Free Download · Legal Template · Updated 2026
Free Bill of Sale Template
📄 2 Templates
⬇ Word (.docx)
🚗 Vehicle Version
📦 General Property
🇺🇸 All US States
Download Your Free Bill of Sale Template
Two versions — a general bill of sale for any property (furniture, electronics, equipment, boats, etc.) and a vehicle-specific bill of sale with VIN, odometer disclosure, and title fields required by most US states.
General Bill of Sale
Covers any personal property — furniture, electronics, tools, equipment, jewelry, boats, and more. Includes AS-IS clause, warranty options, payment breakdown, and witness signature block.
Download .docx
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Motor vehicle specific — includes Year/Make/Model/VIN, odometer disclosure (federally required), license plate, title number, and state registration. Required for DMV transfers in most states.
Download .docx
A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of property from a seller to a buyer. Think of it as a receipt for a private sale — it protects both parties by documenting what was sold, for how much, and when. For vehicle sales, it’s often required by state DMVs to register the vehicle in the buyer’s name.
Keep both copies: Both the buyer and seller should sign two copies and keep one each. The buyer will often need the bill of sale to transfer a vehicle title or register the property. The seller keeps it as proof the property has changed hands.
What Every Bill of Sale Should Include
| Field | What to Include | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sale Date | The exact date the transaction takes place | Required |
| Seller Information | Full legal name, address, phone, and optionally a government ID number | Required |
| Buyer Information | Full legal name, address, phone, and optionally a government ID number | Required |
| Property Description | Detailed description — make, model, color, condition, serial number, and any accessories included | Required |
| Purchase Price | Exact dollar amount paid — written clearly in figures | Required |
| Payment Method | Cash, check, bank transfer, payment plan — specify which | Required |
| AS-IS Clause or Warranty | Declare whether sold as-is (no guarantees) or with specific warranties | Required |
| Title / Ownership Statement | Seller confirms they legally own the property and it’s free of liens | Required |
| Seller Signature | Signed and dated by the seller | Required |
| Buyer Signature | Signed and dated by the buyer — confirms acceptance | Recommended |
| Witness Signature | A neutral third party witnessing the transaction | Optional |
| VIN (vehicles only) | 17-character Vehicle Identification Number — required for vehicle transfers | Vehicles only |
| Odometer Reading (vehicles only) | Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old | Vehicles only |
Template Previews
Template 1 — General Bill of Sale
Best for: furniture, electronics, tools, equipment, firearms, boats, trailers, jewelry, or any personal property that isn’t a registered motor vehicle.
General Property · AS-IS Option · Witness Block
⬇ Download .docx
BILL OF SALE
General Property Bill of Sale — Legal Transfer of Ownership
Date: [Sale Date]
Seller
[Seller Full Legal Name]
[Address, Phone, Email]
[Address, Phone, Email]
Buyer
[Buyer Full Legal Name]
[Address, Phone, Email]
[Address, Phone, Email]
Property Description
[Name of item]
[Serial number / N/A]
[Make, model, color, condition, accessories included]
Purchase Price
$0,000.00
☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Transfer
Condition: ☐ As-Is ☐ Good ☐ Fair
Condition: ☐ As-Is ☐ Good ☐ Fair
AS-IS SALE: Sold in current condition with no warranties expressed or implied.
Seller Signature & Date
Buyer Signature & Date
🟡 Yellow = replace with your details⬇ Download Full Template
Template 2 — Vehicle Bill of Sale
Best for: cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and any motorized vehicle being sold privately. Most state DMVs require a bill of sale to transfer the title into the buyer’s name.
Motor Vehicle · VIN · Odometer Disclosure
⬇ Download .docx
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Motor Vehicle — Legal Transfer of Ownership
[Full Legal Name]
[Full Legal Name]
Vehicle Information
Year
[Year]Make
[Make]Model
[Model]Color
[Color][Vehicle Identification Number]
[_______ miles]
[Title #]
Sale Price
$0,000.00
Odometer Disclosure:
I certify the odometer reads [X] miles and reflects actual mileage.
