When do I need a bill of sale?

Use one any time you buy or sell personal property privately, especially for vehicles, boats, trailers, firearms, livestock, or expensive equipment. Many states require a bill of sale to register a used vehicle or to prove sales tax was paid.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization isn't required in every state, but is recommended for high-value items like vehicles, boats, or firearms. Some states require notarization for title transfer. Check your state DMV or county recorder requirements.

What should a bill of sale include?

It should identify the buyer and seller, describe the item being sold (with VIN, serial number, or other identifiers), state the purchase price and payment method, note any warranty or 'as-is' terms, and include the date and signatures of both parties.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. A title is the official government-issued document proving legal ownership. A bill of sale is a private record of the transaction. For titled property like vehicles, you'll need both the bill of sale and the signed title to complete the transfer.

Bill of Sale Builder

Professional ownership transfer documents in minutes

Generate clean, print-ready bill of sale documents for vehicles, equipment, electronics, boats, and personal property. Save reusable seller profiles, customize warranty terms, and export to PDF or DOCX.

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11 asset categories As-is, limited & full warranty Reusable seller profiles PDF, DOCX & print

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What are you selling?

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Your bills of sale, seller profiles, and export history — saved privately in this browser.

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Seller profiles

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General compliance guidance

Some states require notarization for vehicle, boat, or trailer transfers.
Vehicle transfers may require title transfer and DMV filing in the buyer's state.
Keep a signed copy for your records — both buyer and seller should retain one.
If the item is sold for less than fair market value, document the agreed price clearly.
Odometer disclosure may be required for vehicles under a certain age in your state.

Learn the basics

What is a bill of sale?
Plain-English overview of what the document does and when to use one.
Selling a vehicle privately
Title, odometer, and DMV essentials for private sellers.
Selling equipment or tools
How to document condition, serial numbers, and as-is terms.
Recordkeeping best practices
What to save, where to store it, and how long to keep copies.

Frequently asked questions

A bill of sale is a legal document that transfers ownership of personal property — like a vehicle, boat, equipment, or furniture — from seller to buyer. It records the transaction details and serves as proof of the sale for both parties and government agencies.

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