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Last Update May 13th, 2023

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- What is a Trailer Bill of Sale
- When and Why Use a Bill of Sale for an RV or Trailer
- How to Sell a Trailer
- How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Trailer
- Other Types of Bills of Sale
- Sample Bill of Sale for Trailer
- Trailer Bill of Sale: What You Should Know
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What is a Trailer Bill of Sale
A trailer bill of sale is a legal document that details the transfer of ownership or sale of a trailer. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires this document for a trailer to be properly registered under the law.
The bill of sale must be signed by the seller of the trailer to ensure it is legally valid and accepted. It includes important information about both parties, the purchase of the trailer, the trailer description, payment methods, warranty details, and other necessary requirements.
These types of bills of sale are also helpful in case a dispute occurs over the ownership of the trailer. By including the terms of the agreement within the document, it can help avoid ambiguities for both parties after the transaction has taken place.
Types of Trailers for a Bill of Sale
Trailers can differ widely depending on the purpose they are intended to be used for. There are many different types to choose from, with the most common being the ones listed below:
Hauling trailers are typically used for boats, kayaks, canoes, and farm animals such as horses or other livestock.
Vehicle carrying trailers include ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), enclosed or open trailers, and single/multi-vehicle trailers, and they are designed to transport other vehicles.
Flatbed trailers are open deck, and they’re mainly used for transporting industrial items and commodities.
Dry-van trailers can either be refrigerated or non-refrigerated, they are a type of semi-trailers that are fully enclosed in order to protect shipments.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are motor vehicles or trailers that have amenities that you’d usually find in a residential home. They are often used as vacation accommodation.
When and Why Use a Bill of Sale for an RV or Trailer
A bill of sale is a helpful document when transferring ownership or selling a trailer. It is a type of receipt that can be used to demonstrate the valid transferal of the vehicle. This can be useful in the case that the new owner commits traffic violations, and you need to prove that you are no longer in possession of the trailer.
Furthermore, if enough information and details are included in the document, you can use the bill of sale as a contract that shows the proof of purchase and a record of the agreement in writing. The document also needs to be used to register the sale with the DMV.
How to Sell a Trailer
Selling a trailer can be a simple and uncomplicated process if done correctly. However, trailer sales are regulated in most states, so a number of important procedures must be followed to ensure the transaction is legally valid. This is another reason why it’s important to have a trailer bill of sale to show that the sale has been completed correctly.
Carry out the following steps to properly carry out the sale of a trailer:
Describe the type of trailer being sold
Set the trailer value and price
Prepare and list the trailer for sale
Manage the sale by meeting potential buyers
Negotiate the price
Complete the trailer bill of sale
Register the trailer at the DMV office
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Trailer
Writing a trailer bill of sale is a relatively straightforward process that can be done without paying for an attorney. However, it is important the document includes all the necessary information and meets state regulations in order for it to be legally valid.
Using our online legal document creation tools will make it much easier to ensure your bill of sale satisfies all the essential requirements. This way you can customize your form with the help of guided instructions, expert guidance, and verified legal templates.
To properly create a trailer bill of sale, it is necessary that it includes the information listed below:
Name and address of the buyer
Name and address of the seller
Trailer description including the year, make, and model
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the trailer
Price agreed between the buyer and seller
Document creation date
Date the sale becomes effective
Any warranties that will be made on the trailer
Notary acknowledgment
Other Types of Bills of Sale
Sample Bill of Sale for Trailer
When creating a trailer bill of sale, it is important to review what a legally valid example looks like when completed. Our sample bill of sale below shows how the final document should be structured, what kind of language should be used, and what essential details must be included.

Trailer Bill of Sale: What You Should Know
Trailer bills of sale are relatively simple legal documents, but they need to be understood correctly to avoid any mistakes or misunderstandings. If you still have any doubts or questions about their main uses or key details, read the answers to our FAQs below for more information.
What Is the VIN?
A trailer vehicle identification number (VIN), is the unique identifier of the trailer. This number works in the same way as any vehicle VIN number, detailing its unique features, specifications, and manufacturer.
VIN numbers are composed of 17 characters (including both digits and capital letters) and they can be used to track vehicle registrations, insurance coverage, thefts, recalls and warranty claims.
Why Is a Trailer Bill of Sale Important?
A trailer bill of sale is necessary in many states to complete the transfer of ownership between the buyer and seller. The document records and registers the sale with the DMV and can be used as proof of ownership.
If you’re the seller of the trailer, the bill of sale will also be helpful in protecting yourself in the event of any future disputes. For example, if the new owner commits traffic violations whilst in possession of the trailer, you can demonstrate that you are no longer the legal owner of the trailer to avoid any legal consequences.
How Legally Binding Is a Trailer Bill of Sale?
Essentially, a bill of sale agreement is a contract for the purchase and sale of a trailer. If the document follows the guidelines required in the state where the transfer of ownership takes place, it will be legally binding for both the buyer and seller.
The trailer bill of sale can be used as evidence of the sale under the law and for official purchases such as registering the trailer. However, the document needs enough detail in order to ensure the transaction is enforceable.