Selling or buying a car, motorcycle, boat, trailer, horse, firearm, or piece of furniture? A properly written bill of sale protects both the buyer and the seller and proves that ownership has changed hands. On this page, you can download 34 free bill of sale templates and forms in editable Word format, including vehicle bill of sale, as-is bill of sale, boat bill of sale, equipment bill of sale, livestock and pet bill of sale, and general bill of sale samples.
Each bill of sale form comes with a preview and a free download button. Choose the right template, fill in the buyer, seller, item, and payment details, print two copies, and sign. Below the templates you will also learn what a bill of sale is, why it matters, what to include, and how to write one step by step.
What is a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a special legal document that is prepared to record the sale of an item. It is important to keep a bill of sale for record purposes and for proper documentation. It can also be considered as a receipt but a bill of sale is mostly prepared in case of sale or purchase of an item like:
- a vehicle (car, bike, RV, etc.)
- a house or any other property,
- equipment or tools,
- animals or pets,
- any other personal belongings.
A bill of sale is also known sometimes as a sale bill. An official bill of sale indicates that the buyer and seller are on the page at the time of sale or purchase of an item. A bill of sale is typically used in cases where some expensive or high-value items are sold just like the ones mentioned above. These are not used in case of sale or transfer of low-value items.
Bill of sale vs. receipt: A simple receipt only confirms that money was paid, while a bill of sale also describes the item in detail and records the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. For smaller everyday payments, an acknowledgment receipt template is usually enough, but for vehicles and other high-value items a bill of sale is the better choice.
All of the practical bill of sale templates below are in editable DOC format. Simply choose a suitable template, edit its contents for your situation, and use it for your private sale or purchase.
Free Bill of Sale Templates (Word Format)
Boat Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 26 KB
Simple Bill of Sale Template for a Boat
File Size: 15 KB
Seller’s Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 25 KB
Basic As-Is Bill of Sale Word Template
File Size: 18 KB
Horse Bill of Sale Sample DOC
File Size: 30 KB
Livestock Bill of Sale Template in MS WORD
File Size: 23 KB
Trailer Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 13 KB
Sample Aircraft Bill of Sale in WORD
File Size: 23 KB
Official Bill of Sale Template for Firearm
File Size: 31 KB
Jet Ski Bill of Sale Word Template
File Size: 23 KB
Formal Auto Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 27 KB
Simple Bill of Sale Format
File Size: 12 KB
Why is a Bill of Sale Important?
A bill of sale form is a legal agreement that includes the detail of a sale or purchase transaction. It is completely alright to sell or purchase any item without any written agreement. Such a deal is made only in good faith. However, the following are some points that will further depict the importance of a bill of sale:
- A bill of sale protects both the seller and the buyer from any disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
- A signed bill of sale is concrete evidence or proof that:
- the buyer has paid the agreed amount to the seller for the purchase of a product and,
- the seller has actually received the amount and transferred the right to use the product to the buyer.
- A bill of sale is important to use especially in the case of cash selling or purchasing of products.
- Bill of sale is also used to maintain taxation and accounting records.
- In many states and countries, a used vehicle cannot be registered or titled without a proper bill of sale.
- It helps the seller prove they are no longer responsible for the item, for example for parking tickets or accidents involving a sold car.
If the buyer is paying in installments, attach a payment plan schedule template to the bill of sale so that both parties clearly understand the due dates and amounts. For one-time cash deals, you can also give the buyer a cash payment receipt.
Free Bill of Sale Formats
Bill of Sale Format for a Motor Vehicle
File Size: 30 KB
Sample Furniture Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 28 KB
Standard Equipment Bill of Sale Format WORD
File Size: 20 KB
Motorcycle Bill of Sale Word Sample
File Size: 27 KB
Professional Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 14 KB
Typical Bill of Sale Template in MS WORD
File Size: 26 KB
Detailed Bill of Sale Format for Furniture
File Size: 20 KB
Recreation Vehicle (RV) Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 21 KB
Bill of Sale Template for the Sale of a Trailer
File Size: 25 KB
As-Is Bill of Sale Format in WORD
File Size: 25 KB
Vehicle Bill of Sale Basic Format
File Size: 11 KB
How to Write a Bill of Sale?
One can simply use the pre-formatted bill of sale templates available here on this page in case of need of a bill of sale. Simply click the download button, customize the template, and use it to generate your very own bill of sale.
However, if you want to know how to create a proper bill of sale from the start, it can also be done with ease. Simply make sure to keep in mind the useful tips that are given below. Also, add the mentioned below details or information in your bill of sale sample:
- Before drafting a bill of sale, the parties to the transaction i.e., both the buyer and the seller must be on the same page. It means that both of them agree to the terms and conditions of the transaction.
- At the start, mention the name of the item or product that is being sold, transferred, or purchased.
- Add the date on which a bill of sale is being prepared or presented.
