How to write a bill of sale for a trailer.
Learn how to properly sell your travel trailer, boat trailer, or utility trailer by creating a proper bill of sale.
Learning how to write a bill of sale for a trailer isn’t as complicated as it seems. Writing a bill of sale is the best way to make sure both you and the buyer are on the same page when selling your trailer. Include the right information to make the bill of sale legal and protect yourself from liabilities and fraud.
What is a bill of sale for a trailer?
A bill of sale is like a receipt for a large purchase. It’s a documented agreement between buyer and seller that lays out the specifics of the purchase, like the price and conditions. That way, both parties can avoid any miscommunication.
The buyer can also use the bill of sale as proof of ownership to transfer the title (if applicable), get new tags, or add the trailer to their insurance policy.
What to include in a bill of sale form for a trailer.
When writing a bill of sale for a trailer, be as detailed as possible. You don’t want any confusion about the conditions of the sale. Be sure to include at least the following information in your trailer bill of sale:
- Names and contact information for both the buyer and seller
- Trailer information, including VIN, make, model, and year
- Price of the trailer
- Conditions of the sale, including “as is” status or any warranties
If you’re not sure exactly how to write a bill of sale for a trailer, there are plenty of templates you can download to get started. Before you choose a template, make sure it’s designed for trailers and that it is compatible with local and state laws. Understanding what to put in a trailer bill of sale is important, but it’s also really helpful to know how to make a PDF receipt of payment to keep track of your transactions easily.
Necessary documents for a trailer bill of sale template.
When creating a bill of sale for a trailer, it’s essential to include certain necessary documents for legally binding and completing the transaction. The following documents should be considered for inclusion in your trailer bill of sale template:
- Proof of ownership. Include the trailer’s title, VIN, or MSO to confirm legal ownership.
- Party identification. Clearly state the seller and buyer’s names, addresses, and contact details.
- Trailer description. Provide essential details like make, model, year, and trailer VIN.
- Purchase price. Specify the agreed price in both numerical and written forms, along with the payment method.
- Warranty or as-is. Indicate if any warranties are provided or if the sale is “as-is.”
- Date and signatures. Include spaces for the sale date and both parties’ signatures.
- State-specific forms. Check for any additional forms required by your state.
Is a trailer bill of sale always required?
While a bill of sale for a trailer is not always legally mandated, it is highly recommended for both the buyer and the seller. Here’s why:
- For the buyer, a bill of sale serves as legal evidence of ownership transfer. Without it, the buyer may have difficulty proving their ownership of the trailer, which could lead to complications during registration and potential disputes in the future. It’s also good to have liability protection. In cases where the trailer is involved in accidents, violations, or unlawful activities after the sale, a bill of sale can help the buyer establish that they are no longer responsible for the trailer.
- For the seller, a properly executed bill of sale provides clear proof of sale that states that the seller is no longer responsible for the trailer, reducing the risk of legal liabilities or disputes arising from the trailer’s use after the sale. It’s also a release of liability, and the bill of sale can include a clause that explicitly states that the seller is not responsible for any issues arising from the trailer post-sale, offering legal protection to the seller.
Legally sign the trailer bill of sale online.
To make a bill of sale legal, both parties need to add their signature. If you sell your trailer online, it’s not always easy to meet and sign papers in person. Luckily, you can use an electronic signature to sign legal documents remotely. Online signatures make the sales process go more smoothly — and quicker!
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