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Home Personal & Family Bill of Sale

Bill of Sale Forms

Use our Bill of Sale forms to record the sale of any item and protect both buyer and seller.

Updated May 18, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Brooke Davis

A Bill of Sale is a legal document that transfers ownership of an item from one person to another. These forms are similar to retail receipts but are used to record the sale or transfer of valuable things like cars.

This document protects the buyer and the seller from future legal disputes over the item’s condition or ownership.

Most states require a completed vehicle bill of sale to register a motor vehicle at the DMV, and many recommend using a bill of sale if you are buying or selling any item over $500.

Bill of Sale Forms – By State

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
Table of Contents
  • Bill of Sale Forms - By State
  • Bill of Sale Forms - By Type
  • What Is a Bill of Sale?
  • How to Buy and Sell a Vehicle
  • Bill of Sale Sample
  • DMV Offices in Each State
  • Key Terms
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Bill of Sale Forms – By Type

General (Personal Property) Bill of Sale form

Buy or sell personal property and other valuable items.

General (Personal Property)

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

Transfer ownership of a vehicle.

Vehicle

boat bill of sale form

Document the transfer of ownership for recreational water vehicles.

Boat

Trailer Bill of Sale Form

Buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle) and register it at the DMV.

Trailer

Firearm (Gun) Bill of Sale Form

Transfer ownership of a gun and avoid legal or criminal issues after it is sold.

Firearm

Equipment Bill of Sale screenshot

Record the sale of equipment and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Equipment

motorcycle bill of sale form

Transfer the ownership of a motorcycle.

Motorcycle

aircraft bill of sale

Buy or sell aircraft and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Aircraft

As-is bill of sale screenshot

Purchase an item in its current condition.

As-Is

ATV Bill of Sale Sample

Document the sale of on ATV and protect both the buyer and the seller.

ATV

bicycle bill of sale

Transfer the ownership of a bicycle.

Bicycle

Business Bill of Sale screenshot

Record the change in ownership from one business entity to another.

Business

cat bill of sale

Buy or sell a cat and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Cat

Dog Bill of Sale Screenshot

Buy or sell a dog and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Dog

dirt bike bill of sale

Record the sale of a dirt bike.

Dirt Bike

Even Trade Bill of Sale screenshot

Swap goods or materials in a way that benefits both parties.

Even Trade

furniture bill of sale sample

Transfer the ownership of furniture.

Furniture

gifted car bill of sale template

Record the transfer of a gifted car.

Gifted Car

Golf Cart Bill of Sale Template

Buy or sell a golf cart and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Golf Cart

horse bill of sale template

Record the transfer of a horse or pony.

Horse

jet ski bill of sale template

Transfer the ownership of a jet ski.

Jet Ski

Livestock Bill of Sale screenshot

Record the sale of livestock.

Livestock

mobile home bill of sale

Buy or sell a mobile home and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Mobile Home

scooter bill of sale template

Transfer the ownership of a scooter.

Scooter

Notarized Bill of Sale screenshot

Record a sale of an item before a notary public.

Notarized

rv bill of sale form

Buy or sell an RV and protect both the buyer and the seller.

RV

semi truck bill of sale

Transfer the ownership of a semi-truck and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Semi-Truck

tractor bill of sale form

Record the sale of a tractor and protect both the buyer and the seller.

Tractor

utv bill of sale template

Buy or sell a UTV and protect both the buyer and the seller.

UTV

lawnmower bill of sale form

Document the details of your lawnmower sale.

Lawn Mower

snowmobile bill of sale template

Protect buyer and seller by documenting the details of a snowmobile sale.

Snowmobile

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a document that details a sales transaction or transfer of ownership between two parties. Once signed, both the buyer and the seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale to prove that the transaction occurred.

Not all states or counties require a bill of sale, but it is generally recommended to sign one to add an extra layer of protection in case of future disputes.

If the asset is transferred as a gift, this can be recorded on the bill of sale, and the purchase price can be set to $0. Depending on your state, you may also need to file an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer or similar document. For a vehicle purchase, buyers should keep an original copy of the document for registration.

