Free Bill of Sale Templates — All Vehicle Types

How to Choose the Right Bill of Sale Template

Vehicles with a VIN — Use a Vehicle-Specific Form

Any motorized vehicle with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should use a vehicle-specific bill of sale: car, used car, motorcycle, ATV, RV, or general vehicle. The VIN is the primary identifier used by DMVs for title transfer and must be recorded accurately (all 17 characters). Using a vehicle-specific template ensures you capture all required fields for that vehicle type.

Boats — Use the Hull ID Number (HIN), Not the VIN

Watercraft use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN. The HIN is a 12-character code stamped on the transom (rear) of the boat. Use the boat bill of sale template, which includes fields for the HIN, hull material, engine horsepower, and whether a trailer is included. If selling both a boat and trailer, you may need separate titles for each.

Horses and Livestock — Use the General or Horse Template

Horses and equines are not titled like motor vehicles. The horse bill of sale template captures breed, color, markings, registration number, and microchip number instead of a VIN. For other livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep), use the general bill of sale with a detailed item description.

Firearms — Use the Gun Bill of Sale

The gun bill of sale is tailored to firearm transfers and includes fields for caliber, serial number, and type. Unlike vehicle sales, firearm transfers may require going through a licensed FFL dealer even in private sales, depending on your state. Always verify state law before completing a private firearm transfer.

Personal Property — Use the General Bill of Sale

For items that are not vehicles, boats, horses, or firearms — furniture, tools, electronics, farm equipment, musical instruments — use the general bill of sale. It provides a flexible "item description" section where you can describe the property in as much detail as needed.

Selling "As-Is" — Use the As-Is Template

When selling any item (especially a used vehicle) with no warranty or guarantee, the as-is bill of sale includes explicit condition disclosure language. This makes the "no warranty" terms unambiguous and is harder to dispute than a standard form with an as-is checkbox.

Gifts Between Family Members

If you are transferring a vehicle as a gift (no money changing hands), use the gift bill of sale. This records a $0 or nominal sale price and may entitle the recipient to a sales tax exemption in many states when transferring title between immediate family members.