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How to Fill out a Generic Bill of Sale Form
Start by Adding a Title or Heading First
Start with a descriptive title, such as “Bill of Sale,” and including the date of the document.
Include Full Names and Current Mailing Addresses of the Transactions Buyer and Seller
Provide the complete legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer in the deal.
Detailed Description of the Item being Sold including VIN Number
Detailed information about the item sold must include its make, model, year, color, serial number, and VIN.
Sales Price and Payment Method
The sale price should be specified along with the currency. Payment method and any agreed-upon terms, such as installments or trade-ins, should also be mentioned.
Cleary State the Taxes for Both Parties
All taxes for both the buyer and the seller.
Buyer and Seller Conditions: As-Is Clauses Explained
Clearly write whether the item is sold “as-is” without any warranties.
Authorization
Both Buyer and Seller sign their signatures including the printed names.
Odometer Disclosure Form for Vehicles in the Transaction
Include the current odometer reading by attaching a Odometer Disclosure Statement Form to the Bill of Sale Form. Some jurisdictions require this information for vehicles, check local jurisdiction.
Date of Delivery Contract
The expected delivery date for the item must be provided to the purchaser in writing.
Sign and Date Policies: Do I Need a Witness or Notary?
Include a signature and date section. Witnesses or notary public may be required in some jurisdictions.
Additional Clauses and Conditions Included in the Sale
Additional clauses based on the transaction type, such as conditions precedent to the sale.
Public Notary Requirements
If notarization is required in your jurisdiction, leave space for the notary’s signature and seal.
Comply with Legal Jurisdiction
Please include a statement in the agreement specifying the legal jurisdiction governing it.
What is a Bill-of-Sale Form?
Some locations require a bill of sale as proof of purchase when buying a motor vehicle. Depending on location, some people may utilize the official state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) vehicle bill of sale form.
Can I use a Bill of Sale for selling services?
Using a Service Agreement or an Independent Contractor Agreement is more appropriate when providing or hiring services. A Bill of Sale is only applicable when there is a transfer of ownership of physical goods.
Can you get a Title with a Bill of Sale?
The sale price, and a description of the sold item, it is not used for obtaining a title. Titles are managed by government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for vehicles.
Title Transfer Requirements?
When applying for a title transfer, submitting specific documents, paying fees, and meeting legal requirements are often necessary. These requirements may include passing vehicle inspections or providing evidence of insurance. Check federal gun laws for Firearm Bill of Sale forms.
Does a Bill of Sale Grant a Title?
Note that a bill of sale does not grant or provide a title. To obtain a title, you must follow the appropriate procedures established by your local authorities.
Who signs a Bill of Sale?
When selling a vehicle, both the buyer and seller may need to sign the Bill of Sale. However, only the seller may need to sign the Bill of Sale for certain types of items, such as furniture.
Does Location Matter?
Depending on your jurisdiction, the signing process may require buyer and seller involvement. Please refer to your local or state laws for more information.
What Laws to Include in a Bill-of-Sale Form?
The Federal Law, 49 U.S. Code § 32705, requires a bill of sale to include a verifying statement about the vehicle’s mileage. Vehicles greater than ten years old and over 16,000 pounds are exempt.
Key Terms and Definitions
- As-Is – The term “as-is” in a bill of sale indicates that the item is being purchased without any warranty.
- Buyer – The buyer, also known as the purchaser, is the individual who pays money to obtain an item.
- Gift – the act of giving an item to the recipient without expecting anything in return is known as a gift.
- Notary Public – a public officer who can witness the signatures of the buyer and seller.
- Payment – the money that is exchanged between a buyer and a seller as a part of a transaction. It is the amount that the buyer pays to purchase an item or receive a service from the seller.
- Seller – the seller refers to the individual or party offering an item for purchase in a transaction.
- Trade-In – A trade-in is a type of transaction where the buyer offers an item to the seller in exchange for another item of equal value or discounted price.
- The Pizza Addition – When buying and selling games, check links.
- Vehicle Identification Number – A vehicle’s 17-character code, consisting of letters and numbers, that is its “serial number.” The VIN must be included in a vehicle bill of sale to be valid.
- Certificate of Title – A certificate of title is an official document provided by a government agency that serves as proof of ownership for real estate or titled personal property.
A bill of sale serves as a legal document that validates the transaction. It does not have the power to transfer ownership of a vehicle. To complete the transfer of ownership, the seller must sign over the Certificate of Title to the buyer.
Why Create a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legally binding document that details the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. It can be particularly useful for transactions involving items like vehicles.
- Flexible Formats: Bills of sale can vary based on jurisdiction and transaction type. Certain states may require specific information to be included.
- Not Always Mandatory: While a bill of sale may not be required for transferring personal property in some areas, it remains a valuable record of the transaction.
- Applicable to Various Items: These documents are commonly used for transferring ownership of valuable items such as vehicles, boats, furniture, and electronics.
- Notarization Not Always Required: Although notarization isn’t universally necessary, it can enhance authenticity and may be required for certain types of transactions.
- Protection for Both Parties: A well-crafted bill of sale is essential for safeguarding the interests of both the buyer and seller.
- Distinction from a Title: A bill of sale documents the transfer of ownership, while a title is an official government document identifying the vehicle’s owner.
- Online Templates Available: Many online templates can assist in creating bills of sale, but ensure compliance with local laws to ensure validity.
- No Universal Format: There is no standardized format for a bill of sale; however, it typically includes information about the buyer and seller, item description, sale price, and any pertinent conditions.
- Proof of Purchase: A bill of sale serves as proof of purchase and can be beneficial for warranty claims, registration, and tax purposes.
- Limited Legal Protections: While helpful, a bill of sale may not resolve all disputes. For high-value or complex transactions, consulting a legal professional is recommended.
Does my Bill of Sale need notarization?
Most states do not require a notarized Bill of Sale, but some states do including:
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nebraska
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
By having a notary public witness the signatures, the authenticity of the document can be proven valid.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)/Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
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| OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN |
| TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV |
| WI | WY |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who signs a Bill of Sale?
When selling specific items, such as a vehicle, both the buyer and seller may need to sign the Bill of Sale in some states. However, only the seller may need to sign the Bill of Sale for other items like furniture.
Do I need a Bill of Sale to give property as a gift?
Friends and family members should use bill of sale forms even when selling to each other. If someone gifts items to another person, a Bill of Sale should also be used to include the transfer of ownership. If you intend to transfer the property as a gift, you can state that the sale price is low, such as $1.00 or $10.00.
Where can I find a Bill of Sale for the state of Texas?
Download our free simple Bill of Sale above.
Where can I find a Printable Bill of Sale?
Our simple free blank Bill of Sale form PDF above is printable.
Where can I get a Bill of Sale?
At the local DMV or download our templates above.
Blank Bill of Sale Sample
Preview PDF Example
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