A Bill of Sale is a legal document between a seller and a buyer that records the transfer of ownership of an item or property. It is used by individuals or businesses to document the sale, confirm payment, and protect both parties from future disputes.
A bill of sale form is a legal document that proves ownership has been transferred from a seller to a buyer. It’s commonly used when selling personal property like vehicles, trailers, boats, electronics, or other valuable items. The document includes details about the item, the sale price, and the buyer and seller, helping protect both parties in case of disputes later.
Can I Use a Bill of Sale Template for Selling Services?
No — a simple bill of sale is used for selling physical items, not services. If you're offering services, consider using a Service Agreement instead. That document outlines what work will be done, the payment terms, deadlines, and other details.
Do I Need a Printable Bill of Sale to Give Property as a Gift?
Yes, it’s a good idea. Even when giving something away for free, a bill of sale PDF (stating the sale price as $0) creates a record of the gift. This can be helpful for taxes, registration, or proving ownership in the future.
At the top of the bill of sale printable form, write down where the sale is happening.
Example:
State of: California
County of: Los Angeles
2. Add the seller and buyer info
Write the full name and address of the person selling the item, and the person buying it.
Example:
The Seller: Jordan Smith, living at 789 Oak Street, Los Angeles, CA
The Buyer: Emily Johnson, living at 102 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
3. Describe the item being sold
Add what is being sold, where it is, and for how much.
Example:
The Property: The Seller hereby sells, grants, and conveys to the Buyer all of the Seller’s rights to the following:
2020 Honda Civic, located at 789 Oak Street, price: $8,000.
4. Confirm the price
Repeat the total price to make it crystal clear.
Example:
Price: The total price of the Property is $8,000.
5. Set the transfer date
Write the date when the buyer officially takes ownership and responsibility.
Example:
Transfer of title: This Bill of Sale becomes effective on April 15, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). The Buyer takes full responsibility for the item from this date.
6. Final signing location
Write where the form is being signed to make it official.
Example:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Bill of Sale is signed in the County of Los Angeles, State of California.
7. Sign and date it
Both the Seller and the Buyer should sign and date the bill of sale PDF at the bottom. You can also have a witness or notary if needed.
In most states, notarization is optional. But some states require it for vehicle sales. If you’re in one of the states below, check local rules — you may need a notary:
Louisiana;
Maryland;
Montana;
Nebraska;
West Virginia;
Wyoming.
Having your sample bill of sale notarized adds an extra layer of protection, proving that the signatures are real and the deal was made properly.