Make a clear, printable bill of sale for a private sale in a couple of minutes. Pick vehicle, boat or general item, fill in the seller, buyer and details, and download the PDF. Nothing leaves your browser.
Last updated:
Draft is saved in this browser automatically.
Live preview Two copies: one for the seller, one for the buyer
Advertisement
Advertisement
How to use the Bill of Sale Generator
Choose what you are selling: Vehicle, Boat or General item.
Enter the seller and buyer names and addresses.
Fill in the item details, such as year, make, model, VIN or HIN and odometer reading.
Set the date, price and payment method, and choose as-is or a warranty.
Download the PDF, print two copies and have both parties sign and date each one.
What a bill of sale should include
Section
Vehicle
Boat
General item
Parties
Full names and addresses of the seller and buyer
Identification
Year, make, model, body type, color, VIN, plate, title number
Year, make, model, length, hull ID (HIN), registration, engine and serial
Description, brand, model, serial number, quantity
Usage
Odometer reading and disclosure statement
Engine hours (add under Additional terms)
Condition
Payment
Date of sale, price in numbers and words, payment method, or a gift statement
Terms
Ownership and lien-free statement, "as is" clause or warranty, any extra terms
Signatures
Seller and buyer signatures, printed names and dates; witness or notary if required
Checking a VIN or HIN
A modern VIN (vehicle identification number) has exactly 17 characters and never uses the letters I, O or Q, so they are not confused with 1 and 0. In North America the 9th character is a check digit: each character is converted to a number, multiplied by a position weight (8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 10, 0, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2) and the sum is divided by 11; the remainder (X for 10) must equal the 9th character. The tool runs this check as you type, which catches most typing errors. Always copy the VIN from the vehicle and the title, not from memory.
A boat HIN (hull identification number) has 12 characters: a 3-character manufacturer code, a 5-character serial number, and the month and year of production. It is usually on the upper right of the transom.
Private sale checklist
Compare the VIN or HIN on the item with the title and registration.
Agree the price and how it will be paid; cashier's checks or bank transfers leave a record.
Fill in the bill of sale and the title transfer section together, then both sign two copies.
The seller removes license plates if local rules require it and notifies the motor vehicle office of the sale.
The buyer arranges insurance and registers the vehicle or boat within the deadline set by the state.
Frequently asked questions
Is this bill of sale generator free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up or watermark. The document and PDF are created in your browser, so names, addresses and VINs are not uploaded anywhere.
What is a bill of sale?
A bill of sale is a written record that ownership of an item passed from a seller to a buyer on a given date for a given price. It protects both sides: the buyer can prove ownership and the price paid, and the seller can prove when the item left their hands.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Usually not, but a few US states require notarization for vehicle or boat bills of sale, and some motor vehicle offices ask for it in specific cases. Tick Add notary acknowledgment to include a notary block, and check your local DMV or boat registration office.
What does "as is" mean on a bill of sale?
Sold as is means the seller gives no warranty about the condition; the buyer accepts the item with any faults, whether visible or not. It is the normal term for private sales of used vehicles and goods. If you promise something, choose the warranty option and write it out exactly.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title (certificate of title) is the official ownership document for a vehicle or, in many states, a boat, and it must be signed over to the buyer. A bill of sale is supporting proof of the sale. Most motor vehicle offices need both to register the vehicle in the buyer's name.
How many copies should I make?
Print two copies and have the seller and buyer sign both. Each person keeps one original. Keep it with your records: it can be needed for registration, taxes or a dispute later.
Is this legal advice?
No. This tool creates a general-purpose bill of sale. Requirements differ by state and country, and some places have their own official forms, so check what your DMV, boat registration office or local law requires.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.