Buzz
When selling your RV, it’s wise to draft a bill of sale. Although not obligatory everywhere, this document serves as a crucial record of your transaction, benefiting both the buyer and seller. While bill of sale requirements vary by location, we'll guide you through the essentials in this article.
Steps
Essential Components of a Bill of Sale
State the agreed-upon price. Typically, this is among the first details included in the bill of sale. Phrase it as “In exchange for the amount of $,” followed by the agreed price.
- This detail commonly appears at the document's outset, although sometimes it's placed below other particulars like the date or RV model.
Include Buyer and Seller Information
Provide details regarding the RV being sold. Indicate clearly that you are selling an RV on the form. Alongside this, you may need to mark a checkbox or specify the exact type of vehicle being sold.
- Most commonly, RVs encompass camping trailers, motorhomes, and truck or van campers.
- However, in certain regions, the definition of an RV might extend to include items such as dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
Complete relevant RV details, including the VIN. Provide essential information such as the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the RV. Additionally, consider including the registration and license plate numbers if applicable. You may also wish to include:
- The RV's color
- Manufacturing year
- Vehicle length or weight
- Fuel type (if applicable)
- Odometer reading (if applicable; some states require this based on RV type)
- Inclusion of trailers or other attachments
Declare the sale of the RV without any encumbrances. Explicitly state that you are the legal owner of the vehicle and have the right to sell it, free of any liens, encumbrances, or mortgages. If the sale is without warranty, specify that the RV is sold “as is.” A typical statement may read:
- “The Recreational Vehicle is being sold free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, or mortgages. The Seller warrants to be the lawful owner of the Recreational Vehicle and that it is sold in 'as-is' condition.”
Include the sale agreement date. Incorporate the date of the sale agreement onto the bill of sale. Some forms position this detail at the document's top, while others place it elsewhere (e.g., after buyer and seller information or beneath terms of sale statement).
- To prevent date ambiguity, consider writing, “on the __ day of [month], [year].” For instance, “on the 4th day of August, 2021.”
Obtain Signatures from Buyer, Seller, and Witnesses. Leave space at the form's bottom for the buyer's and seller's signatures. Depending on your location, you may also require signatures from one or two witnesses. Each signer should date their signature.
- You might need to include a statement such as, 'I affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.'
- If there are co-purchasers or co-sellers, ensure they sign the form as well.
Attach a Notary Acknowledgment Certificate. Depending on your location, you might need to have your bill of sale notarized. This involves having all parties sign in the presence of a notary, who will then verify their identities. If acknowledgment is required, request the notary to complete a certificate, including details such as:
- Your state and county (or relevant locality information if outside the U.S.)
- Date
- Notary's name
- Names of all signatories
- Notary's statement verifying identities and legitimacy of signing
- Notary's signature, official seal, and expiration date of their commission
Provide Copies for Buyer and Seller. Depending on your location, the bill of sale might be required to prove the buyer's ownership of the RV. Ensure that each party receives a copy for their records.
Local Regulations
Contact Your DMV to Verify Bill of Sale Requirement. Not every state mandates a bill of sale when selling a vehicle. To ascertain if one is necessary, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or visit their website.
- Even if not mandated, it's advisable to draft one. Maintaining a transaction record can help prevent future misunderstandings or disputes between the buyer and seller.
Check Your DMV Website for Bill of Sale Forms. Some regions may provide ready-made bill of sale forms. Visit your local DMV or department of transportation (DOT) website to check for downloadable forms. Alternatively, search online using terms like “RV bill of sale New Mexico” or “bill of sale trailer Illinois.”
- Certain states, such as Massachusetts, offer specific bill of sale forms for RVs. Others, like Connecticut, provide all-purpose templates for any vehicle type.
- Utilizing a pre-written bill of sale specific to your state not only saves time but also ensures inclusion of all necessary information.
Determine State-Specific Requirements. The required information in a bill of sale may differ between regions. If your DMV or DOT doesn’t offer a template, inquire about the necessary details over the phone.
- For instance, some states may mandate a detailed odometer disclosure in the bill of sale.
Complete Additional Forms for Ownership Transfer Verification. In numerous states, a bill of sale alone may not suffice to prove vehicle ownership transfer. Typically, additional paperwork like a certificate of title is necessary. However, in specific cases, a bill of sale alone might be adequate.
- For example, in Indiana, a bill of sale suffices in instances where a certificate of title wasn’t required from the previous owner, or when the vehicle was auctioned after abandonment.
Seek Legal Counsel for Clarification if Needed. If you're uncertain whether your self-drafted bill of sale meets local requirements, consult a lawyer for review and guidance. Engage a lawyer specializing in commercial or business law.
- Depending on your location, you may access free or low-cost legal advice regarding your bill of sale. In the U.S., look for information on affordable legal services at: https://www.usa.gov/legal-aid.
Tips
Example Bill of Sale
Sale Document for Recreational Vehicle
