Bill of Sale Template
A Bill of Sale Form is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of goods or property from a seller to a buyer. It includes details about the item sold, the purchase price, and the identities of both parties, serving as a record of the transaction and protecting both buyer and seller.
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Last Update October 3rd, 2025
What Is a Bill of Sale?
Before starting your own printable bill of sale, it can help to see what a real sample of this transactional document looks like. Find out how a bill of sale should appear on paper with our example below.
Writing a bill of sale is a focused yet undemanding task to complete. A printable Bill of Sale template can help you make this job much easier.
When you start building your own document to sell an item of property, you will need to complete the following steps. You can then have it reviewed by a legal professional to make sure it’s correctly written.
Depending on whether you’re selling a car, motorcycle, trailer, or animal, you will need to adjust your document to reflect the nature of the item for sale.
If you’re creating your own document either with an online template or by yourself, make sure to either use the correct form for your needs or to add the necessary sections required.
Your document must include the details of both, the buyer and seller. To do so you will need to include the names and addresses of both parties. If necessary you can add the information of any additional buyers and sellers if the item is or will be jointly owned.
The type of bill of sale for your item will normally require a description of its various features to be provided.
For example, if you’re selling a horse, you will need to provide its age, sex, breeding association certification (if any), and information on its coloration.
If you sell a car, you will need to provide the mileage, color, etc.
When you have described the item being sold, you will then need to explain the key details about the transaction. You must provide the method of payment, explain whether taxes apply to the final price, and if the amount will be paid at once or in installments.
You have the option to make warranties on your bill of sale. The property can either be sold “as is” with no warranties.
If, however, you do make a warranty on the item you can make a sworn statement that the item being sold is as described, is in full working order, and that it has no liens or claims against it.
6. Explain How the Item Will be Transferred to the New Owner
A bill of sale will normally require the writer to detail where the item is being held prior to sale and where it can be collected from or how it can be transferred. In some cases, however such as horses or livestock, you may need to provide the exact details of transportation.
When the form is completed and both the buyer and seller are satisfied with the terms of the agreement, the bill of sale can be signed. In some states, this will need to be notarized or witnessed for the document to be fully valid.
From this moment on, it becomes legally binding.
While notarizing your Bill of Sale is not legally required in most states, there are some exceptions. The following states require a bill of sale be notarized to be considered valid:
Louisiana
Maryland
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
West Virginia
Wyoming
Regardless of state requirements, having a notary public confirm the authenticity of your Bill of Sale will add more protection to the transaction and will help you keep away from legal conflict.
If you’re having doubts about whether a bill of sale is right for your buying or selling needs we have the answers you’re looking for.
Simply browse through our bill of sale FAQs below to learn more about this type of legal document.
Do I Need a Bill of Sale For My Car?
What Makes a Bill of Sale Valid?
Who Keeps the Bill of Sale?
How Long Is a Bill of Sale Good For?
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