How to Make a Bill of Sale

Ever have to write or make a bill of sale for a car, truck, boat or trailer? Below are some of the minimum guidelines so you can properly do it yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• paper and a pen,
• a word processor on a computer looks nicer

1. 
    
   Door VIN plate

   The number one thing that needs to be listed on your bill of sale is the VIN number of what you are selling. All newer cars have a VIN plate that is visible through the windshield on the drivers side and also on the engine block.
   
   Another place a VIN can be found is on the drivers side door along the edge.

2. The second part is to ensure that you have both the buyer and seller identified by full name, and preferably with current addresses too although it isn't required; not in Idaho anyway.

3. 
    

   Lastly record the actual sales price of the vehicle, boat or trailer. This is how sales tax is figured and in some areas how registration fees are calculated.

4. 
    

   If you are struggling with wording of the bill of sale and don't want to take any chances do a quick search for "bill of sale" followed by your state. Most DMV's provide a free for you to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Even a napkin can legally be used as a bill of sale, but try to use a computer so names are printed accurately. It can save a lot of headache at the DMV.
• A bill of sale is a good idea for any moderate to large sale of a good that has some kind of identifying number, like a gun.
• Not reporting the full amount of actual purchase price could land you a hefty fine or jail time.

[adecesare]

on 4/16/2009 This is a great thing to know. Thanks. :)