Document Category
Bills of Sale
A bill of sale records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It identifies the parties, describes the item being sold, states the price and payment terms, and records the condition the item was sold in. Choose the form that matches what is changing hands.
Documents in this category
Motor Vehicle Bill Of Sale
Bill of sale forms for private sales of vehicles, boats and watercraft, and general personal property. Record the parties, the item, the price, and the condition it was sold in.
General Bill Of Sale
Bill of sale forms for private sales of vehicles, boats and watercraft, and general personal property. Record the parties, the item, the price, and the condition it was sold in.
Boat And Watercraft Bill Of Sale
Bill of sale forms for private sales of vehicles, boats and watercraft, and general personal property. Record the parties, the item, the price, and the condition it was sold in.
Frequently asked questions
What does a bill of sale do?
It records that ownership of a specific item passed from one party to another on a particular date, for a stated price. It documents the terms both parties agreed to, including the condition of the item at the time of sale.
Which bill of sale should I use?
Use the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Use the Boat and Watercraft Bill of Sale for vessels, motors, and trailers. Use the General Bill of Sale for other personal property such as equipment, furniture, livestock, or electronics.
Is a bill of sale enough to transfer title?
Not always. Titled property such as a vehicle, boat, or trailer usually requires additional documents filed with a state agency. A bill of sale records the transaction between the parties; it does not replace a certificate of title, registration, or any filing a state requires.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
It depends on the state and the type of property. Some states require notarization for vehicle or vessel transfers and others do not. Check the requirements where the transfer takes place before signing.
Does Locke Direct provide legal advice?
No. Locke Direct is a document-production service, not a law firm. Documents are generated from the information you provide and are intended to be reviewed by legal counsel of your choice before use.
Last reviewed July 29, 2026.