Check Trailer Bill of Sale Forms By State
What Is a Trailer Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legal document that transfers ownership over a given asset (trailer, in this case) from one party to another. Trailer bills of sale aren’t necessary to use in all states, but it’s still highly suggested to record such transactions on paper. Trailers aren’t the only type of property sold using a bill of sale; almost any type of assets can be transferred to a new owner with a respective document.
Bills of sale should contain as much information about the parties as possible, including their names, phone numbers, and emails. Characteristics of the property must be recorded as well since they’ll be used to resolve any legal disputes that may arise. Prior to searching for a suitable form, you should define whether the property you’re selling is actually a trailer. Fortunately, that’s fairly simple — any structure designed to be towed by a vehicle can be classified as a trailer.
Mind that depending on your state and county, a trailer bill of sale form may or may not be obligatory to use. A bill of sale template should include all details specified by the law, including information on the parties, the item being sold, and the payment method. If you’re looking for such a template, consider checking out our database of printable PDF documents. There’s no need to register an account; all templates are available for free to every visitor. You can also utilize our form builder if you’re looking for a custom solution.
How to Sell a Trailer with a Bill of Sale?
Selling a trailer with a bill of sale is quite simple, though you may need to conduct some research on the market. Here’s the sequence of steps you should take:
- Define the type and record the characteristics of your trailer. All the specifications that can be beneficial to potential buyers should be obtained and listed out when selling a trailer.
- Put a value on your trailer. A trailer’s price is rarely dependent on the brand that produced it; the technical characteristics and size are what matters most. To estimate the price range to put your trailer in, check out similar propositions in your area.
- List the vehicle for sale. It’s suggested to do all necessary repairs, remove debris, and put paint over rust before showing your trailer to buyers.
- Meet with your buyers to clarify details. This part is the most challenging one, as it involves negotiating the price and choosing a suitable payment method. A trailer bill of sale form allows for multiple ways of transferring funds, so you are free to pick any suitable solution. If your trailer has undergone significant repairs, for instance, tires or axels replacement, its price may be lowered by a notable margin.
- Print out and fill a bill of sale. Both sides should write down their names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers on a bill. Each party receives a copy of the document. A trailer bill of sale form should also include all the vehicle characteristics, the date of signing the document, and the side’s signatures. The buyer and the seller need to decide who will pay the sales tax (if any).
- Register the newly obtained trailer. The buyer should visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and register the vehicle. Documents required for registration include a bill of sale, title, sales tax, and a registration application.
Why Use Bills of Sale When Selling or Buying Trailers?
Bills of sale make transactions simple and secure through providing both sides with a standardized way to record the deal. These documents can act as proof of ownership in courts and banks. Bills of sale help fight fraud, as both parties signing the document confirm their acknowledgment of the deal’s details and trailer’s condition.
Types of Trailers
Specifying the type of trailer on a bill of sale is essential, so you should define to which of the following categories your trailer belongs:
- Hauling. This category includes trailers for carrying boats, including kayaks and canoes, and farm animals.
- Flatbed. All stretch and double-drop trailers belong to this category.
- Dry-Van. These are refrigerated and non-refrigerated trailers.
- Vehicle Carrying. Trailers from this category are specifically designed for carrying ATVs, cars, and other motor vehicles. Such trailers can be either enclosed or open and single or multi-vehicle.
After defining the trailer type, pay attention to other important characteristics. They include its length, year of production, the maximum weight that can be carried, and the number of axels. Since trailers are generally classified as vehicles, each one contains a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you should obtain as well.