📅 Updated April 2026⏱️ 5 min read

General vs. Vehicle Bill of Sale

Not every bill of sale is interchangeable. Using the wrong form can delay a DMV transfer, void the sale, or leave you on the hook for property you thought you sold. Here's how to pick the right one.

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1. Quick Decision Tree

  • Selling a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV → Vehicle bill of sale (your state\'s DMV form if required).
  • Selling a boat, jet ski, trailer, ATV, or off-road vehicle → Vehicle-style bill of sale adapted to include HIN or serial number.
  • Selling furniture, tools, electronics, livestock, artwork → General bill of sale.
  • Selling a business asset or commercial equipment → General bill of sale with warranty carve-outs.

2. What's Actually Different

The vehicle version adds fields the DMV requires to retitle: VIN, make, model, year, color, odometer reading, odometer disclosure, and often body style and fuel type. It also includes a federally mandated odometer certification for any vehicle less than 10 years old.

The general version strips those fields and replaces them with a free-form item description, serial/model numbers for major items, and a quantity column. It is closer to a sales receipt than a title document.

3. Special Cases: Watercraft and Aircraft

Boats over 16 feet or with a motor typically require state titling via the state\'s wildlife/parks department, not DMV. Use a bill of sale with the Hull Identification Number (HIN), length, and engine serial number.

Aircraft transfers go through the FAA, not a state agency. Use the FAA Bill of Sale Form 8050-2 — no state form is valid for federal aircraft registration.

4. Selling Multiple Items in One Transaction

If you are selling several items together — say, a car plus a motorcycle — use a separate vehicle bill of sale for each. The DMV needs one document per title. For a mixed sale (car + furniture), use two documents: vehicle bill of sale for the car, general bill of sale for the rest.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a general bill of sale for a car?+

Not safely. Many states reject a generic bill of sale at the DMV because it lacks the odometer disclosure and required vehicle fields. Use a vehicle-specific bill of sale.

Is a handwritten bill of sale legal?+

Yes, but only if all required fields are present and both parties sign. For vehicles, many states require typed or printed forms for DMV intake.

Do I need a bill of sale for a gift?+

Yes. Mark the sale price as $0 or "gift", include a gift affidavit if your state requires one, and both parties still sign. The DMV needs it to skip sales tax.

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