What Is a Bill of Sale in Missouri?
A Missouri bill of sale is a written record of a transaction between two parties that describes the property being sold and records the sale date and price.
For vehicles, it supports your transaction records but does not replace the assigned title or other required paperwork. Missouri’s Department of Revenue (DOR) handles vehicle titling and registration.
Missouri Bill of Sale Requirements
The details you need depend on the property and how you will use the document. A complete bill of sale should include:
- Buyer’s and seller’s full legal names and addresses
- Property description, including its condition
- VIN, HIN, serial number, or another identifier, when applicable
- Sale date, purchase price, and payment method
- Warranties, disclosures, or “as is” terms
- Both parties’ signatures and signing dates
Notarization is generally unnecessary. However, the DOR requires it for bills of sale proving ownership of major rebuilt-vehicle components or when specifically requested.
Types of Missouri Bills of Sale
When selling property in Missouri, it's important to understand that you can create a specific type of bill of sale in Missouri for your motor vehicle, firearm, trailer, or other item.
- General: Basic types of furniture, electronics, and other personal property.
- Car: Cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motor vehicles.
- Boat: Motorboats, personal watercraft, and included equipment.
- Trailer: Utility, cargo, boat, and more.
- Firearm: Handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
- Livestock: Cattle, sheep, goats, and other farm animals.
- Horse: Individual horses, including their identifying markings and registration details.
Missouri General Bill of Sale
A Missouri general bill of sale records the private sale of everyday personal property, which can be used for a single item or several items sold together. It should also list a description and price for each item being sold.
If you need a Missouri as-is bill of sale, it's important to clearly state that the buyer accepts the property in its current condition. List any warranties you agree to provide separately.
Under Missouri law, “as is” wording generally excludes implied warranties, but it does not automatically cancel specific promises made about the item.
Create Your Missouri General Bill of Sale
Missouri Car Bill of Sale
A Missouri vehicle bill of sale records a private transaction of a car, truck, van, SUV, or another motor vehicle that you plan to sell.
The buyer generally has 30 days to apply for the title and pay sales tax. You must provide the assigned title, applicable inspection certificates, and a lien release when needed.
Create Your Missouri Car Bill of Sale
Missouri Boat Bill of Sale
If you are looking to sell a boat in Missouri, you can use a Missouri boat bill of sale to document the sale of a boat, vessel, or personal watercraft. The document should include the HIN, year, make, length, sale price, sale date, and any equipment included.
In Missouri, most motorized boats and sailboats longer than 12 feet must be titled and registered, with some exceptions. Vessels powered only by paddles or oars are exempt regardless of length. Buyers have 60 days to title qualifying boats and outboard motors.
Create Your Missouri Boat Bill of Sale
Missouri Firearm Bill of Sale
A Missouri firearm bill of sale form creates a written record of a private gun sale. Include the firearm’s make, model, type, caliber or gauge, and serial number, together with the price, date, and both parties’ details.
You can also record the firearm’s condition, included accessories, and the buyer’s acknowledgment of legal eligibility.
A signed form does not make an otherwise prohibited transfer lawful. You must not transfer a firearm to someone you know or reasonably believe is prohibited from possessing it; interstate private sales generally require a licensed dealer.
Create Your Missouri Firearm Bill of Sale
Missouri Trailer Bill of Sale
A Missouri trailer bill of sale is used to document the sale of a utility, cargo, boat, livestock, or other trailer.
The document should include the VIN or identification number, year, make, model or body type, title number (if applicable), sale price and date of the transaction, as well as a description of its condition and any accessories included in the purchase.
Create Your Missouri Trailer Bill of Sale
How to Write a Bill of Sale in Missouri
Select the Missouri bill of sale template on Lumr that corresponds to the item you want to sell, then follow these steps to prepare a clear record of your transaction.
- 1
Add buyer and seller information
Enter both parties’ full legal names, current addresses, and contact information. Check the spelling before moving on to the property details.
- 2
Describe the property
List the make, model, condition, and identifying numbers. Include accessories or additional items so both parties know what the sale covers.
- 3
Record the transaction details
Enter the agreed price, payment method, and sale date. If payment or delivery will happen later, record those arrangements clearly.
- 4
Specify the sale terms
Describe any warranties, known defects, or payment conditions. If the property is sold “as is,” make that wording easy to find and understand.
- 5
Review, print, and sign
Check the completed document, then download your printable bill of sale for Missouri. Have both parties sign and date it, arrange notarization when required, and keep a signed copy each.
Missouri Seller Requirements: DOR Notice of Sale (Form 5049) and License Plate Removal
If you sell a motor vehicle, trailer, or ATV, you generally must report the sale within 30 days. Submit a completed Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or a Missouri bill of sale form.
Exceptions include sales to dealers or out-of-state buyers, along with certain other transfers. Boats and outboard motors are exempt from this reporting requirement, but a trailer sold with a boat may still need reporting.
When completing Notice of Sale or Transfer (Form 5049), include:
- Buyer’s name and full address
- Seller’s name and requested contact details
- Vehicle year, make, and VIN
- Sale date and net price after any trade-in
- Required buyer and seller signatures
Mail the completed form to the address printed on it and keep a copy. Reporting the sale does not transfer the title; you remain the last titled owner on record until the buyer completes the transfer.
Remove your license plates before the buyer takes possession, even if they have expired.
Use Lumr’s template to prepare your bill of sale, review the transaction details, and download a clear PDF for signing and recordkeeping.