While it is common to present a bill of sale in a digital format, you can also create this type of contractual agreement as a handwritten document on paper. What's most important is to include all of the pertinent details in the bill of sale in order to protect both parties.
Get a bill of sale from a regulatory agency. Many government agencies, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, offer bill of sale forms for public use. Using a form directly from a government agency ensures that you have all of the information required for your state.
Include the new owner's name, seller's name, addresses, and contact information of both the buyer and the seller. Provide a detailed description of the item being sold. Include relevant information such as the make, model, year, VIN, serial number, any distinguishing features, or disclaimers.
Your bill of sale shows proof that both buyer and seller had legal intent to transfer ownership of any given item. Because of this, your bill of sale protects both parties involved in the sale from any malicious legal issues.
Many states don't mandate notarization for bills of sale. States like California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York allow transactions without a notarized document. In these states, a signed bill of sale is often sufficient for legal purposes, provided it includes all required information.
What is included in a bill of sale? Buyer and seller details. You should include their full names, addresses, and contact information. Description of the item being sold. The sale agreement. Location and date of sale. Terms and conditions of the transaction. Buyer's signature and seller's signature.
Get a bill of sale from a regulatory agency. Many government agencies, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, offer bill of sale forms for public use. Using a form directly from a government agency ensures that you have all of the information required for your state.
The form also documents the sale and is the legal receipt. Keep copies of the bill of sale (FLHSMV recommends having it notarized), certificate of title or other type of transaction document showing it was sold.