Bill of Sale Template

A bill of sale is a written record of a transaction in which personal property is transferred from a seller to a buyer. It identifies the parties, property, price, sale date, and applicable warranties.

Lumr’s template can help you create a bill of sale form for different types of transactions.

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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

  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Texas
  • Utah

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

FAQ

Bill of Sale FAQs

Go over the following answers to commonly asked questions regarding bills of sale below to help you complete your document.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Having your document notarized will depend on the state and the property involved. However, even if it’s not necessary in your state, having your bill of sale form notarized can help add verification of each party’s identity and add more legitimacy to the transaction.

Who signs a bill of sale?

Both parties (the seller and buyer) should sign the bill of sale so the document demonstrates everyone’s agreement to the transaction. However, regarding requirements, some states or property types may require only the seller’s signature or may also require witnesses or notarization.

Can you get a title with a bill of sale?

A state DMV may accept a bill of sale as supporting evidence in a bonded or replacement-title process. However, it may also require a title application, VIN inspection, surety bond, court order, or other ownership documents.

Do I need a bill of sale for my car?

You may need one because vehicle-sale requirements vary by state. Even when a bill of sale is optional, it gives you a written record of the vehicle’s price, VIN, mileage, condition, warranties, and date of transfer.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title?

It’s possible that you will need to provide a bill of sale to the DMV even if you have the title. A signed title documents ownership transfer for titled property, while a bill of sale records the price, payment terms, condition, and warranties. Your state may also require a separate bill of sale for registration or tax purposes.

Is a bill of sale legally binding?

A bill of sale can be legally binding when it contains the essential transaction terms, the parties agree to those terms, and all required signatures are provided. Keep in mind that enforceability also depends on state law and whether the sale and its provisions are lawful.

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