IMPORTANT

If you’re completing an auto bill of sale, you’ll need to write the odometer reading and vehicle identification number (VIN). The odometer reading is the current mileage at the sale, and the VIN is usually printed on the windshield or inside the door.

When Should I Use a Bill of Sale?

You should use a bill of sale when transferring any valuable item to a new owner. Many states require you to provide a signed sale statement as proof of purchase when registering certain items.

You can use it to transfer ownership of items such as the following:

  • Vehicles (cars, RVs, motorcycles, trailers, campers)
  • Watercraft (boats, jet skis)
  • Personal property (bicycles, furniture, jewelry)
  • Animals (horses, dogs, cats, livestock)
  • Equipment (tools, exercise equipment)
  • Firearms

What happens if I don’t use a Bill of Sale?

If you don’t use a bill of sale, you could encounter legal issues after selling an item. Bills of sale are essential to prove a cash sale took place, and they protect both the buyer and seller in case of a dispute.

For example, you cannot legally prove that an item was sold without a bill of sale to record the transaction.

Therefore, the seller may still be responsible for violations the purchaser commits after transferring the item (such as speeding tickets in the case of a vehicle).

How to Buy and Sell a Vehicle

Buyers and sellers can follow these steps to buy and sell vehicles privately.

Step 1 – Discuss the Terms of the Agreement

Once the buyer and seller have agreed to the purchase and sale of a specific vehicle, they must negotiate the sale price and other terms of the agreement.

The parties should also discuss the payment method and whether the payment will be made upfront or in installments. The vehicle bill of sale must include details of the parties, the vehicle, and the transaction terms.

When a bill of sale includes a warranty, it must clearly explain what damage and repairs the guarantee covers and for how long. If the document does not have a warranty, the item is sold “as-is.” Therefore, the buyer must check the item thoroughly and ask any questions before the sale is completed and the form is signed.

Step 2 – Obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Next, the buyer should get the motor vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) from the seller. This 17-character number is unique to every car and is listed on the automobile’s title or registration.

You can also find the VIN in the following places:

  • Where the door meets the vehicle
  • The driver’s side windshield
  • The front end of the frame
  • The front of the engine block under the hood

The buyer can use the VIN to determine the car’s repair and ownership history.

They will also be able to see whether the car’s odometer has ever been rolled back when it was last inspected and whether it was classified as a “lemon” (a vehicle with a significant malfunction or defect that makes it unsafe to drive).

Step 3 – Gather Vehicle Documents

The seller must gather and provide various documents to complete the sale and transfer ownership to the buyer.

These include:

  • The vehicle’s title and registration. If the seller can’t find the title, they can request a duplicate or replacement title from their local motor vehicle office.
  • The completed vehicle bill of sale
  • The odometer disclosure statement (maybe a separate document or located on the title and bill of sale)
  • A photo ID, such as a valid state driver’s license

A bill of sale includes the following sections that you must complete:

Seller and Buyer Information

The seller and buyer must write their contact details, including their full name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, and email address.

Item Information and Purchase Price

You must write the purchase price and describe the vehicle’s condition at this stage. Moreover, you must outline the model, make, year, body style, and vehicle color. Noting any faults or damage in detail will help you avoid disputes later.

Step 4 – Complete the Sale

The parties can now complete the sale at an in-person meeting. The buyer will bring the funds, and the seller will bring the vehicle. The seller will sign the title to the buyer, and both parties will sign the bill of sale.

If your state requires notarization for vehicle bills of sale, you must get the bill of sale notarized.

If your state does not require notarization, consider notarizing the bill of sale to prove the transaction happened and verify both parties’ identities.

Step 5 – Register the Vehicle

After finalizing the bill of sale, the new owner will register the vehicle within a specific time and pay sales tax.

