How to write a bill of sale

By Legal Documents for Free editors · Updated Oct 10, 2026 · How our templates work

A bill of sale is a receipt that proves ownership changed hands. It protects the seller from what the buyer does next and gives the buyer proof they own what they paid for.

What to include

Buyer and seller names and addresses.
Description of the item, for vehicles, the year, make, model, VIN and odometer reading.
Price and payment method.
Date of sale.
“As-is” language (or any warranty you’re giving).
Signatures of both parties.

Use our vehicle bill of sale or general bill of sale.

Does it need to be notarized?

A few states require notarized vehicle bills of sale (Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia and Maryland in some cases). Elsewhere, notarizing is optional but adds proof.

After the sale (vehicles)

Seller: sign over the title, remove the plates if your state requires, file a notice of transfer / release of liability with the DMV, and cancel insurance.
Buyer: take the title and bill of sale to the DMV to register the vehicle and pay sales tax, usually within 10-30 days.