ScurgeMedia

General Bill of Sale Template

A general bill of sale works for anything that isn't a titled vehicle: a tractor, a band saw, a sofa, a camera, a lawn tractor, a collection. It records what was sold, for how much, and that the buyer accepted it as it stood.

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  • Free, no sign-up
  • Fill in on your computer
  • Letter size, 2 pages
  • Notary page included
Page 1 of the other / general bill of sale

It's the document to use whenever the amount is large enough that a text message wouldn't feel like enough proof.

It's a fillable PDF: type into it in Acrobat, Preview or your browser and save the finished copy, or print it blank and fill it in by hand.

What's on the form

  • Seller and buyer details
  • A two-line description of the property
  • Make or brand, model and serial or ID number
  • Quantity and included accessories
  • Price, payment method and any balance due
  • As-is clause with a known defects line
  • Seller's certification of ownership, with a line for liens
  • Signature and date lines, plus a notary page

How to fill it out

  1. Describe the item so it can't be confused with another

    Brand, model, size, color, condition and any serial number. "Table saw" is not a description; "DeWalt DWE7491RS 10-inch jobsite table saw, serial 12345" is.

  2. Record a serial number whenever there is one

    Tools, electronics, outboard motors, e-bikes and machinery usually have one. It's what proves the item you sold is the item in question later.

  3. State the price even if it's low

    For a gift, tick the gift box and write $0. An honest number matters if the item is ever insured, claimed or disputed.

  4. Note defects and missing parts

    A missing blade guard, a cracked case, a battery that won't hold charge. As-is protects you from complaints about faults the buyer could see — not from hiding one.

  5. Sign two copies

    One each, both signed and dated. Fill or strike unused lines.

Before you hand it over

  • Use a specific template if one exists. Vehicles, boats, trailers, firearms and animals all have their own form here, with the fields their registrations require.
  • Business equipment may need more. Sales involving warranties, delivery terms or financing usually call for a purchase agreement rather than a simple bill of sale.
  • Large cash sales deserve a bank. Meet inside your branch for anything expensive; counterfeit notes are the scam this document can't protect you from.
  • Keep it with the item's paperwork. Manuals, warranty cards and receipts help if you resell later.

Questions

What is a general bill of sale used for?

Any personal property that isn't titled: tools, equipment, furniture, electronics, instruments, collectibles, farm implements. If the item has a title or registration, use the specific form for it instead.

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?

For ordinary personal property, almost never. The notary page is there for the rare case where a buyer, an insurer or a state office asks for one.

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?

Generally yes, if it identifies the parties, the item, the price and the date, and both sign. A printed form is simply harder to argue with later.