Bill of Sale Template

Key Elements of a Bill of Sale

• Lists the key parties and terms such as the buyer, seller, purchase price, payment terms, and transfer date.
• Identifies the item through its condition, serial number, VIN, or other distinguishing information.
• Gives the buyer evidence of the purchase and the seller a record of the transfer.
• States whether the seller provides a warranty or the buyer accepts the property “as is.”
• May support title or registration applications for vehicles, boats, and other property, depending on state requirements.

Bill of Sale 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

Types of Bill of Sale

The most used bills of sale include car, motorcycle, trailer, firearm, horse, boat, and livestock, and what’s included or required in each document depends on the state.

Other widely used forms cover the sales of ATVs, bicycles, equipment, furniture, and additional types of personal property.

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale offers more than a typical receipt, as it gives comprehensive details regarding the item, payment terms, guarantees, encumbrances, and the obligations of each involved party.

Typically, a basic bill of sale includes the buyer and seller's particulars, a description of the property, and the transaction price along with the date of sale. A blank bill of sale is finalized upon the input of necessary information and the signatures of the designated parties.

Bills of sale are generally used for personal property rather than real estate. Titled assets may also require a properly assigned title and additional state forms.

What Is the Purpose of a Bill of Sale?

The main reason you would use a bill of sale form is to create a reliable record of a private property transaction.

For the seller, it can help establish when the property left their possession and which terms the buyer accepted.

For the buyer, it documents the purchase price, property description, and any warranties provided.

A basic bill of sale can also help:

• Confirm that payment was made or arranged.
• Record whether the property was sold “as is.”
• Disclose known liens, defects, or claims.
• Support certain tax, title, or registration filings.
• Resolve disagreements about the original terms.

What happens if you do not use a bill of sale?

If you do not use a signed bill of sale for your transaction, it may be harder to prove the purchase price, payment method, transfer date, or the property's condition in case of any warranty disputes or to prove you do or do not own the item.

How to Write a Bill of Sale

To create a simple bill of sale, follow the steps below and make sure to meet the requirements of your state.

1. 1

   Use a bill of sale template

   Use Lumr’s bill of sale template that matches the property and the state where the transaction occurs.

2. 2

   Identify each party

   Include every party’s full legal name, address, and contact information. If the property has multiple owners or buyers, include everyone involved in the transaction.

3. 3

   Describe the property being sold/purchased

   Provide enough information to clearly identify the item. Depending on the property, this may include its make, model, year, color, VIN, serial number, mileage, breed, or condition.

4. 4

   Record the price and payment terms

   State the purchase price and payment method, explaining whether payment will be made in full, through installments, or as part of a trade, and include any deposit, tax, or delivery terms.

5. 5

   Add disclosures and warranties

   Disclose known liens, claims, or defects. State whether you are providing a warranty or selling the property “as is,” meaning the buyer accepts its current condition.

6. 6

   Sign and keep copies

   Check whether witnesses or notarization are required. Have the appropriate parties sign and date the document, and provide a printable bill of sale copy to each. Complete any separate title, registration, or seller-notification requirements.