Bill of Sale: What It Is and How to Write One (Car, Boat & General)
A bill of sale is the document that proves you sold something and the buyer bought it. For a used car or boat it is what a DMV asks for to transfer title and register the vehicle; for anything else — a trailer, equipment, furniture — it is the receipt that protects both sides when property and money change hands.
This guide covers what a bill of sale must include, how vehicle, boat and general bills of sale differ, and when you need to have one notarized.
What every bill of sale includes
Whatever you are selling, a valid bill of sale records the same core facts:
- The seller's and buyer's names and addresses.
- The date of sale.
- A clear description of the item being sold.
- The sale price (and any deposit or balance due).
- The condition of sale — usually "as is", or with a limited warranty.
- Signatures of both parties (notarized where the state requires it).
Vehicle, boat and general bills of sale
A vehicle bill of sale adds the year, make, model, VIN, license plate, color and the federal odometer disclosure a DMV requires. A boat bill of sale records the hull identification number, length and motor. A general bill of sale covers everything else with a free description and any serial number.
Match the form to the item so it captures exactly what the buyer will need to register or resell it later.
"As is" vs warranty, and notarization
Most private sales are "as is" — the seller makes no promises about condition once the buyer takes it. You can instead give a limited warranty of good title and working condition, or handle a lien payoff so the buyer takes clear title.
Whether a bill of sale must be notarized to transfer a vehicle depends on your state and DMV. Check your local rule before signing, and give the buyer the original and keep a copy for yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
It depends on the state and what is being sold. Some states require notarization to transfer a vehicle title; many private sales of general property do not. Confirm your state and DMV rules.
What is the difference between a bill of sale and a title?
A bill of sale records the transaction between buyer and seller; a title is the official ownership document (for vehicles, issued by the state). A bill of sale often supports the title transfer but does not replace it.
What does "as is" mean on a bill of sale?
"As is" means the buyer accepts the item in its current condition with no warranties from the seller. It is the most common term in private used-vehicle and property sales.
Can I write my own bill of sale?
Yes. A bill of sale is a self-drafted document. PaperKit builds the right vehicle, boat or general form, computes the balance from the price and deposit, and gives you a clean PDF to sign.