How to write a truck bill of sale.

Learn how to write a bill of sale for a truck and the necessary information to include. Whether you download a pre-built one or create your own, having the right bill of sale to sign will ensure a swift and smooth transaction.

A bill of sale is a document that records transaction details. Typically used in private vehicle sales, a bill of sale transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. Both parties keep a copy for tax purposes, proof of purchase, and transfer of title.

What to include in a truck bill of sale form.

When you write a bill of sale for a truck, it’s important to have the following information on hand. Make sure to include:

• The truck vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The truck make, model, and year
• Mileage and registration info
• Contact information for the buyer and seller
• Agreed-upon sale price

Review your local laws beforehand, as some states require that a new buyer bring along the bill of sale when registering the truck or transferring the title.

How to write a bill of sale for a truck.

After you’ve collected the details, it’s time to create a cohesive document. A versatile digital document and e-signature software makes it easy for sellers to create their own bill of sale for trucks and other vehicles. Here are two convenient ways to start:

• Use a free online template that’s instantly available
• Create a custom bill of sale from scratch

If you decide to create a custom bill of sale from scratch, here’s a list of items to include:

• Statement of sale. A clear statement that this is a bill of sale for the truck. Include the sale date and the names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller.
• Detailed truck information. Provide a description of the truck, including make, model, year, VIN, odometer reading, and any unique features or modifications.
• Sale price. Specify the agreed-upon sale price for the truck, ensuring it’s written in both numerical and written forms to avoid ambiguity. Include any additional terms related to the price, such as taxes or fees.
• Payment details. Describe the payment method (cash, installment, financing) and include a payment schedule with due dates and amounts if applicable.
• Warranty and as-is clause. Indicate whether the sale is "as-is" or if there are any warranties or guarantees associated with the truck. Include a clear "as-is" clause if needed to protect the seller from future claims.
• Responsibilities. Define the responsibilities of both the buyer and the seller, such as title transfer, registration, and handling outstanding loans or liens on the vehicle.
• Signatures. Both parties sign the bill of sale and consider notarization for added legal validity if required by local regulations.

Common mistakes while writing a bill of sale for a truck.

Steer clear of common pitfalls when drafting a bill of sale for a truck that can lead to disputes or legal issues. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Inaccurate truck information. Providing incorrect or incomplete details about the truck, such as the VIN or odometer reading.
• Unclear payment terms. Failing to outline the sale price, payment method, and schedule clearly.
• Omitting necessary details. Leaving out essential information like sale date, parties’ names, and warranties.
• Lack of signatures. Neglecting to have both parties sign or notarize the document when required.
• Incomplete responsibilities. Failing to define each party’s obligations regarding title transfer, registration, and existing loans or liens on the vehicle.
• Missing legal requirements. Ignoring local laws and regulations, such as filing requirements or tax disclosures.
• Failure to retain copies. Not advising both parties to keep original copies of the signed bill of sale for reference.

Do you need to notarize a bill of sale for a truck?

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized for your transaction to be legal? The need to notarize a bill of sale for a truck depends on your state and local requirements. Some states do mandate notarization, while others don’t. Determine whether notarization is necessary for your bill of sale by consulting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), seeking legal advice, or visiting a local notary public for guidance.

Tips to streamline your truck bill of sale and transaction.

Prepare your truck’s bill of sale ahead of time — before meeting up to sign and hand over the keys to the buyer. You can use online templates and digital tools for a straightforward process. This way, you can both complete and sign the bill of sale directly from a tablet or smartphone.

Whether you started with a pre-built template or from scratch, Acrobat lets you digitally collect information (including signatures) about the truck’s buyer and seller from nearly any device and location. If working with a physical bill of sale document, you can get it signed and use a free scanner app to store digital copies of it.

Explore everything you can do with Adobe Acrobat.