In short
An equipment bill of sale records the sale of machinery or equipment, including the type, make, model, serial number, hours of use, condition, and price.
What is a equipment bill of sale?
An equipment bill of sale documents the sale of business or personal equipment — construction machinery, farm tractors, generators, restaurant equipment, tools, and more. It records the make, model, serial number, hours of use, condition, and price.
Because equipment is rarely titled, the bill of sale is often the primary proof of ownership and the only record of the agreed condition and "as-is" terms. It is especially important for high-value or business-asset purchases.
When do you need one?
Use a equipment bill of sale in situations like these:
- Selling or buying machinery, tractors, generators, or tools.
- Documenting a business-asset purchase for accounting or tax.
- Recording the condition and "as-is" status of used equipment.
What information goes on a equipment bill of sale?
A complete equipment bill of sale should include all of the following. Our generator collects each one and flags anything you miss:
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Equipment type, make, and model
- Serial number or PIN
- Year, hours of use, and condition
- Price, date, and signatures
How to write a equipment bill of sale
- 1 Open the equipment bill of sale generator
Start the free generator with the Equipment Bill of Sale type already selected and choose the state where the sale takes place.
- 2 Enter the seller, buyer, and item details
Add full legal names and addresses, then describe the equipment — the live preview builds the document as you type.
- 3 Add the price and terms
Record the agreed price (or mark it as a gift), the payment method, and whether the sale is "as-is."
- 4 Check, sign, and download
Reach 100% on the completeness score, copy or download the document for free, then follow the signing checklist for your state.
Legal considerations
- Equipment is usually not titled, so the bill of sale is your main proof of ownership — keep it safe.
- Record the serial number/PIN exactly to identify the specific machine.
- For business purchases, the bill of sale supports depreciation and tax records.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Read our disclaimer.
State-specific requirements
Requirements for a equipment bill of sale vary less by state than vehicle documents, but local rules on registration, tax, and recording still differ. Choose your state for specifics:
Equipment Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership for equipment?
For most equipment, yes — because equipment is rarely titled, the signed bill of sale is the primary proof that you bought it and owns it.
Should an equipment bill of sale say "as-is"?
If the equipment is sold without a warranty, yes. An "as-is" statement makes clear the buyer accepts the equipment in its current condition. Our generator includes an as-is option.
What details matter most on an equipment bill of sale?
The serial number/PIN, make, model, and hours of use — these identify the exact machine and its wear. Record them carefully.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legal as long as it includes the required details — the parties, a description of the item, the price, the date, and both signatures. Using a structured template simply makes sure nothing important is left out.
What does an "as-is" bill of sale mean?
An "as-is" bill of sale means the item is sold in its current condition with no warranties. The buyer accepts any faults, and the seller is not responsible for problems discovered after the sale. Most private used-item sales are "as-is."