A Trailer Bill of Sale is a legal document that outlines the details of a trailer sale, including the price, condition of the trailer, and any warranties or guarantees. The Department of Motor Vehicles also requires a Bill of Sale to register a trailer.
On this page, you can learn how to sell your trailer and fill out a Bill of Sale template for a trailer to make the process more manageable.
Trailer Bill of Sale – by State
What Is a Trailer Bill of Sale?
A Trailer Bill of Sale is a document that documents the transfer of ownership of a trailer vehicle from one individual to another.
You may want to use a Boat Bill of Sale if you sell a boat and a trailer. You can record the entire sale on a single document if you sell other items.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale for a Trailer
Both the buyer and seller need a bill of sale for different reasons:
- If you’re buying a trailer, you need a bill of sale as proof of ownership and to register the trailer with the DMV.
- If you’re selling a trailer, you need a bill of sale to protect yourself if there’s a future dispute regarding the trailer’s ownership or condition.
How to Sell a Trailer
Selling a trailer doesn’t have to be complicated; follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Clean and Prepare
The first step is to clean the trailer thoroughly and make any necessary repairs or improvements. You should remove all personal belongings and take photos of the interior and exterior to showcase their condition.
This will help increase the trailer’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Step 2: Determine the Market Value
Before selling, you need to determine its market value. You can research similar trailers in your area and compare their prices. You may also want to consult a professional appraiser for an accurate valuation.
Step 3: Advertise the Trailer
Once you have determined the market value, it’s time to advertise it for sale. You can list your trailer on online marketplaces, social media, and local classifieds.
Ensure the ads include high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and contact information.
Step 4: Screen Potential Buyers
As you start receiving inquiries about the trailer, it’s important to screen potential buyers to ensure they are serious and have the funds to purchase it. You may want to ask for a deposit or proof of funds before scheduling a showing.
Step 5: Meet with Potential Buyers
When you have identified serious buyers, schedule a time for them to view the trailer in person. Allow them to inspect the trailer and answer any questions they may have.
You can begin negotiating the sale price and terms if they show real purchase intent.
Step 6: Prepare the Trailer Bill of Sale
Once you have agreed upon a sale price, it’s time to create the Bill of Sale. This document will prove ownership and trailer transfer from you to the buyer.
Step 7: Fill Out and Sign the Bill of Sale
When filling out the Trailer Bill of Sale, be sure to include the following information:
- The date of the sale
- The name and contact information of the buyer and seller
- A description of the trailer, including the make, model, and year
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The sale price
- Any warranties or guarantees that are included with the sale
Once the document has been filled out, the buyer and seller should sign it. Ensure both parties have a copy of the signed document for their records.
Step 8: Transfer Ownership of the Trailer
After the trailer bill of sale has been signed, the buyer must take it to the DMV to transfer ownership. The buyer must also provide proof of insurance and pay any necessary taxes and fees.
Make sure to provide them with all necessary paperwork, including the bill of sale, title, and registration.
Legal Requirements
When selling a trailer, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements in your state. While some states have specific needs, others do not. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- In most states, the seller must provide a bill of sale to the buyer.
- Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized.
- The seller must typically provide the buyer with a title or registration document showing the ownership.
- In some states, the seller must inspect the trailer before selling it.
- If the trailer has a gross weight of over 4,500 pounds, it may be subject to additional regulations, such as registration as a commercial vehicle.
It’s important to note that these requirements can vary by state and county, so it’s recommended that you consult with your state’s DMV.
How to Write a Trailer Bill of Sale
Step 1 – Gather Details of the Parties Involved
Collect the information of all parties involved in the sale. This would be the buyer and the seller. If possible, include their contact details, such as their name, address, number, and email address.
Step 2 – Check State Requirements
Your state may have specific requirements for transferring the title. For example, Texas requires trailers with an empty weight of over 7,500 pounds to undergo a safety inspection before transfer.
Many states also require you to sign the bill of sale in the presence of adult witnesses or a notary public.
These requirements are typically listed on your state’s DMV website. Call or visit your local DMV office if you have trouble finding the requirements online.
Step 3 – Fill in Trailer Information
Details include the make, model, production year, empty weight, license plate number (if any), and Vehicle Identification Number.
Details of an example travel trailer:
- Make: Winnebago
- Model: Minnie Winnie 2108FBS
- Year: 2019
- Color: White
- Body Style: Travel Trailer
- Empty Weight: 3,900 lbs
You should also include information about the condition of the trailer. Refer to these options:
- New
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair
You can write down any additional information relevant to this documentation section.
Step 4 – Provide Terms of the Sale
In this section, you should provide details about how the sale is being made. For example, you need to specify whether the sale is a gift. If it is a gift, the relationship between the buyer and seller must be made clear.
Further information you should provide is the following:
- Value
-
Warranty
- Unless otherwise indicated, the buyer will buy the trailer “As Is,” and the seller makes no warranty or guarantee. The buyer takes on all responsibility once the sale is complete, including any repairs or maintenance that need to be made. However, the seller can provide exceptions to the “As Is” condition and a warranty on all or parts of the trailer.
- Date of Sale
Step 5 – Sign the Form
Once the buyer and seller have agreed to all the terms in the bill of sale, both parties should sign the form. Your state may require a witness or notary signature for validation.
Even if it’s not required, we recommend having a third party witness your signature and sign the document in case of a future dispute over the sale.
Step 6: File With the DMV
Usually, the buyer keeps the original bill of sale, and the seller gets a copy. You can create two identical copies and have the buyer and seller sign both.
Depending on state requirements, the buyer and seller may need to file the bill of sale with the DMV or other governmental agencies.
If only a trailer is sold, file the bill of sale with the DMV. If a boat and/or outboard motor is sold along with the trailer, another office may handle the transfer, such as a marine board or recreational agency.
You can learn how boats are registered in your state on DMV Boat Registration and Licenses.
Free Printable Trailer Bill of Sale Templates
The template you need depends on whether you’re selling just a trailer or along with a boat and/or motor. If you want to fill it out, you can download our blank Trailer Bill of Sale in PDF or Word format.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register a trailer with a bill of sale. But in some states, the title is also required. You should check your state requirements to determine which documents you need to register your trailer. Yes, you can sell a trailer with just a bill of sale, and that document can be used as proof of ownership. However, certain states require a Certificate of Title for a legal transfer of ownership. Whether or not you need a notary to sign the trailer bill of sale depends on the laws of your state. In some states, a notary must notarize the seller’s signature on the document. In other states, notarization is optional. You should check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine if notarization is required in your state. When describing the trailer in the Bill of Sale, you should include as much detail as possible to identify the trailer accurately. This can include the make, model, year, color, size, and other distinguishing features. If applicable, include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number. The VIN is typically on the trailer tongue or frame. It can also be found on the registration and title documents. If you have difficulty locating the VIN, contact the manufacturer or a local DMV office for assistance.Can I register a trailer with a bill of sale?
Can I sell a trailer with just a bill of sale?
Do I need a notary to sign the trailer bill of sale?
What information should I include in the trailer’s description?
Where can I find a trailer VIN?