Trailer Bill of Sale Template

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TRAILER BILL OF SALE

This Trailer Bill of Sale (the "Bill of Sale") is entered into on   (the "Effective Date") by and between

 , an individual registered at   (the "Seller"), and

 , an individual registered at   (the "Buyer"), collectively referred to as the "Parties" and individually as the "Party".

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

The Seller hereby sells, assigns, transfers, and conveys to the Buyer all rights, title, and interest in and to the following described trailer (the "Property"):

Make:  

Model:  

Year:  

Color:  

Vehicle identification number (VIN):  

Odometer reading:   miles

LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY

The Property being sold is located at  . The Seller affirms legal ownership of the Property, asserts the right and authority to sell it, and assures that the Property is free from arrest or other obligations. The Buyer acknowledges the Property has been inspected and expresses satisfaction with its condition.

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT 

I,  , certify that the odometer reading of the  ,     at the time of sale is   miles and, to the best of my knowledge, is accurate and reflects the actual mileage of the trailer.

I further certify that the odometer has not been tampered with, altered, or replaced and that the mileage of the trailer has not been misrepresented.

TOTAL PRICE

The purchase price for the Property is  . The Buyer shall pay the full purchase price to the Seller on or before the Effective Date.

The payment shall be made by cash.

SALES TAX 

The sales tax applicable to this sale is included in the purchase price of the Property. The Seller shall transfer the sales tax to the relevant tax authority on behalf of the Buyer.

WARRANTY

The Seller warrants that the Property is in good condition and free of liens or encumbrances. If the Property is found to be defective in material or workmanship during   from the date of transfer (the "Warranty Period"), the Seller shall repair or replace the defective Property under the same quality conditions.

The Buyer has been granted the opportunity to inspect the Property or arrange for its inspection. Additionally, the Buyer has accepted the Property in its current condition.

The Parties acknowledge and agree that the provided warranty is the exclusive warranty provided by the Seller, replacing all other warranties, express or implied, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The Parties further agree that the Seller shall not be liable for any defects or inconsistencies in the Property, except as set forth in the aforementioned warranty.

TRANSFER OF TITLE

The transfer of the Property from the Seller to the Buyer shall take place on   (the "Date of Transfer").

The Buyer shall take possession of the Property on the Date of Transfer and assume all risks of loss or damage to the Property from that date forward. On the Date of Transfer, the Seller shall provide all necessary documentation to the Buyer for the transfer of ownership, including but not limited to the deed, bill of sale, and any other documents required to transfer title to the Property.

GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Bill of Sale will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of  , except for its conflicts of laws principles. Any disputes resulting from or related to this Bill of Sale that cannot be resolved by negotiations and mutual agreement shall be resolved by courts of the State of  .

THE SELLER

 

 

 ,

 

____________________________ 

(Place for signature)

THE BUYER

 

 

 ,

 

____________________________

(Place for signature)

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me on ___________________________.

 

 

 

___________________________________

Place for signature

 

 

 

______________________________________

Notary public's name and seal

Written by Megan Thompson - Reviewed by Kate Adkham

Template Description

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trailer bill of sale and trailer

A trailer bill of sale is a crucial document during the purchase or sale of a trailer. It is required during the registration process in some states, while others do not need it. Even if your state's regulations do not mandate preparing the document, it is beneficial to both the seller and the buyer. Besides acting as proof of purchase, it protects the parties in case of future disputes.

Loio’s trailer bill of sale template is easy to use; you can create and download it in a few simple steps. All you need to do is answer the questions, and the information is automatically filled out on the form. Once you complete the trailer bill of sale, you can download it by making a one-time purchase or signing up for a monthly subscription to access unlimited templates.

Parties of the Trailer Bill of Sale

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  • Seller — The person selling the trailer. Sellers typically set the price.
  • Buyer — The person buying the trailer. Buyers are responsible for paying for and picking up the trailer as arranged.

Key Terms

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Trailer sale documents usually follow the same general format and include the following legal provisions:

  1. Scope — The trailer bill of sale describes the product itself and how it will be picked up or delivered. The parties can avoid many disagreements by clearly defining what they expect from each other. 
  2. Timing — As part of the trailer bill of sale, the buyer should inform the seller when to expect payment and when the trailer will be picked up. 
  3. Price and payment — Contracts with buyers should clearly define the price for the trailer. The trailer bill of sale should also specify how the payment will be made — in cash, by credit card, or by electronic money transfer.

