Utility Trailer Bill of Sale — What It Must Include
Last reviewed: January 2025
A bill of sale is more than a receipt — it's a legal document that establishes the transaction, protects both parties, and in many states, serves as the basis for calculating sales tax. An incomplete bill of sale can delay or derail a title transfer at the DMV window. Here's what every trailer bill of sale needs.
Universal Required Fields
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Seller's full legal name | Must match name on title exactly — no nicknames |
| Seller's address | Current mailing address |
| Buyer's full legal name | Must match ID you'll present at the title office |
| Buyer's address | Current address |
| Date of sale | The actual transaction date |
| Purchase price | The actual amount paid — affects sales tax calculation |
| Trailer VIN or serial number | Must match title and physical trailer exactly |
| Year of manufacture | From title or trailer data plate |
| Make / manufacturer | Brand name, or "HOMEMADE" if applicable |
| Trailer type | e.g., "Utility," "Flatbed," "Enclosed cargo" |
| Seller's signature | Original — no photocopies |
Notarization Requirements by State
Most states do not require the bill of sale itself to be notarized — the notarization requirement applies to the title signature for heavier trailers. However, some states and some county offices request notarized bills of sale as a matter of policy.
- Florida: Notarization required on the title back signature for trailers 2,000+ lbs net weight. Bill of sale itself does not need notarization. See Florida BOS guide →
- Texas: No notarization required on bill of sale or title signature for standard transfers.
- Tennessee: No notarization required for standard trailer title transfers.
- Ohio: BMV 3774 affidavit (used in no-title situations) must be notarized — but a standard bill of sale does not.
What NOT to Put in a Bill of Sale
- A fake low price: Writing "$1" or "Gift" to avoid sales tax is tax fraud. Most states allow auditing of suspicious low prices and will assess tax on fair market value.
- Vague descriptions: "Old trailer" or "utility trailer" without a VIN gives the title office nothing to verify against. Always include the VIN.
- Promises about title delivery: A bill of sale is not a contract for future performance — if the seller "promises" to get a title later, that's a separate agreement, not something to put in the bill of sale.
State-Specific Bill of Sale Forms
Some states have official bill of sale forms for vehicle transfers:
- Florida: Form HSMV 82050 — highly recommended. Florida guide →
- Texas: No official state form — a clear written document is accepted.
- California: REG 135 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form).
- Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio: No official BOS form — typed or handwritten document accepted with all required fields.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
Yes. A clearly handwritten bill of sale is legally acceptable in all U.S. states, provided it contains all required information and the signatures are legible. Typed is preferred for clarity, but handwritten is fine.
Do both buyer and seller need to sign?
The seller's signature is always required. The buyer's signature is required on some state forms (Florida's HSMV 82050, for example) but not universally. When in doubt, have both sign — it adds a layer of protection for both parties.