Free Bill of Sale Templates by State (PDF & Word)
State-specific bill of sale templates for vehicles, boats, firearms, and general property. California, Texas, Florida, NY, PA, OH, GA, NC, AZ, MI.
What this hub covers
A bill of sale is the written instrument that transfers ownership of personal property from seller to buyer. For motor vehicles, the bill of sale supports the buyer’s title application at the state DMV; for general property, it is the buyer’s primary proof of ownership and the seller’s evidence of release from liability.
Why state-specific matters
State-specific bill of sale templates are recommended because every state has its own DMV form (California REG 135, Florida HSMV 82050, New York MV-912 + DTF-802, Texas Form 130-U) and specific requirements for notarization, odometer disclosure, and release of liability. Using the state-matched template streamlines the title transfer process.
Choose Your State
California
REG 135 format. Vehicle, boat, firearm versions.
View template →Texas
Compatible with Form 130-U.
View template →Florida
HSMV 82050 format.
View template →New York
MV-912 + DTF-802 compatible.
View template →Pennsylvania
PA DOT compatible.
View template →Ohio
Ohio BMV compatible.
View template →Georgia
Georgia DRIVES system compatible.
View template →North Carolina
NCDMV compatible.
View template →Arizona
ADOT MVD compatible.
View template →Michigan
Michigan SOS compatible.
View template →Don’t see your state?
Our generic template covers all 50 states. It can be customized to your jurisdiction.
View Generic TemplateNotarization requirements by state (verified July 2026)
Last verified: July 2026 against state statutes and regulatory trackers. Laws change — before relying on any row below, confirm it with the official state source. How we source and update this data is described in our Editorial Policy.
In most states a bill of sale is valid with just the parties’ signatures. A minority require (or conditionally require) notarization for private vehicle sales:
| State | Notarization | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Required | Notarized bill of sale needed to complete a private-party vehicle title transfer. |
| Montana | Required | Both buyer and seller signatures must be notarized. |
| Nebraska | Required | A notary or public official must witness both parties signing. |
| West Virginia | Required | Notarization required for certain private vehicle transactions. |
| Maryland | Sometimes | Required when the sale price is materially below book value (to document the true price for excise tax). |
| New Hampshire | Sometimes | Required in specific title situations — check with the DMV before the sale. |
| North Dakota | Sometimes | Certain transfers call for notarized documents. |
| Ohio | Sometimes | The title assignment itself must be notarized; the bill of sale supports it. |
In the remaining states, signatures alone are sufficient — though notarizing never hurts and some buyers request it. Two rules apply everywhere: federal law requires an odometer disclosure for most vehicles fewer than 20 model years old, and both parties should keep a signed copy (the seller’s copy is the proof that liability transferred). Some state DMVs also publish their own bill of sale form — if yours does, the DMV form takes precedence for registration purposes.
How to verify: search “[your state] DMV bill of sale” — the DMV page states whether notarization applies and links the official form if one exists. Our template and online generator cover the private-sale record itself.
Bill of Sale FAQs
What is a bill of sale?
A document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property, such as a vehicle, boat, or equipment, from seller to buyer.
When do I need a bill of sale?
To prove a sale happened and at what price. It is useful for vehicle registration, taxes, and protecting both parties.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Some states require notarization for vehicles; many do not. Requirements vary by state.
What should a bill of sale include?
The item description, price, date, and both parties' names and signatures, plus as-is language if there is no warranty.
Do bill of sale requirements vary by state?
Yes, especially for vehicles. Some states have an official DMV form. Use the state cards above.