Why Do You Need a Bill of Sale for a Trailer?

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A trailer is a cost-intensive investment. Whether you are buying or selling, having a trailer bill of sale as part of the transaction is crucial. While not legally required in every state, you should consider creating the document for the following reasons:

  1. Legal protection.
    A trailer bill of sale protects both the seller and the buyer. Upon purchase, the buyer can use the document as proof of ownership before the title is ready. Similarly, the agreement protects the seller from shouldering responsibility for incidents (speeding tickets, accidents) that may occur before the title transfer is effected. The trailer sale form also discloses any known issues, thereby protecting the seller against any disputes that may arise in the future.

  2. Simplifies registration.
    The document provides detailed information essential for registration, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model, making the process much easier.

  3. Proof of purchase.
    The bill of sale for a trailer contains the information you can demonstrate as proof of purchase, including the amount you paid for it and the seller's signature.

Insight

There is always an option to sell trailers in their current condition, whether new or used. When you want to make the trailer available as is, as specified in bill of sale templates, let potential buyers know your intention to sell the trailer as is. When you prepare a complete and accurate trailer bill of sale, you will be able to defend your interests in the deal if any disputes arise later.

What Should a Trailer Bill of Sale Include?

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A general trailer bill of sale should include the following information:

  • The trailer description—the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, size, weight, body style, and condition;
  • The sale price;
  • The purchase and sale date; and
  • The parties’ contact information—full names, phone numbers, and business or personal addresses.

This data is sufficient to create a standard trailer bill of sale template that sellers can use when an offer is made on the vehicle.

How To Write a Bill of Sale for a Trailer

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These are the steps the seller and the buyer should take to ensure a smooth transaction for the purchase and sale of a trailer.

For Sellers

Sellers will need to do the following:

  1. Include the effective date in the bill of sale for trailers;

  2. Describe in detail the vehicle being sold and include the make, model, year, VIN, current mileage (if applicable), and condition;

  3. List the agreed price of the trailer. If the item is a gift or partial gift, the price can be adjusted in a trailer sale document;

  4. Include the warranty information. Private-party sales are generally considered "as is" transactions;

  5. Add your name and address; 

  6. Specify the payment method — cash, check, credit card, or bank deposit — and include deposit and installment amounts if the buyer is not paying in one lump sum;

  7. Add other details, such as due dates for upcoming payments, fees for late payments, and interest rates for the remaining balance; and

  8. When signing the bill of sale for trailers, both parties should ensure that the information provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.

For Buyers

Sellers generally draft the bill of sale for trailers, leaving buyers to do the following:

  1. Make sure the date of the sale is correct;

  2. Check the accuracy of the information about the trailer—year, make, model, VIN, mileage, and condition;

  3. Ensure that the price is listed as agreed;

  4. Review any warranties included in the agreement. Private party sales are generally considered “as is”;

  5. Input your name and address;

  6. Confirm the payment method, whether installments or lump sum, of cash, check, credit card, or bank deposit;

  7. Confirm the due date for upcoming payments, the interest rate, and any other terms that may apply; and

  8. Sign the trailer sale document as proof of purchase, acknowledging that the information provided is accurate.

When Do You Need a Trailer Bill of Sale?

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There are several reasons why a buyer and seller will need to have a trailer bill of sale.

Common Use Cases

The most common reasons for using a trailer bill of sale include:

  • The buyer needs a bill of sale from the seller to register the trailer with the DMV and transfer ownership.
  • The seller needs a bill of sale to protect against potential disputes over ownership or condition.

When Not To Use a Trailer Bill of Sale

Even though you do not need a trailer bill of sale to transfer the vehicle in some states, the document is essential for the reasons we have discussed above. However, there are some instances where you do not need to use a trailer sale document even though you are entrusting the vehicle to someone else.

Examples of such situations include:

  • Leasing – If you are leasing the vehicle, you do not need a trailer bill of sale. Even though the lessee assumes possession of the trailer upon signing the lease agreement, the lessor remains the vehicle's legal owner; hence, a bill of sale is not necessary.
  • Borrowing – You do not need to complete a bill of sale for a trailer if a friend, family member, or business partner borrows it. Though the vehicle will be in their possession, you are legally responsible as the owner.

