Free Texas Bill of Sale Forms

A Texas bill of sale is an essential legal document used in the state to record the details of a deal between two parties in a private transaction. The main use of these forms is to prove as proof of ownership transfer.

Bills of sale are required in Texas following the sale of motor vehicles and boats, before registering the asset in the name of its new owner with the state.

Once signed and completed, the bills should be kept as a record of the sale to legally prove that the buyer is the new owner and to help avoid future legal disputes.

In general, a bill of sale usually provides:

• Contact information about the buyer and seller
• Description of the item or vehicle being sold or exchanged
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) (if applicable)
• Ownership history
• Transaction date and purchase amount
• Signatures of both parties

Bills of sale can differ significantly depending on the asset that is being sold, gifted, or exchanged. Each is specially prepared to cover the specific information of the private transaction in question.

A Texas bill of sale can be used if you are selling any of the following items in a private sale:

A general Texas bill of sale is a standard legal document used for the sale of an item, car, boat, or other items in a private sale. It’s also known as a simple bill of sale, general bill of sale, or a generic bill of sale.

These can be personalized to provide all the necessary details about the asset being sold and to show the agreement of both parties in the conditions of the sale.

Texas Bills of Sale sample

Before starting a Texas bill of sale on your own, we recommend that you look over a prepared example document first.

Use our sample Texas bill of sale below, to familiarize yourself with how to properly prepare this document and accurately add in your information.

A Texas motor vehicle bill of sale (also known as a car, vehicle, or DMV bill of sale) can be used to transfer ownership of an automobile in the state.

A Texas car bill of sale is specially prepared to include all essential information such as the vehicle's make/model, registration details, date of manufacturer, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It also includes other important details.

Once filled in, the completed bill can be used to prove the transfer of ownership and to update the registration information of the owner at a local DMV.

How to register a vehicle in Texas

A Texas vehicle must have valid registration in order to be used. When someone buys a car from a private seller using a bill of sale, the new owner should register the vehicle at the TXDMV to update the official record on who is the owner.

The buyer has 30 days to complete this process. Before registering a vehicle, you must also have it pass an inspection.

To register a vehicle in Texas, you must pay a registration fee and submit the following documentation to the TXDSMV:

• A signed and completed bill of sale with an odometer disclosure
• A filled-in Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
• Vehicle identification number or license plate number
• Detailed information about the vehicle
• Proof of identity or driver’s license
• Proof of Texas insurance
• In case the vehicle was a gift, then an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer

For a registration to be complete an odometer statement must also be included along with your Bill of Sale.

You can visit the Texas DMV’s website to get information on how to obtain the statement.

A Texas boat bill of sale can be used to transfer ownership of a boat or watercraft in a legally valid way.

It is structured to contain fundamental information about the vessel’s make and model, condition, age, condition, engine, and HIN (Hull Identification Number).

This enables the new owner to prove the validity of the purchase officially, and it helps to shield the previous owner from future liabilities associated with the vessel.

How to register a voat/vessel in Texas

Most vessels that operate or are docked/moored on Texas public water are required by law to have updated registration. This includes any motorized vessel (including sailboats with auxiliary engines), non-motorized boats 14 feet in length or longer, and USCG documented vessels.

Boats can be registered through a boat bill of sale in Texas online or by mail with Texas Parks and Wildlife, either at their headquarters, any of their law enforcement offices, or at your local tax assessor-collector office. To do so, you will need to pay the related application fees and bring the following documents:

• A completed and signed Texas boat bill of sale
• A filled-in Boat Title and Registration Application (Form PWD 143)
• If the vessel was previously registered in another state, a Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (Form PWD 504

Texas does not have any specific laws on registering firearms. However, it is recommended to create a Texas firearm bill of sale to keep for your own records. If the gun is ever stolen or lost, this document can be used to provide key information to law enforcement.

Before purchasing a gun you must also have the necessary licenses.

You must be licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), regardless of the state that you live in.

Although it is no longer mandatory, the new owner shouldalso hold a Weapons Carry License in order to carry a concealed firearm in the state.

How to register a firearm in Texas

The state of Texas does not have a registry of firearms, so there is no need to register a gun obtained through a private sale or transfer. Only firearms included in the National Firearms Act (NFA) must be registered with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and explosives).

These types of firearms include:

• Machineguns
• Short-barreled rifles and shotguns
• Silencers
• Destructive devices
• Firearms that are designated as “any other weapons” under the National Firearms Act (NFA)

If your firearm is of one of the above types, then you need to consult the specific registration and permit guidelines that apply.

Selling a firearm in Texas

To privately sell your firearm in Texas using a Bill of Sale will ensure that you have a record of who purchased your gun in case law enforcement ever needs the information.

You can avoid any potential problems, such as selling your firearm to someone potentially dangerous you should take every precaution.

To safely sell a firearm you should do the following:

• Review the gun laws in Texas
• Try to only sell to buyers with good reputations
• Ensure the buyer doesn’t have a criminal record

Remember, it’s also essential to understand federal laws that affect every state.

While each state has its own gun control laws there are federal rules that must be followed, such as:

• Additional background checks on buyers between the ages of 18 and 21
• Restrictions on unmarried domestic violence offenders

Federal law (§922) also restricts the following individuals from buying firearms:

• Anyone convicted of a crime which was punishable by over 1 year in prison
• Fugitives
• User or addict of any controlled substance
• Anyone who was committed to a mental institution or declared as a mental defective
• Illegal aliens
• Individuals with a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces
• Anyone who has renounced their U.S. citizenship
• Individuals subject to a court order due to stalking, harassing, or threatening their partner or their child

A Texas trailer bill of sale (also known as a recreational vehicle (RV) bill of sale or RV bill of sale) must be used when transferring ownership of trailers between private parties within the state.

These documents are used to record the details of the sale, to collect key data necessary for registering the trailer, and to help prove that the buyer is the new owner.

How to register a Trailer in Texas

Registration is required for all non-farm trailers that operate on public highways within Texas. Registration and titling requirements vary according to the weight of the trailer and the type of trailer, but usually, you will need to complete a Texas trailer bill of sale.

If you privately purchase a trailer in Texas, it must be titled and registered by submitting the following documents to your county tax assessor-collector office:

• A Texas bill of sale for trailer registration receipt (if the trailer is less than or equal to 4,000 lbs. gross weight)
• A completed application for Texas Title and or Registration (Form 130-U)
• Applicable fees
• Evidence of ownership, as defined in the table below
• A certificate of title (if the trailer is over 4,000 lbs. gross weight)