If you’re in the market for a new vehicle or piece of equipment, you might be wondering how to go about the transfer of ownership. One important step in this process is completing a bill of sale. Luckily, there are a variety of free resources available online that can provide a blank form for you to use.
Example Blank Bill of Sale Form
The blank bill of sale form pictured above is a great example of a basic, no-frills form that can be used for a variety of transactions. Simply print out the form and fill in the necessary information for the buyer and seller, including:
- Names and addresses
- Item being sold (make, model, year, etc.)
- Purchase price and method of payment
- Date of sale
- Signatures and contact information for both parties
Keep in mind that different states may have specific requirements or additional fields that need to be included on a bill of sale form. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or other relevant agency to ensure that you’re following all necessary guidelines.
Why Use a Bill of Sale?
Whether you’re buying or selling, a bill of sale is an important document to have on hand. Here are a few reasons why:
- Proof of ownership: A bill of sale serves as proof that the seller legally owned the item being sold, and that they have the right to transfer ownership to the buyer. This can be especially important if there are any disputes or questions about the transaction down the line.
- Record-keeping: A bill of sale provides a record of the transaction that can be helpful for both the buyer and seller. For buyers, it can serve as a receipt of purchase that can be used to prove ownership or for tax purposes. For sellers, it can be a way to keep track of sales and revenue.
- Protection: In some cases, a bill of sale can offer legal protection to both parties. For example, if the buyer later discovers that the item they purchased was not as described or had undisclosed damages, a bill of sale can provide evidence of the transaction and potentially help the buyer seek compensation.
Other Types of Bills of Sale
While the basic form above can be adapted for a variety of items, there are also specific bills of sale that are tailored to certain types of transactions. Here are a few examples:
Vehicle Bill of Sale
If you’re buying or selling a car, truck, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle, a specific vehicle bill of sale form may be required. This is often the case if you’re using the document to transfer ownership with your state’s DMV or other government agency.
The example form above, from DMV.org, includes fields for important vehicle information like the VIN, make and model, and odometer reading. It also includes sections for both the buyer and seller to sign, as well as any additional seller disclosures that may be required by law.
Boat Bill of Sale
Similar to a vehicle bill of sale, a boat bill of sale is used to transfer ownership of watercraft. This can include everything from sailboats to jet skis to motorized yachts.
The example form above, from WikiHow, includes fields for information like hull number, year, and make, and also includes spaces for buyer and seller signatures.
Firearm Bill of Sale
For those buying or selling firearms, a specific firearms bill of sale form may be required, depending on the state or locality. Even if it’s not legally required, it can be a good idea to have a document in writing that outlines the sale.
The example form above, from SampleForms.com, includes fields for information like the buyer and seller’s names and addresses, as well as the make, model, and serial number of the firearm being sold.
Final Thoughts
Remember, whether you’re buying or selling, a bill of sale can be a helpful document to have on hand. As always, be sure to double-check with your state to ensure that you’re following all necessary procedures and guidelines. And with free online resources readily available, there’s no need to pay for a bill of sale form!
