Buying & selling

General Bill of Sale

A simple receipt for selling personal property (furniture, electronics, equipment, a boat or a trailer) sold as-is.

Fill in the free template

General Bill of Sale
Who signsBuyer and seller
NotaryOptional (required for some items in some states)
Use forFurniture, electronics, tools, equipment, animals, boats
Time to complete5 minutes

A general bill of sale documents the sale of almost any personal property between private parties. It’s simple, but it can settle arguments later about price, ownership or condition.

Free General Bill of Sale template

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Bill of Sale

Seller: ____ Buyer: ____ Date: ____

Item sold

____

Price and payment

Seller sells the item above to Buyer for $____, paid by ____. Seller acknowledges receiving payment in full.

Ownership and condition

Seller states that Seller owns the item and has the right to sell it, and that it is free of liens or claims by others. The item is sold as-is, with no other warranties, express or implied.

This bill of sale is governed by the laws of ____.


Seller: __ Date: __

Buyer: __ Date: __

This free template is general information, not legal advice, and may not suit your state or situation. Some documents must be signed before witnesses or a notary. For anything important, have a lawyer review it.

When to use it

Selling furniture, electronics, musical instruments, tools, equipment or similar items, especially for more than a few hundred dollars.

When you need something else

Vehicles usually need a title transfer and a vehicle bill of sale. Real estate requires a deed, not a bill of sale.

Describe the item precisely

Include brand, model, serial number and any known defects.

Frequently asked questions

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?

Generally yes, if it identifies the parties, the item, the price and is signed.

Questions from readers

Question about the General Bill of Sale? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice.

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