I certify the odometer reads [X] miles and reflects actual mileage.
Seller Signature & Date
Buyer Signature & Date
🟡 Yellow = replace with your details⬇ Download Full Template
US State Requirements for Bills of Sale
Some states require a notarized bill of sale. Vehicle bill of sale requirements vary significantly — check your state’s DMV before completing the sale.
| State | Vehicle Bill of Sale | Notarization Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Required for DMV transfer | No | Use DMV form REG 135 or acceptable equivalent |
| Texas | Required — Form 130-U preferred | No | Sales tax collected at DMV based on stated sale price |
| Florida | Required for title transfer | No | Must include odometer disclosure |
| New York | Required — MV-912 or equivalent | No | Sales tax due at DMV on purchase price |
| Louisiana | Required | Yes — must be notarized | One of few states requiring notarization |
| Montana | Required | Yes — must be notarized | Notarization required for private vehicle sales |
| Ohio | Required for title transfer | No | Use BMV 3771 or acceptable equivalent |
| Georgia | Required | No | Must include VIN, odometer, and sale price |
| Illinois | Required | No | Bill of sale needed alongside title transfer |
| Washington | Required | No | Must include odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old |
📋 Federal Odometer Disclosure Law
Under the Federal Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. § 32705), sellers of vehicles under 10 years old must disclose the odometer reading in writing and certify whether it reflects actual mileage. Our vehicle bill of sale template includes this legally required disclosure. Falsifying odometer readings is a federal crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Bill of Sale Do’s and Don’ts
✓ Always Do This
- Complete the bill of sale before money changes hands
- Both buyer and seller sign and date
- Make two copies — one for each party
- Include the serial number or VIN for identification
- Clearly state the exact purchase price
- Include the AS-IS clause for private sales
- Check your state’s specific requirements before completing
✗ Never Do This
- List a lower price than actually paid (to reduce sales tax — it’s fraud)
- Skip the property description — be specific
- Sell a vehicle with a lien without disclosing it
- Forget to include the sale date
- Use a handshake alone for high-value items
- Sign before inspecting the property
- Fail to include VIN for vehicle sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale legally binding?
Yes — a signed bill of sale is a legally binding document in all US states. It serves as proof of the transfer of ownership and the agreed-upon terms of the sale. For vehicles, it’s required to complete the title transfer at the DMV. For other property, it protects both parties in any future dispute about the sale.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no — a signed bill of sale does not need to be notarized to be legally valid. However, Louisiana and Montana require notarized bills of sale for vehicle transfers. Even where not required, notarization adds an extra layer of authenticity and can be useful for high-value transactions.
What’s the difference between a bill of sale and a title?
A title is the official government document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle — issued by the state DMV. A bill of sale is a private document recording the terms of the sale transaction. For vehicle transfers, you need both — the seller signs over the title, and the bill of sale documents the sale price and date. The buyer then takes both to the DMV to register the vehicle in their name.
Can I sell a vehicle without a title using a bill of sale?
It depends on the state and the vehicle’s age. Some states allow title-exempt transfers for older vehicles (typically 15–25+ years old, depending on state). A bill of sale alone is not sufficient to transfer legal ownership in most cases — the title is the controlling document. If the seller doesn’t have the title, contact your state DMV about a bonded title or other options before completing the purchase.
Do I need a bill of sale for a private sale of personal property?
It’s not legally required for most personal property (furniture, electronics, etc.), but it’s strongly recommended for any item over a few hundred dollars. A bill of sale protects the seller from future claims that the item was stolen or that different terms were agreed to, and protects the buyer if the item turns out to have a lien or the seller disputes the sale after the fact.
How long should I keep a bill of sale?
Keep vehicle bills of sale permanently — they may be needed for tax purposes or if the buyer or seller is ever in a dispute. For other personal property, keep for at least 3 years. If the item is a capital asset (investment, collectible, equipment), keep until the item is sold and then for 7 years after for tax records.