FAQs
What Is A Bill Of Sale?
A bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership of an item from one person to another. It provides details about the transaction such as the seller, buyer, item, date, and purchase price.
When Do I Need A Bill Of Sale?
You need a bill of sale for transactions involving tangible personal property like vehicles, boats, furniture, electronics, etc. It serves as proof that you own the item. Many states require it for title transfers of vehicles and boats.
What Should Be Included In A Bill Of Sale?
Details like the buyer’s and seller’s full names and addresses, item information (make, model, year, VIN, etc.), date of sale, purchase price and payment terms, and both parties’ signatures. State the sale is “as is.”
What If I’m Gifting Something?
For gifted items, the bill of sale should state the transfer is a gift and $0 was exchanged. The recipient needs to sign accepting the gift.
Do I Need It Notarized?
While not required, having a bill of sale notarized adds an extra layer of authenticity. This is recommended for high-value transactions.
Should I Keep A Copy?
Yes, both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records and as proof of the transaction.
How Can I Create A Bill Of Sale Electronically?
You can use an online bill of sale service like ThinPaper to easily create a professional bill of sale document electronically. These have pre-built sections to fill in the necessary details.
Can I E-Sign A Bill Of Sale?
Yes, a bill of sale can be electronically signed by both parties using an e-signature service or simply typing your name. This makes the e-signed document legally valid.
How Do We Exchange An E-Signed Bill Of Sale?
You can email the electronically signed bill of sale as a PDF file or use e-signature services that facilitate document sharing and signing.