General Bill of Sale Template
A general bill of sale is a written record of a private sale, listing the buyer, the seller, the item, the price, and the date the property changed hands.
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How to write a bill of sale
Three simple steps to complete your bill of sale.
Open the template
Open the bill of sale template to see the fields you need to complete.
Fill in the template
Fill in the template with the buyer, seller, item, price, and the sale date.
Download the template
Download the finished bill of sale template as a PDF for both parties to keep.
What is a bill of sale?
A bill of sale is a simple legal document that records the private sale of personal property between a buyer and a seller. It notes what was sold, for how much, and when the sale took place, giving both parties written proof the transaction happened. Many people use a general bill of sale template for everyday items like furniture, electronics, or livestock, since it doesn't require a specific category or industry.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale records a private sale
- Lists the buyer, seller, and item
- Signed copies serve as proof of sale
What does a bill of sale look like?
A printable bill of sale form opens with the date and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller. Below that sits a description of the item — make, model, or serial number where relevant — followed by the sale price and payment terms. A line noting the item is sold as is comes next, with signature blocks for both parties at the bottom.
Bill of sale forms by state
Some states have their own requirements — mandatory notarization, required wording, or a form the state DMV accepts. If your state has particular rules, use the state-specific version:
When do you need a bill of sale?
You need a bill of sale whenever personal property changes hands outside a dealership or store — selling a car to a neighbor, a boat to a stranger, or furniture to a friend. A blank bill of sale form gives both sides a dated, signed record of the deal, which can matter for registration, taxes, or resolving a dispute over what was agreed and what was paid.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Notarization requirements depend on where the sale happens and what's being sold; some regions require it for vehicles or other titled property, while many everyday sales need only signatures. Checking your local requirement before relying on an as is bill of sale template as a legal record is worth the extra step, since a notarized document can carry more weight if a dispute arises later.
Bill of Sale Forms by Asset Type
Explore bill of sale templates for documenting the sale of vehicles, boats, trailers, and other personal property.
What details make a bill of sale legally valid?
A valid bill of sale template PDF includes the date, full names and addresses of both parties, a clear description of the item, the agreed price, and signatures from buyer and seller. Some states also ask for odometer readings on vehicles or a notary signature. Filling in every field completely, rather than leaving blanks, helps the document hold up if ownership is ever questioned.
Frequently asked questions
