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A generic Bill of Sale form provides protection to both the buyer and seller in the event of any future legal disputes surrounding the condition or ownership of the item. In many states, a completed vehicle bill of sale is mandatory for registering a motor vehicle with the DMV. Often recommended to use a bill of sale for transactions involving items valued at $500 or more.
Requirements by law – Bill of sale documents must be signed by both parties and notarized. Check local jurisdiction.
Type of Sale
Bill of Sale Templates By State
Generic Bill of Sale Questions and Answers
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 to Include in a Bill-of-Sale Form?
Include the following:
- The buyer’s name + address
- The seller’s name + address
- The vehicle/car description (make, model, year, + body style)
- The car’s vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The sale date
- Transaction details (purchase: price, trade, and/or gift)
- The warranty information (sold “as-is”)
- The Odometer Disclosure
- 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.
Law Alert – In certain states bill of sale forms require a notary and/or witness when signing the form. Check local laws.
How to write a Simple Bill of Sale?
How to Fill out a Bill of Sale
Heading
Ensure clarity by starting with a descriptive title, such as “Bill of Sale,” and including the date of the document.
The Parties
Please provide the complete legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer.
Description of Items
Detailed information about the item sold must include its make, model, year, color, serial number, and VIN.
Transaction Information
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.
Taxes
All taxes for both the buyer and the seller.
Buyer and Seller Conditions/As-Is Clause
It is important to clearly indicate whether the item is sold “as-is” without any warranties or
Authorization
Both Buyer and Seller sign their signatures including the printed names.
Odometer Disclosure (vehicles)
Include the current odometer reading. Some jurisdictions require this information for vehicles.
Date of Delivery
Please indicate the expected delivery date for the item to be provided to the purchaser.
Signatures
Include a signature and date section.Witnesses or notary public may be required in some jurisdictions.
Additional Clauses
Additional clauses based on the transaction type, such as conditions precedent to the sale.
Notary (if required)
If notarization is required in your jurisdiction, leave space for the notary’s signature and seal.
Legal Jurisdiction
Please include a statement in the agreement specifying the legal jurisdiction governing it.
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 unique 17-character code, consisting of letters and numbers, that serves as its “serial number.” The VIN must be included in a vehicle bill of sale to be considered valid.
- Certificate of Title – A certificate of title is an official document provided by a government agency that serves as evidence 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 Make A Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legally binding document that outlines the transfer of ownership of an item from a seller to a buyer. The bill of sale car form is another use of the form.
- Varied Formats: Bills of sale may have different formats, depending on the jurisdiction and type of transaction. Some states or regions require specific information to be included.
- Not Always Required: In some jurisdictions, a bill of sale may not be mandatory for transferring personal property, but having one can still serve as a useful record of the transaction.
- Used for Various Transactions: Bills of sale are frequently used to document the transfer of ownership for various valuable items including vehicles, boats, furniture, and electronics.
- No Legal Requirement for Notarization: Notarization is not universally mandatory for bills of sale, but it can add an extra layer of authentication and may be required for certain transactions.
- Protects Both Parties: A well-crafted bill of sale is crucial for protecting both the buyer and seller.
- Different from a Title: A bill of sale is different from a title, especially in vehicle transactions. A bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership, whereas a title is a legal document issued by the government that officially identifies the owner of the vehicle.
- Online Templates: There are numerous online templates available for creating bills of sale, but it’s essential to ensure that the chosen template complies with local laws and regulations to be legally valid.
- No Standardized Form: No standardized, universal format exists for a bill of sale. The content and structure may vary, but it typically includes information about the buyer and seller, a description of the item, the sale price, and any relevant conditions.
- Can Serve as Proof of Purchase: A bill of sale serves as proof of purchase and can be helpful to for warranty, registration, and tax purposes.
- Limited Legal Protections: While a bill of sale can offer legal protection, it may not be sufficient to resolve all disputes. For more valuable transactions or complex sales, it’s advisable to consult with legal professionals.
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.
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.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
By State
FAQs
- Question: Do I need a Bill of Sale to give property as a gift? Answer: 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.
- Question: Where can I find a Bill of Sale for the state of Texas? Answer: Download our free simple Bill of Sale above.
- Question: Where can I find a Printable Bill of Sale? Answer: Our simple free blank Bill of Sale form PDF above is printable.
- Question: Where can I get a Bill of Sale? Answer: At the local DMV or download our templates above.
Bill of Sale Form Sample