How To Sell a Trailer: Tips & Tricks

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Selling a trailer can be a difficult process, but following some tips can help produce a successful sale.

Defining Your Trailer Type

Trailers vary in size, purpose, and features. The first tip is to ensure you know what type of trailer you are selling. Also, be sure to list it correctly on your trailer bill of sale. 

Based on the trailer type and size, you can browse online marketplaces to determine reasonable asking prices before setting up your own listing. The following are some common trailer types:

  • Hauling trailers for delivering livestock;

  • Refrigerated trailers;

  • Dry van (enclosed) trailers;

  • Open trailers; and

  • Single or multi-vehicle trailers.

Price & Market Research

Doing extensive price and market research is important to get you top dollar on your trailer. You can visit various marketplaces to see how much similar trailers are selling for to get an idea of the best-asking price based on your trailer specs, such as type, gross vehicle weight, number of axles, length and width, etc.

Researching market trends can also give you insight into the demand and inform pricing. If the demand is high, then you can increase the asking price.

Examples of common trailer marketplaces include BuyMyTrailer, TrailerTrader, and eBay. You can also join local social media communities to stay current on trailer advertisements or apply to post an ad in the local newspaper.

Communication With Buyers

When you hear from potential buyers, be sure to respond to them promptly. Answer all their questions about your trailer, provide them with recent photos, and make arrangements to show your trailer to them if they are interested. 

The following are some valuable tips for efficient communication with potential buyers:

  1. Be honest. If the trailer is not new, share this information with a potential buyer. If there are damaged parts, let the buyer know. Tell the buyer in advance if you are selling the trailer as is.

  2. Make applicable documents available to buyers if they ask to see them, proving yourself as a reliable seller.

  3. Choose a reasonable asking price. Based on your market research, adjust the price for the trailer’s features, age, and condition to make it affordable. Always leave room for negotiation.

  4. Use as many marketplaces as possible. Don’t rely on a single platform to find your buyer. Ask people you know if they know someone who is looking for a trailer. Word of mouth still works.

  5. Ask potential buyers questions. Why do they need a trailer? Can they bring cash to complete the purchase? Are they ready to transfer ownership if they decide to buy the trailer? 

Write a Bill of Sale for the Trailer

When both parties have agreed to proceed with the trailer purchase and sale, they can use a printable trailer sale form. The key elements of a trailer bill of sale are the vehicle description, the vehicle price, the sale date, the parties' names and contact information, and the signatures. 

Once both parties have approved the terms and conditions and signed the trailer sale document, the buyer will need to apply for a new title through their local DMV within 30 days from the purchase date. This obligation applies in most U.S. states.

State Law

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To avoid fines, be sure to follow the applicable laws in the state of your residence. Before making a trailer purchase, be sure to know the rules of trailer ownership and licensing based on the type of trailer. 

Warning

Some states, such as New York, honor valid out-of-state trailer registrations. If your home state does not require registration, however, you must obtain a New York registration before operating your vehicle in that state.

State Law
Alabama
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Alaska
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Arizona
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license depends on the trailer use. 
State Law
Arkansas
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
California
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Colorado
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Connecticut
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Delaware
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases. For example, when the vehicle is purchased out of state.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Florida
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Georgia
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Hawaii
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Idaho
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Illinois
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Indiana
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Iowa
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Kansas
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Kentucky
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Louisiana
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Maine
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Maryland
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Massachusetts
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale may be required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Michigan
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Minnesota
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license depends on the trailer use.
State Law
Mississippi
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Missouri
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Montana
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Nebraska
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Nevada
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
New Hampshire
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
New Jersey
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
New Mexico
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
New York
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
North Carolina
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
North Dakota
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Ohio
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registraion.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Oklahoma
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Oregon
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Pennsylvania
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Rhode Island
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
South Carolina
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for transferring vehicle registration or temporary vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
South Dakota
  1. A specific Trailer Bill of Sale form is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Tennessee
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Texas
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Utah
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Vermont
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration in specific cases.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Virginia
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Washington
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
West Virginia
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Wisconsin
  1. Trailer Bill of Sale is NOT required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.
State Law
Wyoming
  1. Notarized Trailer Bill of Sale is required for vehicle registration.
  2. The trailer rental license is required.

Related Documents

Also read

How To Write a Bill of Sale for a Trailer?
How To Get a Homemade Trailer Bill of Sale?
Trailer Bill of Sale Preview
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