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Free Bill of Sale Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

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A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It serves as a written receipt and proof of purchase, documenting the identities of both parties, a description of the item sold, the sale price, payment method, and the date of transfer.

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Informational use only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for important legal matters.

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Select the state where this transaction takes place

The state where the transaction takes place — this determines title transfer and DMV requirements

The person or entity selling the item

For vehicles, this must match the name on the current title exactly

The person or entity purchasing the item

Detailed description of the property being sold

Select the category that best describes the item. Vehicle and boat sales have additional fields and legal requirements.

Provide a detailed description of the item, including distinguishing features, color, size, accessories, and any known defects

Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for motor vehicles, Hull Identification Number (HIN) for boats, or serial number for other items

Price, payment method, and date of sale

$

The total agreed-upon purchase price. For gifts, enter 0.00 and note 'gift' in the description.

MM/DD/YYYY

Warranty disclaimer, odometer disclosure, and other disclosures

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It serves as a written receipt and proof of purchase, documenting the identities of both parties, a description of the item sold, the sale price, payment method, and the date of transfer. Bills of sale are commonly used for the sale of vehicles, boats, trailers, livestock, machinery, electronics, furniture, and other personal property.

When Do You Need It?

You should create a bill of sale whenever you buy or sell personal property in a private transaction (i.e., not through a retail store). Common situations include selling or buying a used car, truck, or motorcycle; selling a boat or recreational vehicle; selling electronics, furniture, or appliances; selling farm equipment or livestock; and gifting a vehicle to a family member (where a bill of sale with a $0 or nominal price may be required for title transfer). Many state DMVs require a bill of sale to process a vehicle title transfer, and lenders may require one as part of a financing arrangement.

What's Included in This Template

  • Seller identification and contact information
  • Buyer identification and contact information
  • Detailed item description (type, condition, serial number)
  • Vehicle-specific fields (year, make, model, VIN)
  • Sale price and payment method
  • Warranty disclaimer / as-is clause
  • Odometer disclosure statement (vehicles)
  • Date of sale and transfer of ownership declaration
  • Seller and buyer signature blocks

How to Fill It Out

1
Enter Seller & Buyer Information — Provide the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Use names exactly as they appear on official identification — for vehicles, the seller's name must match the name on the current title.
2
Describe the Item Being Sold — Select the type of item (vehicle, boat, general property, etc.) and provide a detailed description including condition, serial number or VIN, and — for vehicles and boats — the year, make, and model. The more specific the description, the stronger the document.
3
Enter Sale Terms & Disclosures — Enter the agreed-upon sale price and payment method. If selling a vehicle, consider enabling the odometer disclosure (required by federal law for most motor vehicles under 16,000 lbs). Toggle the warranty disclaimer to sell the item 'as-is' with no implied warranties.
4
Review, Sign & Exchange — Both the seller and buyer should review the completed bill of sale, then print and sign it. Each party should keep a signed copy. For vehicles, bring the bill of sale to the DMV along with the signed title to complete the transfer. Some states also require notarization of the bill of sale for vehicle transfers.

Legal Requirements & Notes

This bill of sale template is drafted with reference to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2 (governing sales of goods) and federal odometer disclosure law (49 U.S.C. §§ 32701-32711). Key legal considerations:

  • UCC Article 2 — Sale of Goods: The UCC, adopted in some form by all 50 states, governs the sale of goods (movable personal property). Under UCC § 2-401, title to goods passes from seller to buyer when the parties intend it to pass, which in a bill of sale transaction is typically upon execution and payment. UCC § 2-316 permits disclaimer of implied warranties (including merchantability and fitness) if the disclaimer is conspicuous and uses specific language such as 'as-is.'
  • State Title Transfer Requirements: For motor vehicles, most states require a signed title (certificate of ownership) AND a bill of sale to complete a title transfer at the DMV. Some states (e.g., New Hampshire, Vermont for older vehicles) may accept a bill of sale alone as proof of ownership. Check your state's DMV requirements — failure to properly transfer title can result in the seller remaining liable for the vehicle.
  • 'As-Is' Sales Doctrine: An 'as-is' clause is a warranty disclaimer that shifts the risk of defects from the seller to the buyer. Under UCC § 2-316(3)(a), expressions like 'as is' or 'with all faults' exclude all implied warranties. However, an 'as-is' clause does not protect against fraud — if the seller knowingly conceals a material defect, the buyer may still have a claim for fraudulent misrepresentation.
  • Federal Odometer Disclosure Law (49 U.S.C. § 32705): Federal law requires the seller of most motor vehicles under 16,000 lbs gross vehicle weight to provide a written odometer disclosure statement at the time of sale. Odometer fraud (tampering with or misrepresenting the mileage) is a federal offense carrying civil penalties of up to $100,000+ per violation and potential criminal prosecution. Certain vehicles are exempt, including those over 16,000 lbs GVW, those 20+ model years old, and non-titled vehicles.
  • DMV Requirements for Vehicle Sales: In addition to a bill of sale and signed title, many states require emissions testing, safety inspections, sales tax payment, and specific DMV forms to complete a vehicle transfer. Some states require the buyer to transfer title within a specified number of days (often 10-30 days). Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties.
  • This template provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal advice. Bill of sale and title transfer requirements vary by state and property type. Consult your state's DMV for vehicle-specific requirements and a licensed attorney for high-value transactions.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    In most states, yes — a bill of sale is required (or at least strongly recommended) as part of the vehicle title transfer process. Even in states where it is not strictly required, a bill of sale serves as important proof of the transaction for both the buyer and seller. It documents the sale price (which determines sales tax), the date of transfer (which determines liability), and the identities of both parties. Always check your state's DMV website for specific requirements, as some states have their own mandatory bill of sale forms.

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