Where is the VIN on a trailer?

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on a trailer is typically stamped or affixed to the trailer tongue (the A-frame section that connects to the hitch), on the frame, or on a metal plate on the forward left side. The VIN should also appear on the trailer title and registration.

What if the trailer has a lien?

If there is an outstanding loan or lien on the trailer, the lienholder must release the lien before the seller can transfer a clean title. The seller should pay off the lien from the sale proceeds and obtain a lien release document. Never sell a trailer with an undisclosed lien.

Do I need to notarize a trailer bill of sale?

Most states do not require notarization of a trailer bill of sale, but some do (check your state DMV). Even where not required, notarization can prevent disputes about the authenticity of signatures.

Free Trailer Bill of Sale Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

Free — No Sign-Up RequiredPDF & WordUpdated April 9, 2026

A trailer bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale and transfer of ownership of a trailer from a seller to a buyer. Whether you are selling a utility trailer, cargo trailer, flatbed, horse trailer, boat trailer, or enclosed trailer, a bill of sale documents the identities of the parties, the trailer's description and VIN, the sale price, payment method, and the as-is condition of the trailer.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This template is attorney-reviewed and built to US legal standards. It does not substitute for professional legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.

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State*

Seller's Full Legal Name*

Seller's Address*

Seller's Phone Number

Buyer's Full Legal Name*

Buyer's Address*

Buyer's Phone Number

Trailer Year*

Trailer Make / Manufacturer*

Trailer Type*

Trailer VIN*

The VIN is stamped on the trailer tongue or frame and shown on the title

Trailer Length

Sale Price ($)*

Payment Method*

Date of Sale*

MM/DD/YYYY

Trailer is sold AS-IS — no warranties expressed or implied

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TRAILER BILL OF SALE

This Bill of Sale ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date of Sale], by and between:

SELLER:

[Seller's Full Legal Name]

[Seller's Address]

Phone: [Seller's Phone Number]

BUYER:

[Buyer's Full Legal Name]

[Buyer's Address]

Phone: [Buyer's Phone Number]

Governing State: [State]

1. DESCRIPTION OF TRAILER

The Seller hereby sells, transfers, and conveys to the Buyer the following trailer (the "Trailer"):

Year: [Trailer Year]

Make / Manufacturer: [Trailer Make / Manufacturer]

Type: [Trailer Type]

VIN: [Trailer VIN]

Length: [Trailer Length]

2. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

The Buyer agrees to pay the Seller the sum of $[Sale Price ($)] as the total purchase price for the Trailer.

Payment Method: [Payment Method].

The Seller acknowledges receipt of the full purchase price upon execution of this Bill of Sale.

3. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

Upon receipt of the full purchase price, the Seller transfers to the Buyer all right, title, and interest in and to the Trailer. The Seller warrants that they are the legal owner of the Trailer, that the Trailer is free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and that the Seller has full authority to sell the Trailer.

4. AS-IS DISCLAIMER

THE TRAILER IS SOLD "AS-IS" AND "WHERE-IS," WITH ALL FAULTS AND DEFECTS, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BUYER ACCEPTS THE TRAILER IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION AFTER HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT IT.

5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1 Governing Law. This Bill of Sale is governed by the laws of the State of [State].

5.2 Entire Agreement. This Bill of Sale constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements.

5.3 Counterparts. This Bill of Sale may be executed in counterparts, each of which constitutes an original.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Trailer Bill of Sale as of the date written above.

SELLER:

_________________________________________

[Seller's Full Legal Name]

Date: ______________________________________

BUYER:

_________________________________________

[Buyer's Full Legal Name]

Date: ______________________________________

Document Completeness0%

State*

Seller's Full Legal Name*

Seller's Address*

Seller's Phone Number

Buyer's Full Legal Name*

Buyer's Address*

Buyer's Phone Number

Trailer Year*

Trailer Make / Manufacturer*

Trailer Type*

Trailer VIN*

The VIN is stamped on the trailer tongue or frame and shown on the title

Trailer Length

Sale Price ($)*

Payment Method*

Date of Sale*

MM/DD/YYYY

Trailer is sold AS-IS — no warranties expressed or implied

What Is a Trailer Bill of Sale?

When Do You Need It?

You need a trailer bill of sale whenever you buy or sell a trailer in a private sale. The bill of sale is required by most state DMVs along with a signed title to transfer ownership. It establishes the sale price for sales tax purposes, documents the date of the transfer, and provides both parties with a legal record of the transaction.

What's Included in This Template

Seller and buyer full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers
Trailer year, make, type, and VIN
Trailer length and description
Sale price and payment method
Date of sale
As-is warranty disclaimer
Seller and buyer signature blocks

How to Fill It Out

Enter Seller and Buyer Information — Provide the full legal names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the seller and the buyer. The seller's name must match the name on the trailer title.

Describe the Trailer — Enter the trailer's year, make, type (utility, cargo, flatbed, etc.), VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and length. The VIN is required for title transfer in most states and is typically stamped on the trailer tongue or frame.

Enter Sale Terms — Enter the agreed sale price in dollars, the payment method (cash, check, or bank transfer), and the date of sale.

Review As-Is Clause — The as-is checkbox indicates the trailer is sold in its current condition with no warranties. Check this box for a standard private sale disclaimer.

Sign and Complete Transfer — Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale. Bring the signed bill of sale and the signed title to the state DMV to complete the title transfer and re-register the trailer.

Legal Requirements & Notes

Trailer bills of sale are subject to state DMV regulations and the Uniform Commercial Code. Key considerations:

Title transfer: Most states require a signed title plus a bill of sale to transfer trailer registration. Verify your state's specific requirements at the state DMV website.

VIN: The VIN is required on the bill of sale and must match the trailer title. The VIN is typically stamped on the trailer tongue or frame.

Sales tax: The buyer is generally responsible for paying sales tax on the sale price at the time of registration. Keep the bill of sale for this purpose.

Trailers without titles: Some older or lightweight trailers (under a certain weight threshold) may not have a title in some states. Check your state's DMV website for the weight threshold and title requirements.

Horse trailers and specialty trailers: For high-value specialty trailers, consider having a mechanic or professional inspect the trailer before the sale and document any known defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most states require both a signed title and a bill of sale to transfer trailer ownership at the DMV. The title shows who the legal owner is; the bill of sale documents the terms of the sale (price, date, condition). Some lightweight trailers may not require a title in some states — check your state's DMV requirements.

Free Trailer Bill of Sale Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

TRAILER BILL OF SALE

SELLER:

BUYER:

1. DESCRIPTION OF TRAILER

2. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

3. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

4. AS-IS DISCLAIMER

5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

SELLER:

BUYER:

What Is a Trailer Bill of Sale?

When Do You Need It?

What's Included in This Template

How to Fill It Out

Legal Requirements & Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

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