They can do this by taking the following documents and fee(s) to a local motor vehicle department office:

  • The signed vehicle bill of sale
  • The signed-over title
  • The odometer disclosure statement
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Registration fee(s)
  • An emissions test (only required in certain states)

Bill of Sale Sample

The following template is a generic bill of sale that you can use to transfer ownership of any personal property.

bill of sale form

Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word (.docx)

DMV Offices in Each State

State Location Bill of Sale Required?
Alabama Vehicle Licensing Offices Yes
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles No
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division No
Arkansas Department of Revenue Office Yes
California Department of Motor Vehicles No
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles No
Connecticut Dept. of Motor Vehicles Yes
Delaware Dept. of Motor Vehicles No
Florida Motor Vehicle Service Centers No
Georgia County Tag Office Yes
Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division Yes
Idaho Idaho Transportation Department No
Illinois Facility Locations Yes
Indiana Indiana Branch Locations No
Iowa Iowa Motor Vehicle Division Yes
Kansas Kansas Department of Revenue Yes
Kentucky Drive.KY.Gov No
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles No
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Yes
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Yes
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Yes
Michigan DMV Office Finder Yes
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services No
Mississippi Tax Collector’s Office Yes
Missouri License Office Locations Yes
Montana Motor Vehicle Division Yes
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles Yes
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission No
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division Yes
New York Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles No
North Dakota Motor Vehicle Site Locations No
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Yes
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Yes
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles No
Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles No
Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles No
South Dakota Motor Vehicles Division Yes
Tennessee Driver Services No
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
Utah Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles No
Washington Department of Licensing Yes
West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Yes
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles No
Wyoming County Treasurer’s Office Yes

Key Terms

Whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle or any other item, knowing the following legal terms is essential to fill out your form correctly.

  • Buyer — The person who is purchasing the item. She was also known as the purchaser.
  • Seller — The person (or party) selling the item.
  • As-is — “As-is” means that the item is sold in its current condition at the time of sale and that the buyer accepts any present faults.
  • Warranty Provision — A written guarantee that the seller will repair or replace the item if there are any defects over a specified period. If you don’t include a warranty provision, the item is sold “as-is.”
  • Certificate of Title — Separate paperwork that states an item’s legal owner. If applicable, this should be transferred when completing the sale. Note that the document proves the transaction occurred, but it’s not always proof of ownership.
  • Sales Tax — A tax included in the price of the sale of goods. This tax varies by state, county, or municipality.
  • Notarization — A process that authenticates a legal document and the parties’ signatures. Not all states require a bill of sale to be notarized.
  • Odometer Reading — A section of an auto bill of sale where you record the vehicle’s mileage at purchase.
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) —  A unique identification code for a motor vehicle that you must include in a car bill of sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Bill of Sale legally binding?

Yes, a bill of sale is a legally binding contract between a seller and a buyer.

The document is evidence of an agreement between the two parties that a sale has occurred between them. Some sales agreements can also be a promise that a sale will occur in the future.

Does a Bill of Sale need to be notarized?

Certain types of bills of sale need to be notarized.

For example, it is a requirement that a vehicle bill of sale is notarized in some states. But even if it’s not a legal requirement in your state, getting your document notarized is advised, as it provides legal protections you may need in the future.

Can you get a title with a Bill of Sale?

Yes, in some states, you may be able to get a title to the property you purchased with a Bill of Sale.

Although this mostly happens when buying a vehicle. For some types of property, such as real estate, you will need more legal documents to own the property, such as a title transfer fully.

What’s the difference between a sales agreement and a bill of sale?

A sales agreement and a bill of sale transfer ownership differ. A sales agreement is used before the goods are exchanged, while a bill of sale is used during or after the transaction. In this sense, a sales agreement outlines the purchase terms, and the bill of sales acts as a receipt to record that the purchase took place.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

A bill of sale is not the same as a title, but these documents are complementary. Buyers can use the bill of sale to obtain a title.

If the former certifies the transfer of ownership, the latter identifies the purchaser as the vehicle’s legal owner.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title?

This depends on the state requirements for registering a vehicle. A bill of sale is required in most states because it outlines the sales tax, selling price, and other fees that must be collected for registration purposes.

Who keeps the bill of sale?

Both buyer and seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale as proof that the transaction took place.

In most cases, the buyer keeps the original document to obtain a title and register the vehicle, and the seller keeps the copy.

Related Personal Property Documents

  • Sales Agreement: Outlines the terms of a sale where there is an exchange of goods.
  • Promissory Note: Outline the details of a loan made between two people, a borrower, and a lender.
  • Purchase Agreement: Outlines the terms and conditions of an item sale.

Create Your Bill of Sale in Minutes!

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

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