- Mention the details of the seller and buyer. These details will include the names, addresses, contact details, and any other important details of both the seller and the buyer.
- List down all the terms and conditions of the transaction.
- Mention the amount in words and numbers that the buyer agrees to pay to the seller for the purchase of a product or item.
- Mention the mode of payment.
- Add a brief description of the product or item that this subject to sale or purchase.
- Add a declaration statement indicating that the buyer has paid and the seller has received the agreed amount.
- Write about the warranties, if any, of the product or item subject to sale.
- The seller and the buyer must sign the bill of sale to make it official.
- If both the parties agree to draft and sign a bill of sale in the presence of a witness, make sure to add the particulars (name, address, contact details, etc.) of the witness as well in the bill of sale document.
- Both parties must review the document carefully before finalizing it.
- After reviewing and finalizing the bill of sale sample, take its prints. Both parties must retain at least one copy of the document for record purposes. Moreover, if the bill of sale is drafted on a computer program like MS WORD, the party who drafted such a document must also save its soft copy as well. A copy of the same bill of sale file must also be sent to the other party by email or by any other means.
More Free Bill of Sale Templates
Official RV Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 27 KB
Pet’s Bill of Sale Example
File Size: 23 KB
Common Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 06 KB
Customizable Bill of Sale Form Template
File Size: 13 KB
Free Online Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle
File Size: 54 KB
Cat’s Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 23 KB
Handy Bill of Sale Sample
File Size: 13 KB
Fillable Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 08 KB
Company’s Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 18 KB
Typical Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 11 KB
General Bill of Sale Template
File Size: 25 KB
Common Types of Bill of Sale Forms
Vehicle (car or auto) bill of sale: The most common type. It records the make, model, year, color, VIN (vehicle identification number), odometer reading, sale price, and the buyer and seller details. Many motor vehicle departments ask for it when you register or title a used car.
Motorcycle, RV, and trailer bill of sale: Similar to a car bill of sale, but with fields for engine number, trailer or RV identification number, length, and any included accessories.
Boat and jet ski bill of sale: Includes the hull identification number (HIN), registration number, motor details, and trailer information if the trailer is sold with the boat.
As-is bill of sale: States that the item is sold in its current condition with no warranty. This protects the seller if the buyer later finds a defect.
Livestock, horse, and pet bill of sale: Records the animal’s breed, age, sex, color, markings, registration or microchip number, and health or vaccination details.
Equipment, furniture, and general bill of sale: Used for tools, machinery, furniture, electronics, and other personal property. A general bill of sale works for almost any item that does not need a special form.
Firearm and aircraft bill of sale: These items are regulated, so the form usually needs serial numbers and may require extra legal steps. Always check your local laws before selling them.
Tips for a Safe Private Sale
Verify identity: Check a government-issued photo ID of the other party and write the names exactly as they appear on it.
Inspect the item and paperwork: For vehicles, compare the VIN on the car with the title and the bill of sale. For animals, check the registration papers or microchip.
Use a safe payment method: A bank transfer or cashier’s check is safer than large amounts of cash. Write the payment method on the bill of sale. Businesses selling to customers can also issue a formal purchase invoice along with the bill of sale.
Consider notarization: Some states require a notarized bill of sale for vehicles, boats, or firearms. Even when it is not required, signing in front of a notary or witness adds extra legal weight.
Keep copies: Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy, and the seller should notify the local motor vehicle office that the vehicle has been sold where required.
Note: These templates are for general information only and are not legal advice. Bill of sale requirements differ by state and country, so check your local rules or consult a legal professional if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bill of Sale
What is a bill of sale used for?
A bill of sale is a written record that proves an item was sold and that ownership moved from the seller to the buyer. It is commonly used for cars, motorcycles, boats, trailers, animals, equipment, and other valuable personal property.
What information must a bill of sale include?
It should include the date of sale, full names and addresses of the buyer and seller, a detailed description of the item (with serial number or VIN where applicable), the sale price, payment method, any warranty or as-is statement, and the signatures of both parties.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not always. Many places accept a signed bill of sale without a notary, but some states require notarization for vehicles, boats, or firearms. Check your local motor vehicle or government office.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. Using an editable template simply makes it neater and ensures you do not miss any details.
What does “as-is” mean on a bill of sale?
“As-is” means the buyer accepts the item in its current condition and the seller gives no warranty. If a problem appears after the sale, the seller is generally not responsible.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A title is an official ownership document issued by the government, while a bill of sale is a record of the transaction between buyer and seller. For vehicles, you usually need both to complete the transfer.
Are these bill of sale templates free?
Yes. All 34 bill of sale templates on this page are free to download and edit in Microsoft Word.
Conclusion
Whether you are selling a used car, a boat, a horse, or a piece of furniture, a clear and signed bill of sale protects everyone involved. Download any of the 34 free bill of sale templates above, fill in the details carefully, and keep a signed copy for your records.
