Finance & Operations

Free Bill of Sale Template (PDF)

A bill of sale is a written record that a seller sold a specific item to a buyer for a stated price. It shows the date, what changed hands, the price, and that the seller had the right to sell it, and it's commonly used for cars, motorcycles, boats, trailers, equipment, and other valuable personal property.

When to use it

Use a bill of sale for any private sale of something valuable: a used car between individuals, a boat, a trailer, furniture, a computer, or business equipment. It protects the buyer (proof of ownership and price) and the seller (proof that the item was sold "as is" on a given date). For a vehicle, it supports the title transfer but doesn't replace it.

What's typically included

• Seller, buyer, and date of sale
• Detailed item description, including VIN and odometer for vehicles
• Price, payment method, and any balance due
• When ownership and risk of loss pass to the buyer
• Delivery details
• Seller's promise of clear title, free of liens
• "As is" condition with no other warranties
• Odometer disclosure and title transfer for vehicles
• Taxes and fees
• Signature blocks for seller and buyer

How to fill it in

• Describe the item precisely. For a vehicle, include the year, make, model, color, VIN, and odometer reading, and copy the VIN directly from the vehicle and the title.
• If there's a loan on the item, list it and say how it will be paid off before the transfer, or the buyer may not get clear title.
• For a vehicle, the bill of sale doesn't transfer ownership with the state: the seller still signs over the title, and the buyer registers it with the motor vehicle agency. Check whether your state requires its own bill of sale form or notarization.
• Both parties should keep a signed copy.

This template is a general starting point, not legal advice — customize it and have it reviewed for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

Usually not, but a few states require a notarized bill of sale for vehicles or boats, and some require their own form. Check your state's motor vehicle agency before relying on an e-signed bill of sale for a title transfer.

Is a bill of sale the same as a title?

No. A title is the state's official ownership record for a vehicle, and it has to be signed over and transferred through the motor vehicle agency. A bill of sale is the private record of the sale itself: the price, date, and terms. You usually need both.

What does "sold as is" mean?

It means the buyer accepts the item in its current condition, with any faults, and the seller doesn't promise anything about its quality or how long it will last. The seller still promises that they own it and can sell it. Some states limit "as is" sales by dealers, but private sales are generally allowed.

Can a bill of sale be signed electronically?

Yes. Under the U.S. ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an e-signed bill of sale is a valid record of the sale between the parties. The only caveat is a state that requires notarization or its own paper form for a vehicle transfer.