Free Ohio General Bill of Sale
A general bill of sale in Ohio handles every private sale that is not a titled motor vehicle, boat, ATV, or trailer: power tools, lawn tractors, restaurant equipment, jewelry, electronics, livestock other than horses, business assets, collectibles, art. There is no Ohio filing requirement, no notarization requirement (though notarizing high-dollar items is smart), and no sales tax for true casual sales between individuals. The bill of sale exists to memorialize the transaction — what was sold, who sold it, who bought it, for how much, when, and on what terms (typically "as-is" unless otherwise stated). Capture serial numbers, model numbers, dimensions, and condition; identify the parties with full legal names and addresses; state the purchase price; and have both sign and date. For titled assets — cars, motorcycles, ATVs, motorhomes, trailers, and boats — do not use a general bill of sale; Ohio requires a notarized title transfer at the County Clerk of Courts and form BMV 3774 specifically.
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Ohio General Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Casual private-party sales between non-dealers are generally not subject to Ohio sales tax. Sales by a dealer, business, or anyone "in the business of selling" the item are taxable at 5.75% state plus 0.5%–2.25% county piggyback. Use tax may apply to the buyer for high-dollar out-of-state purchases brought into Ohio.
Exemption: Casual sales between individuals; agricultural-use equipment with STEC-U certificate; manufacturing-use equipment with the appropriate exemption certificate.
Inspection Requirements
No inspection. Ohio has no statewide consumer-protection inspection for general goods sold privately — sales are "as-is" by default unless a written warranty is included.
Ohio General Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Identify the item with as much specificity as possible: make, model, serial number, year, color, dimensions, condition
- Capture seller's and buyer's full legal names, current addresses, and phone numbers
- State the purchase price and method of payment (cash, check, electronic transfer)
- Specify "as-is, where-is" or include any written warranty terms — silence defaults to "as-is" in private sales
- Identify the date and location of physical handoff and which party bears risk of loss until delivery
- For multiple items, list each separately or attach an itemized inventory schedule
- Both parties sign and date; notarize for high-value items, business asset sales, or items with disputed history
- Each party retains a signed copy — Ohio statute of limitations on contract claims is generally 6–8 years
- For titled assets, use the vehicle-specific bill of sale and complete the notarized title transfer separately
Common Pitfalls
- Using a general bill of sale for a titled vehicle — the County Clerk of Courts will not transfer title without form BMV 3774 and a notarized title assignment
- Vague item descriptions ("tractor, used") that make later disputes about identity or condition unwinnable
- Verbal warranty promises with a written "as-is" clause — the writing controls
- Missing dates or signatures, leaving the document legally incomplete
- Selling business equipment without the appropriate sales-tax determination — repeat sellers can be deemed "in the business" and assessed back tax
- Skipping the bill of sale entirely on cash deals over a few hundred dollars, then having no proof of ownership transfer
Pro Tip
No filing required, but a clear written bill of sale protects both parties on every private personal-property deal.