General bill of sale
For private sales of personal property that has no title certificate, such as furniture, electronics, tools, musical instruments or livestock. It describes the item precisely, records the price and how it was paid, states whether it is sold as-is, and has the seller confirm they own it free of liens.
- Fields
- 32
- Pages
- 2
- Paper
- Letter
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Reviewed
Before you start
What you need to fill it in
- Full names and addresses of seller and buyer
- A specific description of the item, including make, model and serial number
- The sale price and payment method
- The date of sale and when the buyer takes possession
- Whether the item is sold as-is or with a warranty
What's inside
32 fields, ready to fill
- 23Typed answersnames, addresses, descriptions
- 4Dateschecked as real dates
- 1Calculatedfill themselves from other fields
- 2Choicescheckboxes, options, dropdowns
- 2Signaturessignature and initials
8 required — the editor counts down how many are left while you fill.
Instructions
How to fill out the General bill of sale
- 1
Fill seller and buyer
Enter full legal names and current addresses. Check names against a photo ID for higher-value items.
- 2
Describe the item
Write a description someone else could use to identify it, plus make, model and serial number.
- 3
Record price and payment
Enter the price, payment method and whether it was paid in full. If not, enter the deposit and balance terms.
- 4
Choose condition terms
Select as-is or describe the warranty you are giving.
- 5
Sign
Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a signed copy.
Fill it online
What filling it looks like
- Edit & fill, Invite to sign and Create form are three modes of the same editor
- Amounts are formula fields: they calculate as you type
- The field navigator counts what's left and jumps to the next field
Shown with our invoice template. Sample content; names are fictional.
Written for: General (US)
Requirements for transferring ownership differ by state and by type of property. Some states require their own official form, a title transfer, odometer disclosure or notarization. This template is a general format, not legal advice; check with your state agency or a lawyer.
Written by PDFBetter and last reviewed October 15, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
General bill of sale: questions people ask
Does a bill of sale prove ownership?
It is evidence that ownership transferred from the seller. It is strongest when the seller's own proof of purchase is also available.
Should the buyer sign too?
Yes. The buyer's signature shows they accepted the item and the as-is terms.
Do I need a witness or notary?
Usually not for general goods. Some buyers and sellers add one for valuable items. Vehicles and boats have their own templates and rules.
What if the buyer pays in installments?
Record the deposit and balance terms. For larger amounts, also sign a promissory note.
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