Make Your Own Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is a legal document used to transfer 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 items like cars.

Using 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.

Find your printable template by type and state below.

Table of Contents

• Bill of Sale Forms (By Type and State)
• How to Write a Bill of Sale Form
• Bill of Sale Sample
• Bill of Sale Frequently Asked Questions

Bill of Sale Forms (By Type and State)

How to Write a Bill of Sale Form

Buyers and sellers can follow the simple steps below to fill out their blank bill of sale form and record the transfer or sale of an item.

The seller typically provides the document but you may wish to bring your own form just in case you’re the buyer. Remember to check individual state requirements before creating your form, as some states have different requirements for certain items.

Complete the bill of sale in full and accurately describe the item being transferred or sold. If the seller withholds any information about the item, the form may be null and void (not legally valid).

Both parties should keep a copy of the signed document for their records.

Step 1 – Negotiate the Terms of the Sale

Before filling out a bill of sale, the buyer and seller should confirm the item’s condition and agree to its sale.

At this stage, both parties agree on a payment method and any special conditions of the sale, such as a warranty or financing. If the buyer chooses to pay in cash, the amount needs to be paid in full at the time of the sale. Financing is commonly handled separately through a bank.

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 – Fill Out the Bill of Sale With the Required Information

Once the terms of the sale have been agreed upon, the buyer and seller should complete the bill of sale form. Be careful as you fill it out, as both parties’ handwriting must be legible for the form to be valid.

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

Seller and Buyer Information

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

Item Information and Purchase Price

This section will be different depending on the item you are buying or selling, but you’ll always need to write the purchase price and describe the item’s condition. Noting any faults or damage in detail will help you avoid disputes later.

If you are completing a vehicle bill of sale, you’ll need to fill out the following information:

• Model
• Make
• Year
• Body style
• Color

Other items have different sections. For example, boats require manufacturer, vessel type, and size. Horses require breed, sex, and the name of the sire.

Additional Information [For Motor Vehicles]

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.

Step 3 – Complete the Sale

Once you’ve filled out all the information, both parties must check the form and then sign and date it. Most states don’t require you to notarize your bill of sale to make it valid.

To complete the sale, the seller collects payment and hands over the certificate of title (if applicable). If you’ve bought a vehicle, you’ll need to register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pay sales tax.

Key Terms

Whether you’re buying or selling an item, it’s important to know the following legal terms to fill out your form correctly.

• Buyer — The person who is purchasing the item. Also known as the purchaser.
• Seller — The person (or party) that is 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 faults that are present.
• Warranty Provision — A written guarantee that the seller will repair or replace the item if there are any defects over a specified period of time. If you don’t include a warranty provision, the item is sold “as-is.”
• Certificate of Title — Separate paperwork that states who the legal owner of an item is. If applicable, this should be transferred when completing the sale. Note that the document itself proves the transaction took place, but it’s not always proof of ownership.
• Sales Tax — A tax included in the price on 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.
• Notary Public — A state-appointed representative who notarizes documents.
• Promissory Note — A promissory note is a document that promises someone will pay an amount of money. You should include one if the transfer requires the buyer to take out a loan instead of paying in full.
• Odometer Reading — A section of an auto bill of sale where you record the vehicle’s mileage at the time of sale.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) —  A unique identification code for a motor vehicle that you must include in a car bill of sale.

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

Bill of Sale Frequently Asked Questions