A bill of sale is a signed record that one person sold something to another, for a stated price, on a stated date. Pick what is being sold — a vehicle, a boat, a trailer or a general item — and the form asks for the identifying details that matter for it (VIN and odometer for a car, hull ID for a boat, serial number for equipment). It then prints a two-signature PDF with the sale terms, so the buyer and the seller each keep a copy.
For the buyer, it shows they paid for the item and when, which helps when registering a vehicle or boat, proving ownership of something without a title, or claiming on insurance. For the seller, it fixes the date and time the item stopped being theirs — useful if the buyer gets a parking ticket or has an accident before re-registering.
For a titled vehicle, the bill of sale does not replace the title. Ownership passes when the title is signed over; the bill of sale backs it up with the price and terms. Some state motor vehicle agencies want a bill of sale as well, some want it on their own form, and some want it notarized, so check your state's DMV site before the sale.
Copy the 17-character VIN from the vehicle itself (dashboard or door jamb) and check it matches the title. A mismatch is a reason to stop the sale.
Federal law requires an odometer disclosure when ownership of most vehicles transfers; the title usually has a section for it. Recording the reading on the bill of sale as well costs nothing and avoids disputes.
Many states let the seller file a notice of sale or release of liability after a private sale — California, for example, asks for it within five days. Note the time of sale on the bill of sale and file the notice promptly.
Private sales of used goods are normally made "as is": the buyer accepts the item's condition and the seller gives no warranty. The form includes that wording by default. If you do promise something — that the engine was rebuilt last year, that the trailer passed inspection — write it in the additional terms so both sides have the same record.
The FTC's Used Car Rule and its Buyers Guide window sticker apply to dealers, defined as anyone who sells more than five used vehicles in 12 months, not to someone selling their own car. Dealers have extra obligations a private bill of sale does not cover.
Record how the buyer paid. Cash is final; a personal check can bounce after the keys are gone, which is why many private sellers ask for cash or a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank. If part of the price is paid later, a payment plan agreement sets the schedule.
Both people sign and date both copies. A payment receipt is a simpler alternative for low-value items where you only need proof of payment; for a business selling goods regularly, an invoice is the better document.
Usually not, but some states require notarization for certain vehicle or boat sales. Check your state's DMV or boating agency before the sale; if notarization is needed, sign in front of the notary, not before.
No. For a titled vehicle or boat, the signed title transfers ownership. The bill of sale records the price, date and terms and supports the title transfer.
The buyer accepts the item in its current condition and the seller makes no promises about it. Anything the seller does promise should be written in the additional terms.
Year, make, model, body style, color, the 17-character VIN, the odometer reading, the price, the payment method, the date and time of sale, and both parties' names, addresses and signatures.
Yes. Choose General item and describe it in enough detail to identify it — brand, model, size, color and any distinguishing marks.
Selling from the driveway? Instant Quote Maker includes a bill of sale and a payment receipt, filled in and shared as a PDF from your phone.
These templates do the same job as an editable document you can fill in again and again.