Free Bill of Sale Template

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.

It is 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 template example below.

Depending on the type of property you’re trying to sell, your bill of sale could vary. When creating your template you may need to add special information in order 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.

Car and Motorcycle Bill of Sale

A car bill of sale needs a detailed description of the make, model, and registration of the car. You will also need to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the odometer reading on the document. 

In most states, sellers must complete a bill of sale by law and register it with a local DMV. Additionally, in a number of cases, it will also have to be notarized.

A motorcycle bill of sale has a lot in common with a car bill of sale. You will also need to provide the vehicle’s registration, VIN, and odometer reading.

Livestock Bill of Sale

A livestock bill of sale facilitates the transfer of animals, such as pigs, cows, sheep, or other farm animals. 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.

Horse Bill of Sale

A horse bill of sale has many similarities with a livestock bill of sale although with some significant differences. The biggest variations are that veterinarian checks are optional and the document also allows the owner to transfer or maintain breeding rights over the horse.

Firearm Bill of Sale

A firearm bill of sale records private gun sales, including details about seller, buyer, and weapon. Depending on your state, it may be legally required to ensure compliance, provide a transaction record, and finalize the sale. 

States vary in gun sale regulations, so always check local requirements for proper documentation.

Boat Bill of Sale

A boat bill of sale has many connections 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.

Trailer Bill of Sale

A trailer bill of sale, like one for cars or motorcycles, 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, requiring the bill of sale, title, sales tax, and registration application at the local DMV.

ATV Bill of Sale

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.

Dirt Bike Bill of Sale

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 some states, dirt bike registration is mandatory, and this document simplifies the process.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bill of Sale

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 and resolving disputes. It's often needed for RV registration, establishing ownership, insurance, and addressing legal matters.

Mobile Home Bill of Sale

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. 

Beyond a simple receipt, it's a binding agreement, providing legal protection to both buyer and seller. This document plays a crucial role in resolving potential disputes and is often required for legal purposes, including transferring ownership, obtaining insurance, and addressing future legal issues.

As-Is Bill of Sale

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 older or used items needing repairs privately, often resulting in a lower price than buying from a dealer.

Writing a bill of sale is a focused yet undemanding task to complete. When you start building your own document to sell an item of property, you will need to complete the following steps.

1. Choose the Type of Document You’re Creating

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.

2. Name Both the Buyer and Seller

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.

3. Describe the Item Being Sold in Detail

The type of bill of sale for your item of property will normally require a description of various features to be provided. When creating an online bill of sale using a pre-prepared template, these will be necessary requirements to completing your document.

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.

You may also be asked to provide its stable name as well as its registered name. 

4. Provide the Transactional Information

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.

5. Make Any Warranties or Guarantees

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 encumbrances against it.  

6. Explain How the Item Will be Transferred to the New Owner

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.

7. Sign the Bill of Sale

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, the following ones are the exception when it comes to selling vehicles:

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Montana

• Nebraska

• West Virginia

• Wyoming

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:

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: 

• Purchase Agreement Template

• Invoice Template