purchases and sales:
If you’re having doubts about whether a bill of sale is right for your buying or selling needs we have the answers you’re looking for.
Simply browse through our bill of sale FAQs below to learn more about this type of legal document.
A bill of sale is a requirement in many states. Where this applies, the buyer and seller must create a bill of sale and complete a title transfer form in order for the sale of the vehicle to be fully valid and registered.
However, even when this is not a legal requirement of your state, it is sensible to complete a bill of sale when selling a car and having it reviewed by a lawyer. This can help to avoid disputes over ownership further down the line.
A bill of sale will normally have to contain the details of the buyer and seller, a description of the item for sale, the transactional information, any warranties permitted, and the signatures of both parties.
In some states, you will also need a notary or witness signature for this document to be final and binding.
The new owner of the property will normally keep the original copy of the bill of sale as proof of purchase.
However, the seller can also keep a duplicate copy of the document for their item for their records should they need to prove the sale is completed and final.
If it has been completed correctly a bill of sale can be valid permanently. However, if the item of property is resold and a new bill of sale is completed to reflect this, it will render the older document null and void.
Additionally, a bill of sale could be overturned if the transfer of ownership terms are breached, thus nullifying the sale agreement.
You are only a few steps away from your own Bill of Sale!
Download our professional examples| State of California | $_________ |
| County of _________ | _________ |
IN CONSIDERATION OF $_________, paid by personal check, receipt of which is acknowledged, I, _________ (hereinafter, the "Seller"), the undersigned, presently of _________ DO NOW SELL, TRANSFER AND DELIVER to _________ (hereinafter, the "Buyer"), presently of _________, the following described Motor Vehicle (hereinafter, the "Motor Vehicle"):
Make: _________
Model Name or Number: _________
Year: _________
Body Style: _________
Color: _________
Odometer Reading: _________
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): _________
License Plate Number: _________
ODOMETER DISCLOSURE
Federal and state regulations require you to state the odometer mileage of the Motor Vehicle on transfer of ownership. An inaccurate or untruthful statement may make you liable for damages to your transferee and for civil or criminal penalties.
I, _________, state that the odometer reading of the Motor Vehicle is _________ miles. I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the Motor Vehicle described above. Moreover, I certify that the Motor Vehicle's odometer was not altered, set back, or disconnected while in my possession, and that I have no knowledge of anyone else doing so.
Both Buyer and Seller acknowledge the above odometer statements:
By: ______________________________ Date: _____________THE SELLER NOTIFIES THE BUYER, AND THE BUYER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES, THAT THE SELLER SELLS, TRANSFERS, AND DELIVERS THE Motor Vehicle IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. THE BUYER ACCEPTS THE Motor Vehicle ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. THE SELLER EXPLICITLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING TO, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE Motor Vehicle. HOWEVER, THE SELLER'S ABOVE WARRANTY DISCLAIMER DOES NOT AFFECT THE TERMS OF ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE Motor Vehicle. THE SELLER MAKES NO OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE Motor Vehicle OR ITS CONDITION OR PERFORMANCE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES IMPLIED.
The Buyer warrants to the Seller that the Buyer has fully examined and tested the Motor Vehicle, that the Buyer is purchasing the Motor Vehicle in reliance upon such examination and testing, and that the Buyer is fully satisfied with the Motor Vehicle. On the alternative, and at the very least, the Buyer warrants having inspected the Motor Vehicle. Moreover, the Buyer has accepted the Motor Vehicle in its existing condition.
The Seller declares and affirms under penalty of perjury that the facts in this Bill of Sale are true and correct.
